Une Parole

Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness

2012-01-05T16:34:00.003-05:00

Published: 2010
Format: eBook
Genre: YA fiction
Series: Chaos Walking book 3

Three armies march on New Prentisstown, each one intent on destroying the others. Todd and Viola are caught in the middle, with no chance of escape. As the battles commence, how can they hope to stop the fighting? How can there be peace when they’re so hopelessly outnumbered? And if war makes monsters of men, what terrible choices await?. But then a third voice breaks into the battle, one bent on revenge… (patrickness.com)

It's been such a long time since I read the first two books in this series. When I finished The Ask and the Answer, Monsters of Men wasn't even released - and I'm only getting to read it now. If you're familiar with this series, you know that each book pretty much starts off where the previous one left off. It's one continuous, seamless story. If you're able to read all three consecutively this is a really cool experience! If, like me, you wait over a year to continue the adventure, some of the spark is unfortunately lost in the process.

Everything about this series is marvellous: the characters are deep and genuine, the writing is unlike anything I've come across, and the plot is, to be frank, really cool. A connection is formed with each person in the story, and the book quickly absorbs you into its world. This is what made me fall in love with the first two books, but it sadly contributed to my disappointment with Monsters of Men. I almost feel guilty criticizing the book in this way, because it's partly my fault that I waited this long to read it. I lost the connection with each amazingly complex character. I lost the connection with the frightening world that Ness created. I lost the connection with the series itself, and found myself not caring about the fate of Todd and Viola.

I must admit: once I got about half way through the book my morale improved a bit, but I don't think I appreciated the book like it deserves to be appreciated. There's a lot of fighting in Monsters of Men, and I totally wasn't following. I couldn't distinguish one fight from the next, and the end goal was totally unimportant to me. Characters died, momentous events happened, yet it didn't seem to matter to me. What a contrast compared to how I felt reading the two first books!

In the end, I like the conclusion to this epic series. It wasn't too perfect, and it wasn't too depressing. Just the right balance, just the right feeling left with you. Looking back, I won't be able to forgive myself for potentially ruining Monsters of Men! I should have re-read the previous books, but there just isn't enough time in the day. So please, do not let this review scare you away from these book - the series as a whole is absolutely fabulous. Unlike anything I've ever (or will ever) read. Ness touches upon extremely relevant topics and morals while fabrication such unique characters. Despite my disappointment with Monsters of Men, the Chaos Walking trilogy will always hold a special place in my heart.

Related links:
Review: The Knife of Never Letting Go
Review: The Ask and the Answer

A new year (and a slightly new layout!)

2011-12-31T15:08:00.000-05:00

I'll start by saying happy new year to everyone! Can you believe that it's already 2012? I can't, and I'm a bit scared by how fast time seems to be passing me by. If you've been visiting my blog lately, you would have realised that 2011 was not my brightest year in terms of blogging: I think the grand total of two blog posts (both within the last three days) speak for themselves. Shame on me! Actually, shame on school for keeping me away from books and blogging. Ah well, gotta have priorities I guess!

I'm really going to make an effort to spend more time reading. I miss always having a book on the go, so that shall be fixed in the upcoming year. Also, you might have noticed that I changed the layout slightly on my blog. A new year means a fresh start, so I think it's pretty fitting!

I hope you all have a wonderful year - make it count!

P.S. I'm just over half way through Monsters of Men, so I should have a review ready to be posted soon. It's a miracle!

That one special book

2011-12-30T12:07:00.001-05:00

Recently I've been giving some thought into books from the past that I really, really enjoyed. One that inevitably keeps coming up is Florence & Giles by John Harding. I read and reviewed this book last year (can you tell that I adored it?) and yesterday I literally went to the book store and purchased a copy for myself. I was considering buying the eBook version, but I needed to own a physical copy! Ever get that feeling?

Anyways, I'm going to be re-reading Florence & Giles in the near future. Having read the book once already, I'm extremely excited to give it a second shot and see if my adoration has stood the test of time. It's one of those books that leaves this weird feeling inside you - a feeling that has clearly lasted.

Do you have that one special book that you keep re-reading? A nostalgic book from your childhood, or maybe something more recent? I'd love to discover what book holds a special place for you, and why it has affected you that way. Don't hesitate to leave a comment!

It's been a while

2011-12-28T20:05:00.007-05:00

Helloooo!
Wow, how long has it been since my last post? It feels like centuries, and I hate myself for ignoring you guys & my blog for such a long time. After signing in to my blogger account (for the first time in, like, a million years), I noticed some of the extremely kind comments people left while I was gone. I'd like to thank you all for sticking around - it means so much!

I started university this fall and that leaves little time for me to stay up to date with blogging, let alone reading books! However, the good news is that I purchased two new books for my eReader (oh ya, I have one of those now!) literally minutes ago: Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Super excited about starting Monsters of Men, because I read the two previous books in this series and have been dying to read the last installment! I'm hoping to have the time to review them, but I don't want to make any promises I can't keep.

Moral of the story is: I haven't forgotten you guys. Yes, I know I've been saying this in every "update" post thus far, but it's true! I wish I could blog as often as I used to, however now isn't the best time. Once the school year is done it'll be a different story. Until then, happy reading!

P.S. I don't know if it's just me, but can anyone else see the weird "-->" on the top of this page? I'm wondering if there's something going on with my Google Chrome browser which I've recently switched to. Please let me know what you see!

Just stopping by...

2010-09-16T17:07:00.004-04:00

Hey guys! I know, I've been a terrible blogger lately. As I said before, school is keeping me very, very occupied. I miss being able to visit you all, review books, and, believe it or not, actually have time to read! It kills me to say this, but I haven't read a single page of a non-textbook in, like, a week. That barely ever happens. And it feels so weird.

Anyways, I'm checking in right now. Partly to thank you all for sticking around while I've been gone, and partly to remind you that I haven't forgotten about the blogging world! I hope to have a review ready in the near future, but that is slightly unlikely. The Blind Assassin, which I'm reading right now, is pretty immense. Normally I wouldn't consider it to be a large book, but judging by the time I'm spending with it I'll be done in a few decades. Nevertheless, we are supposed to read a couple of nice, meaty classics in English class so I can review those when the time comes. But until next time, farewell for now! I love you all for your unconditional loyalty, and I'll be checking in again soon.

The Almond Picker by Simonetta Agnello Hornby

2010-09-10T23:28:00.005-04:00

Published: 2002
Pages: 315
Genre: Adult fiction

Who was Mennulara? As the servant of the wealthy Alfallipe family, she made many impressions on people during her life. But was she simply the servant, or did she have deeper connections? Why was the mafia leader at her funeral? Why was she so wealthy? Why did she have such a high status in the family that she served?

This is an especially hard book to review for a couple of reasons. First of all, I haven't had the chance to devote a lot of time time to reading it. The book was a bit spaced out, and I feel like my enjoyment suffered because of it. Second, the nature of the book is so strange, and I'm not used to reading material like this! Let me elaborate on that.

The Almond Picker was translated from Italian in 2005 (which leads me to wonder how it would be possible to translate an entire book and not twist the author's meaning - that has always fascinated me). The story takes place during the course of the two or so weeks following the death of Mennulara. We are thrown into the past as each character remembers their experiences with this mysterious woman, some of which are horrifying and totally unexpected. The way the book is written is really cool, because Mennulara feels like the main character even though she's not alive. There's no way we can trust the memories of the various people, and that makes it all so exciting!

This book's strength clearly lies in its characters. And were they ever abundant! Like a big, fictional Italian family. The dynamics were there, the emotions were there, and the feuds were certainly there. Mimicking real life, certain people had issues that were long buried in the past and forgotten. It's only because of the present circumstances that we get to be spectators in this scandalous, mysterious, and slightly disturbing showcase of personal demons. It was a complex web of characters, but Hornby is an expert at making it make sense.

Despite a rather dry plot, The Almond Picker is a true gem. I don't know if it's because of the Italian-ness, but the book felt like a whole new level of literature. The ending is extremely open-ended, but there's no way to figure out the truths if the person involved is dead. Isn't that cool? I love unreliability in books, and was totally entranced by this one. I suggest you try it out of you aren't dependent on a fast-paced plot. Enjoy!

A bit of an update

2010-09-06T17:44:00.005-04:00

You know, I feel like I've been neglecting my blog a bit lately. I was gone for almost three days, and I haven't posted a review in a while. Believe it or not, there is a reason! Over the weekend, I didn't get the chance to read a lot because I was doing stuff all day. Terrible, I know. Hopefully I'll be done The Almond Picker today or tomorrow, and I'll be able to review it and move on to some new books. (Speaking of which, I have absolutely no unread books at home. Isn't that amazing?)

On top of that, school is starting tomorrow. I cannot contain my enthusiasm. My first semester is very heavy, and that brings along certain implications. First of all, I'll be focusing on a whole different genre of book - textbooks, yay! Because of that, I'll probably be reading less and posting less reviews. This kills me, but blogging sadly isn't my priority right now. Oh, how I wish it was!

I make it sound like I'm leaving you all forever, but I'm not. I'll still try to visit most of you every day, read whenever I can, and blog when I get the chance. My schedule will be tight, but I'm still here!

It's finally Friday

2010-09-03T00:06:00.005-04:00

I say this every single week, but I truly cannot believe that it's Friday! Why does time go by so fast? Please tell me. Anyways, let's move on to some more important stuff, in the form of a message: I'm going to be away this weekend so you won't see any posts from me! When I get back on Monday, I should have a review ready.

The Book Blogger Hop has come around once more! I love to network and discover some great book blogs. This event is perfect for doing that. So, join in! This week's question is:

Do you judge a book by its cover?

Kind of. If I'm browsing the bookstore or a library, a book's cover is the very first thing that makes me pick it off the shelf. I wouldn't say that I'm judging the book itself, but it is a definite factor when I choose ones that I know nothing about. I'm sure I've ignored many fantastic books thanks to my ignorance, but when there are hundreds around me, how else am I supposed to decide? Now, if someone has recommended a certain book to me or I found out about it on my own and wanted to read it, the cover is the least of my worries. In conclusion, I judge (or, rather, select) a book by its cover when I'm casually browsing by myself, but not when searching for something specific. The summary plays a bigger factor, but the cover is the hook that draws me in!

Visting from the Hop? Thanks so much for spending some time here! Feel free to leave a link to your own blog in the comments so I can come visit.

What's your preference?

2010-09-02T10:57:00.006-04:00

One thing I love about reading a variety of books is that they give me many things to think about. Both about the actual book, and not! Ever since I began The Almond Picker, I started wondering why I was liking it so much. I realised that it was because of the strong, interesting, and diverse people that were presented in the novel, and the strong family ties that resulted.

I also noticed, though, that there wasn't much action in terms of the plot. There wasn't any adventure, there wasn't any boldness! It didn't matter, because the characters and dialog were already at the forefront of the book. This is what is making me love the book so far, even with the absence of the classic, entertaining storyline.

That's not to say that I don't appreciate an addictive plot - no way! If books like that didn't exist, reading would likely become very monotonous. Plus, there's an endless selection of books that include both realistic characters and a great plot. An example that comes to mind is The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness. The books in that series are practically pure perfection with respect to what I've been talking about. Since we're all so unique and different as readers, I'd love to know your opinion on this topic!

Would you be able to enjoy a book without an engaging story if the characters made up for it? Is an exciting plot essential to you? What are some books you've read that include both these elements?

Teaser Tuesdays (25)

2010-08-31T10:37:00.006-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
Be careful not to include spoilers!
- Share the title and author, too.

The Almond Picker
by Simonetta Agnello Hornby

Massimo was standing, his hands clutching the back of a chair as if he were trying to break it. In a loud voice, as if he needed everyone in the building to hear, he said, "All she ever wanted to do was mortify us. This document is dripping with poison."

It's interesting, because this book has been translated from Italian. I'm only a few chapters in, and I can't wait to get deeper into the book. I sense some scandal coming along... exciting!

The Russian Dreambook of Color and Flight by Gina Ochsner

2010-08-30T13:07:00.007-04:00

Published: 2009
Pages: 370
Genre: Fantasy?

Tanya carries a notebook wherever she goes, recording her observations and her dreams of finding love and escaping her job at the All-Russia All-Cosmopolitan Museum, a place which holds a fantastic and terrible collection of art knockoffs created using the tools at hand. When the museum’s director hears of a mysterious American group seeking to fund art in Russia, it looks like she might get her chance at a better life, if she can only convince them of the collection’s worth. With the help of her grandmother, friends and the ghost of a man who committed suicide, Tanya tries to turn her life around (from Goodreads).

I hate to say it, but I don't know what to think of this book. I really don't. There were moments of confusion, moments of disgust, moments of appreciation, and moments where I wanted to give up and never think of the book again. I made it to the end, though! My opinion of The Russian Dreambook did miraculously improve during the course of reading it, but I still cannot say that this is a book that will go down in history for me.

The book is written in a format where we alternate point of views. This was a likely source of confusion for me, because all of the characters are somehow related - but their stories stand alone. Even though it was a neat experience to live post-Soviet Russian in the shoes of different people, some of it seemed irrelevant. A waste of time. The characterization was phenomenal, but what good does that serve when it doesn't really matter in the end? At least, that's what it felt like to me. On top of that, there were moments in The Russian Dreambook where I had no idea if the character was in a dream or in real life - the whole book has an atmosphere of darkness, whimsy, and fantasy that was somewhat misleading.

As I said before, these are some of the most honest, raw characters ever. Living in such hard times and poverty, we get to see the most inner and suppressed human emotions and feelings which are so very accurate. I was disgusted by their often crude and brutal behaviours towards each other, but what else can be expected from people living in such a world? Despite all this, I questioned why some of the characters even existed. Many of them felt like mere distractions.

The Russian Dreambook of Color and Flight is one of those books that is probably better the second time around (I hope, at least). In the end I was relatively satisfied with my "literary journey", but I still feel like I missed what Ochsner was trying to accomplish. To me, this was more of a showcase of brilliant characterization rather than a poignant and meaningful book. Looking at it now, it feels as if there's some sort of magical aura surrounding, making me want to love and understand it. Regretfully, that didn't happen.

Slow down, take it easy!

2010-08-28T13:51:00.003-04:00

Reading too fast is one of my biggest habits, and one of my biggest faults as a reader. I can't control it! It's feels natural for me to flip through the pages at high speed. But sometimes I wonder if I'm truly grasping everything from a book. Am I getting all the messages? Is everything sinking in?

I don't know why it is, but I feel a small sense of victory when I finish a book or even complete a chapter. It's not that I don't like the book, it just feels like I've accomplished something and I'm advancing at a good pace. It's a shame, though, because I'm sure this has a negative effect on my reading sometimes. I often wonder if I would have had a deeper connection with the characters if I spent more time truly understanding them. Some books, though, are just begging to be read quickly! Take mysteries, for example. So many of these books are too addctive to put down. Why do they do this to us?

A lot of readers have huge, huge TBR piles. Especially when you have books from publishers that are waiting to be reviewed, speed reading is probably your best friend. It worries me that the subtle aspects of books, the metaphors, the themes, might be getting lost. I can't speak for us all, but I feel like that sometimes. So, as of today, my goal is to take time while reading. I want to fully immerse myself in the book and not be concerned with time. I want to savour it!

Do you find yourself reading too fast sometimes? Do you feel pressured to finish books quickly? Are you getting the most out of every book?

It's finally Friday

2010-08-27T00:02:00.003-04:00

Hey guys! Friday is here again. I cannot believe how fast this summer is going... it's a bit scary, to be honest. But enough about that! What have you got planned this weekend? I've got to work (ugh), but I'm also hoping to do some reading. I just started a new book, The Russion Dreambook of Color and Flight. At this point, I'm a bit confused with the story! I hope it picks up.

Friday also means that it's the Book Blogger Hop! There are so many good book blogs out there that I've discovered through this event. Join in! On to this week's question:

Do you have a rating system? If so, what is it and why do you have it?

I've thought about implementing a rating system, but I've decided against it. First of all, I can't see myself being consistent with the criteria. I'm afraid that the ratings would become irrelevant that way! Also, I want to keep my reviews as more of a "discussion" type thing, as opposed to a review for the sake of rating a book. That's not to say that I don't like ratings on other blogs - I do! I just don't think it would work for me.

Are you here from the Hop? Feel free to leave a link to your blog so I can come visit. I will, I promise!

Family Sold Separately by Kate Long

2010-08-26T10:18:00.002-04:00

Published: 2005
Pages: 326
Genre: YA fiction

Katherine is on the verge of turning eighteen and is living with her grandmother. Friendless, loveless and overweight, she does not have high hopes for her future. Will a chance to study at Oxford convince her grandmother to let her leave? Or, even better, when a mysterious boy shows up and claims to be her cousin, will Katherine finally learn more about her parents?

Ah, such British fun. Family Sold Separately is witty, sarcastic and smart. Despite the various laugh-out-loud moments and the absolutely wonderful main character, I kind of stopped caring plot-wise at around the half way mark. I don't know what caused this, now that I think back. Was it because I was getting lost in the slang? I couldn't tell you. But I can tell you this - Family Sold Separately has a loose (maybe even weak) plot, but the dialogue and authentic characters will make you fall in love.

I've read another book by Kate Long in the past, and one thing is certain: she seems to be consistent in creating real, tangible characters. They all have their faults, strengths, and problems that don't feel far-fetched in the least. It's refreshing to read about an overweight girl who's living with her grandmother, and is unsure about her future. At the age that she is, it's natural to questions your purpose in life. It's natural to be debating what university you want to go to. It's natural to want to leave your old, boring life behind. Nothing is masked in Family Sold Separately, and that's something that I appreciated. After all, real life isn't as easy as many books make it out to be.

The dialogue in this book was fantastic. There were sprinkles of sarcasm here and there, bits of comedy thrown in for good measure, and smart little comments that made me smile. Katherine's grandmother, Poll, is cruel and harsh. Seeing those two people collide was so, so entertaining! Then you have "Dogman", a semi-perverted man who is a friend of Poll's and is a regular visitor of the house. The comments that Katherine directs towards him under her breath are too funny! I would write some of them down for you to see, but they would be out of context and I'm afraid their full effects wouldn't be shown.

As I said before, the plot kind of slipped away at a certain point in the book. It became a backdrop to the lovable, funny characters that truly brought Family Sold Separately to life. I will admit - I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get more involved in the "meat" of the book, but I had so much fun along the way! Pure charm.

Teaser Tuesdays (24)

2010-08-24T09:45:00.000-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
Be careful not to include spoilers!
- Share the title and author, too.

Family Sold Separately
by Kate Long

"I've been thinking about things, Poll, and I want you to call me Kat." I said it quite loudly, partly because there was a bouncy theme tune to contend with, and partly because I wanted her to understand right from the word go that I was serious about it. Poll's frowning face appeared around the door. "You want me to call you a cat?" "No," said Dogman's voice from behind her. "Don't be daft. She wants you to call her a cab."

This book is a riot! It's so British and it's so funny. This is one of my favourite moments so far in the book. It's a perfect example of how Katherine's life at home is both frustrating and comical. Review coming soon!

A Good and Happy Child by Justin Evans

2010-08-23T11:22:00.002-04:00

Published: 2007
Pages: 320
Genre: Thriller

As an adult, George Davies can't bring himself to hold or be around his child. His fed-up wife sends him to a therapist, and together they delve into his disturbed childhood. George believed he was possessed by a demon, and this served as the link to his late father. But was this really the issue? Were the hallucinations and visions real?

Wow, what a weird/disturbing/thought-provoking book. To be honest, I had no previous knowledge of what this book was actually about. Sure, I knew it involved a man who was severely affected by his experiences as a child. Sure, I knew his father died mysteriously. But demons? Exorcisms? I didn't see that coming. All of it was surprisingly interesting, and it even scared me a bit.

This is a psychological thriller at its finest. The book isn't action packed by any means, and I wouldn't consider it a classic, fast-paced thriller. A Good and Happy Child is more of a subtle thriller - one that slowly creeps up on you. One thing that I really, really liked was how you couldn't fully trust the point of view of the narrator. George was truly a messed up child, and was having serious hallucinations that (might) have caused him to injure many people in many ways. As the reader, how could I be sure that he was mentally ill? Or was it the demon? I loved being unsure. The episodes that George was having of his "friend", and when his "friend" was telling him to do things, were so frightening. I'm telling you now - reading this book at midnight was not a comforting experience!

As for the writing, I wasn't overly impressed. I mean, Evans' style was a tad dry, but it fit perfectly with the book. There were the occasional moments when I savoured his descriptions and really got what he was saying, but they weren't happening all the time. It didn't matter, though, because I was so caught-up in the story that I barely noticed how his writing affected me. He did manage to invent some pretty interesting characters, especially in George. I loved his character, despite its strangeness. I kept forgetting how he was only eleven years old, because his intelligence and maturity was beyond his years. His thoughts and experiences were so haunting.

Don't worry - you don't have to be religious or believe in demons to take this book seriously. I can't tell you what happens, but there are so many events that got my heart beating faster. Nothing is settled in this book, nothing is finalized. It's all open to interpretation, and the ending is totally up to you.

Oh, I wish time could be paused!

2010-08-21T17:22:00.004-04:00

I know everyone says it, but there truly is not enough time in a day! I say now this because I haven't had the chance to have a hardcore reading "session" lately. It's a few minutes here, half an hour before bed, ten minutes while eating breakfast, five minutes while on my break at work... nothing solid. Recently, I haven't had the chance to just sit down and devote a good couple of hours to reading. That's something I love, love, love to do. I love to just ignore the world, ignore my responsibilities, and read. What could be better?

The book I'm reading right now is A Good and Happy Child. It's one of those deep, substantial books that requires you to read uninterrupted. I feel like I'm not doing it justice with my sporadic reading habits lately. It's terrible! Tonight, though, I will hopefully have the chance to sit down and spend time with it. It needs some love and attention.

Anyways, how do you make time to read? Do you have a certain time of day when you read for a while, or are you more random? Do you feel like you're interrupting the flow of the book in any way?

It's finally Friday

2010-08-20T00:02:00.006-04:00

Hello hello hello! Ah, Friday's here again. The whole weekend is waiting, waiting for me to fill it with some reading. I just started a new book today, A Good and Happy Child. It's a bit depressing right now, but it's supposed to get interesting! I can tell it's going to get good, though. Let's hope.

This goes without saying, but it's also time for The Book Blogger Hop! This is a weekly event that allows you to network your blog and discover some other book blogs. How could you not participate in this? This week's question:

How many blogs do you follow?
I'm sure it's in the hundreds by now. Well, maybe not that high yet, but I do follow quite a few. And I'm proud to say that, for most, I do comment and visit regularly. The way I see it is like this - why would I bother following a blog if I couldn't picture myself coming back and getting involved? I'd much rather follow a select few and be a quality follower than simply click that button and never come back. That would be such a shame. Anyways...

Are you visiting from the Hop? Don't be shy - feel free to leave a comment with your blog link. I'd love to return the visit!

The Girl She Used to Be by David Cristofano

2010-08-19T11:25:00.002-04:00

Published: 2009
Pages: 241
Genre: Fiction

Melody can never live a normal life. At six years old, she witnessed a violent crime along with her mother and father, and her family becomes a target due to what they saw. Twenty years later, she's an orphan, constantly changing names, constantly moving, and constantly re-inventing her life. As part of the Witness Protection Program, her safety is never guaranteed. But when a man appears and promises her safety and truth, how can she not trust him?

Gorgeous book. Gorgeous, gorgeous book. And what a great library find! Truthfully, I enjoyed almost every moment of The Girl She Used to Be. Despite the scattered cheesy moments, it offers such a unique, interesting twist on those classic "self-discovery" books. It has action, it has adventure, it has intrigue, mystery, romance, substance, and honesty.

The fact that Melody literally doesn't know who she's supposed to be scares me so much. I mean, imagine not being able to stay in a certain town long enough to get an education, get a steady job, meet someone, and live your life? It's an utter mess. And it's depressing. It's weird. Strange. But Melody has to live this lie all the time, and it was so easy to empathize with her. I've never read a book where someone was so deeply lost in life - her anguish was contagious. And then, much to my happiness, we were presented with an adventure of sorts! I don't want to say much, but it felt oh so risky and a tad rebellious. Fun!

One thing that really made this book was Cristofano's writing. It was like velvet. Not necessarily in the beautiful-and-elegant-description-on-every-page kind of way, but in the way that makes you say "yes, this feels right". I loved the sarcasm, I loved the spunk, and it was great being inside Melody's intelligent yet wild head! Of course, there were the classic movie romance scenes. But even these were relatively sparse and it didn't feel like they ruined the story in a noticeable way. I could do without them, though.

The characters were, all in all, good. Melody was the most realistic, and the secondary character could have used a bit more personality in my opinion. I did find it a bit odd how they fell for each other so quickly, though! Don't worry - this isn't a spoiler at all. I'm pretty sure every person will be able to see it coming. Still, it's so sudden! I literally turned the page and there they were, gazing into each other's eyes. I thought they were enemies? I thought they had a history?

I'm being really picky here, but that's only because I liked this book so much. I feel the need to be critical! The Girl She Used to Be was a wild ride, and it was so much fun. Short and sweet. The way it should be.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

2010-08-18T11:20:00.000-04:00

Published: 2008
Pages: 549
Genre: Fiction

A tiny girl is abandoned on a ship headed for Australia in 1913. She arrives completely alone with nothing but a small suitcase containing a few clothes and a single book - a beautiful volume of fairytales. She is taken in by the dockmaster and his wife and raised as their own. On her twenty-first birthday, they tell her the truth, and with her sense of self shattered and very little to go on, "Nell" sets out to trace her real identity. But it's not until her granddaughter, Cassandra, takes up the search after Nell's death that all the pieces of the puzzle are assembled. (from back of book)

This is one of those books that I've been considering for a long time. I first saw it at the book store, picked it up, read the back, and decided not to get it. I saw it for a second time at the used book store and splurged! (Well, not really. It was cheap.) While The Forgotten Garden wasn't a mind-blowing masterpiece, it kept me involved, invested and interested!

We all know that I adore mysteries. So when the mystery in The Forgotten Garden started picking up, it was great to be a part of it. I loved how the point of view was constantly switching, and rotating between three different time periods. It was neat, actually, because we sometimes had knowledge that other characters didn't have at that point. Don't you just love feeling sneaky like that? I did. Being thrown back in time for a few chapters, and then being transported to the future for a couple more, was oh so fun.

Morton's writing had its ups and downs for sure. At times I loved her exquisite imagery and flowy (not sure if that's a word...), smooth descriptions. But at other times, it simply felt repetitive! I noticed that she tends to use some of the same words over and over again. Once I clued into this, her writing sadly lost some of its luster for me. It was still beautiful, but there were no more surprises. I don't know if it's just me, but I also felt that Morton over described certain scenes. There's a fine line between a delicate, perfectly described scene and one that feels too stressed. I think this line was crossed at a few instances during The Forgotten Garden, but for the most part I loved Morton's writing. I soaked it up!

I'd like to discuss the plot of the book in more detail, because this was the main strength of the novel for me. There were so many connections between characters, so much history, so many secrets, so many emotions long buried in the past. Being able to uncover all this along with Cassandra was so great! But it wasn't only with her that we got to learn about things - as I mentioned before, going back in time to see things as they truly happened was such an interesting way to get involved in the story. Through three generations, I was there when everything happened. What a cool feeling!

The Forgotten Garden was, for me, a solid read. It had its faults and wasn't perfect by any means, but the story was just so entertaining! I loved the format, I loved the book's style, and I loved the characters.

Recommendation: Give this one a try! Especially if you're one who loves family mysteries and historical stuff like that.

Teaser Tuesdays (23)

2010-08-17T13:00:00.002-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
Be careful not to include spoilers!
- Share the title and author, too.

The Girl She Used to Be by
David Cristofano

Name me. Gaze into my eyes, study my smile and my dimples and tell me who you see. I look like an Emma. I look like an Amy. I look like a Katherine.

I'm a few moments away from starting The Girl She Used to Be. The teaser is actually the first few sentences from the book. Isn't it a cool way to start?

In My Mailbox (20)

2010-08-16T18:44:00.009-04:00

Hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is where you share the recent books you've bought/received/taken out from the library.

Yaaay! I just got back from the library, which was mysteriously closed yesterday. Anyways, I have tons of cool books to show you all. Feast your eyes.

A Good And Happy Child by Justin Evans
George Davies can't bring himself to hold his newborn son. After months of accepting his lame excuses and strange behaviour, his wife has had enough. She demands that he see a therapist, and George, desperate to save his unraveling marriage and redeem himself as a father and husband, reluctantly agrees. As he delves into his childhood memories, he begins to recall things he hasn't thought of in twenty years. Events, people, and strange situations come rushing back. The odd, rambling letters his father sent home before he died. A boy who appeared one night when George was lonely, then told him secrets he didn't want to know. But when a mysterious murder is revealed, remembering the past becomes the only way George can protect himself - and his young family. - From back cover

Family Sold Separately by Kate Long
On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Katherine has a complete lack of friends, a pudgy figure, and one extremely eccentric, nearly blind grandmother name Poll. Since Katherine's father died and her mother disappeared, Poll is Katherine's only family. And not only does Poll buy all of Katherine's clothes, but she forbids her to leave the house unless it's absolutely necessary. Would a chance to go to Oxford count? But the bigger question is: How can Katherine abandon her grandma?
- From back cover

The Almond Picker by Simonetta Agnello Hornby
The child of poor farmers, La Mennulara became a maid for a well-to-do local family when she was only a girl; by dint of hard work and intelligence, she became the indispensable administrator of the family’s affairs. Still, she was a mere servant, and now (as this story begins) she is dead. As the details unfold about this mysterious woman, The Almond Picker assumes the witty suspense of a thriller, the emotional power of a love story, and the evocative atmosphere of a historical novel. Set in Sicily in the 1960s, a violent, complicated society in the midst of tumultuous change, The Almond Picker is the story of a woman who negotiated for her freedom as no one else dared. - From Goodreads

The Girl She Used to Be by David Cristofano
After 20 years in the Federal Witness Protection Program (WITSEC) and eight aliases, Melody Grace McCartney hardly knows who she is. On the run since she and her parents stumbled on a gruesome murder by mobster Tony Bovaro when she was six years old, Grace saw WITSEC’s promised protection fail her mother and father when they were killed 12 years later. Now she feigns personal danger to be relocated just because she’s bored and wants a change. But before her new case officer can move her from suburban Maryland to rural Wisconsin, Tony’s son, Jonathan, tracks her down to present an alternative: protection from his family and a life of more safety and freedom than she has ever known. While federal officials pressure her to stay in WITSEC and show her Jonathan’s violent side, her attraction to him grows, and she must decide a course for the rest of her life. -From Goodreads

The Russian Dreambook of Color and Flight by Gina Ochsner
In a crumbling apartment building in post-Soviet Russia, there’s a ghost who won’t keep quiet. Mircha fell from the roof and was never properly buried, so he sticks around to heckle the living: his wife, Azade; Olga, a disillusioned translator/censor for a military newspaper; Yuri, an army veteran who always wears an aviator’s helmet; and Tanya. Tanya carries a notebook wherever she goes, recording her observations and her dreams of finding love and escaping her job at the All-Russia All-Cosmopolitan Museum, a place which holds a fantastic and terrible collection of art knockoffs created using the tools at hand, from foam to chewing gum, Popsicle sticks to tomato juice. When the museum’s director hears of a mysterious American group seeking to fund art in Russia, it looks like she might get her chance at a better life, if she can only convince them of the collection’s worth.
-From Goodreads

Don't these sound fantastic? And they were all random finds, too. I tried to take out some of the books you guys suggested to me in Sunday's post, but couldn't find them. Oh well - these will keep me entertained!

No books for me...

2010-08-15T14:47:00.009-04:00

I had it all planned out - I was going to go to the library this afternoon, take out a pile of books, and write my IMM post! But it seems both of the libraries I usually visit are closed this Sunday. So terrible!

So, I'll have to wait another day to satisfy my craving. While we're on this topic, are there any books you'd recommend that come to mind right now? I never know what books to take out while I'm at the library. I know that sounds kind of silly, but there are obviously so many choices, and I guess it's a bit overwhelming. If you have any books that you'd like to see me read, please don't hold back! I need some suggestions so I can at least pretend to have a purpose while I'm there. Fire away!

It's finally Friday

2010-08-13T09:31:00.003-04:00

Hellow everyone! Yes, it's that day of the week again - Friday. Any plans for the weekend? Me, I need to work on my physics summative for school. But I do plan on having some fun! I'm about a quarter of the way through The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton and am enjoying it so far. The mystery is just starting to pick up, so I can't wait to get deeper into the book.

Friday also means that it's The Book Blogger Hop! This is such a good way to network your blog and make some new book blogger friends. This week, we have to talk about how large our TBR shelf (or shelves!) is.

To be honest, I don't actually have a shelf of books waiting to be read. I normally take one trip to the library, take out a pile of books, read those, review them, return them, and get some more. But just because I don't have a physical TBR pile doesn't mean there aren't tons of books I want to read! Quite the opposite. With all the blogs I follow, I'm constantly finding out about new books. I try to store those titles in the back of my mind somewhere, and hope that I get to read them someday.

Are you here from the Hop? Welcome! Feel free to leave a link to your own blog in the comments so I can come visit you.

That's so touching!

2010-08-12T13:19:00.003-04:00

It's a common word to use when describing a book. In fact, it's not a rare word in my vocabulary at all. But what makes a book touching? What makes it have such an effect on its readers? Why does it make us feel certain emotions while other book do nothing of the sort?

I'm not one of those people who cry very easily, but there have been a few books in the past where I couldn't contain myself. The most recent I can think of was The Kite Runner. I don't think I've ever felt that sad while reading a book before. I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, so I'll only say this: one character was so, so loyal to someone who mistreated him, and it was so hearbreaking to read.

The author's talent has a huge role to play in this. Some people have the ability to, with so few words, make you feel emotions that are so complex and so real that you cannot identify them - you only know they're there. Khaled Hosseini, the author of The Kite Runner, had this power on me. I'm sure not everyone would be as strongly affected as I was, but the fact remains. When you think about it, it's unbelievable! All there is in front of you is a page with some two-dimensional words on it, yet the things that you are capable of feeling are so true, and are triggered by what you read.

Whether it's the words, the plot, the characters, or something else, many books have the ability to touch us and change us. I think this is one of the most interesting and important aspects of reading - feelings something that wasn't there before. And it supports the common thought that authors can be some of the most talented people on earth!

What makes a book touching for you? Is it the sheer power of the language, or is it something else? What are some books you've read that have made a lasting impression on you?

Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones

2010-08-11T13:31:00.003-04:00

Published: 2007
Pages: 256
Genre: Fiction

Matilda is a young girl living on a copper-rich island with her family and other villagers. When their home is torn apart by war, Matilda's father flees the island, along with the school teachers and other people. There's only one white man left, a man named Mr. Watts. He decides to teach the children all that he knows, and immerses them in the world of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.

This is the ultimate book lover's novel, for a couple of reasons: it's all about the classic Great Expectations (which I sadly have not read yet), it explores the power of reading, and it's a super poignant, unique book. How could I resist not buying it on a whim? As you can see, I couldn't. I didn't. And I'm so happy for that.

For such a short book, Jones was able to pack so much goodness into it. The language he uses is so simple it's on the brink of being childlike. But there's no need for complexity in a book like this. It's written in a very honest, truthful tone that perfectly reflects the feelings, desires, wants, needs, and thoughts of Matilda. Once she discovers her love for Great Expectations, she clings on to it as a means of escape from the violence and heartbreak of her everyday life. It gives her permission to dream, permission to hate, and permission to want to get away. I loved the way Jones showed this to us as readers.

I know that one big factor in this book was supposed to be the teacher, Mr. Watts. I think I was supposed to be entranced by him, and find his morals and views of the world very interesting. I didn't, really. To me, the magic of this book wasn't in him at all - it was in what he showed to the children. He showed them that it's important to have an imagination, to appreciate what books have to tell us, and to realise that you can learn a lot from the characters and relate to them as real people. I could be totally off in this respect, but that's what I felt. And, after all, that's what Mister Pip is urging you to do - take away what you want, what you need, from books.

As you can probably assume, there isn't one fixed, set in stone message to take away from Mister Pip. You shouldn't simply read the book with the sole aspiration of being taught a lesson. Yes, you can follow Matilda with her journey of being enlightened and having the courage to face the world she lives in. Or, you can let the book work its magic on you. All I know for sure, though, is that Mister Pip will probably leave an impression on you. It's hard to tell what that impression is, but it's there.

Recommendation: If you love and appreciate books (and I'm guessing you do), read Mister Pip. It's such a great experience that will touch you as a reader! If you've read Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, that will be an added bonus.

Teaser Tuesdays (22)

2010-08-10T09:29:00.003-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
Be careful not to include spoilers!
- Share the title and author, too.

Mister Pip by
Lloyd Jones

"You cannot pretend to read a good book. Your eyes will give you away. So will your breathing. A person entranced by a book simply forgets to breathe. The house can catch alight and a reader deep in a book will not look up until the wallpaper is in flames."

I haven't reached the part in the book that this quote is from, but it's on the back cover. I loved it so much that I had to use it for this week's teaser!

Fixing Shadows by Susan Barrett

2010-08-09T09:48:00.004-04:00

Published: 2005
Pages: 376
Genre: Fiction

One evening, the Duchess of Fainhope gives birth to a son, the heir of the empire. That same night, the governess, Miss Mantilla, gives birth to a son of her own. When the Duchess' son dies hours later, the living son is swapped and presented as the dead. What follows is a detailed account of the lives of these two women, the son, and the people that surround them.

What first drew me to this book was its gorgeous cover. And let me tell you - it's even more eye-catching in real life. Other than that, though, I was drawn to the book because of the summary on the back cover. It promised scandal, lies, twists, love, and good ol' Victorian fun. While it delivered on all these promises, reading Fixing Shadows was not simply a walk in the park.

In keeping with the time frame of the novel, Susan Barrett's prose is formal, old-fashioned, and very English. It took me a few chapters to get used to this, and I found that I had to be fully focused on the book while reading. Fixing Shadows and distractions do not mix very well is what I soon discovered. Now, her writing can be quite beautiful and rich at times, but (at least to me) it did tend to become monotonous and slightly boring on occasion. There are a lot of purely descriptive parts in the book, and this is where I zoned out and started skimming. That's a habit that I am not proud of, but who can blame me? I wanted to get to the good, juicy parts! Enough with all this useless (but not really) description.

I love, love, love the originality and creativity that went into the plot and characters. Fixing Shadows probably has one of the most complex and hard-to-follow plots I've ever read, but it's not sloppy at all. Everything fits, everything works. Since the book mostly takes place in London, some characters speak in a way that was extremely difficult to understand. I didn't appreciate this aspect at all, and found myself once again skimming these parts. But I realise that Barrett wanted to accurately depict life back then, and this was part of the overall atmosphere. If you can get past the severe English-ness of the book, you'll most likely fall in love with the wide array of characters.

To wrap this all up and get all my opinions in check, I can safely say that Fixing Shadows was a successful read. It wasn't necessarily a page-turner, it wasn't a fast read, and it was a bit confusing at times. If you pay attention, take the time to savour Barrett's lovely and delicate writing, get invested in the plot, and get to know the characters, Fixing Shadows will turn out to be a dark, haunting, but very solid read.

Recommendation: Like I said before, this book is well-suited for someone who enjoys Victorian books, isn't turned off by a complex plot, and can handle formal and (occasionally) stiff writing.

I'm baaack!

2010-08-08T16:42:00.005-04:00

I'm pretty sure most of you didn't even notice I was gone in the first place - it was only for the weekend. But I have returned, and I'm trying my best to get through Fixing Shadows so I can post the review. It's a slow read without a doubt, and not exactly a page turner, but I'm steadily getting through it. I'll save the rest of my thoughts for the review, whenever it comes around.

Anyways, I hope you all had a great weekend. I was gone camping with some friends, and I can't tell you how nice it is to get back and take a long, hot shower! It's a great feeling. But I enjoyed being out in the wilderness, doing some hiking, and huddling around the campfire. Now that I'm back, I can hopefully get some quality reading done!

It's finally Friday

2010-08-06T16:23:00.007-04:00

Hey guys! It's Friday, that lovely, lovely day of the week. And that also means that it's The Book Blogger Hop. This is a weekly blog networking event, if you amazingly haven't heard of it before. Today, we have to talk about the music (if any) that we listen to while reading.

I used to always listen to my iPod while I was reading. That was a long time ago, so I don't quite remember the stuff I listened to back then. Nowadays, though, I can't imagine listening to music while reading! I find it way too distracting. I don't mind background noise, but having earphones right up close would bother me.

If you're here from the Hop, thanks for stopping by! Feel free to leave a link to your own blog so I can come visit you. Also, I'm not going to be here for most of this weekend, so you won't see any posts from me. Don't let that turn you off from my blog, though! Enjoy your weekend.

Notice anything different?

2010-08-05T15:44:00.010-04:00

Look closely. Very closely. You probably won't notice it right away, but today I made a favicon for my blog! What's that? Well, it's that little tiny picture that appears next to my blog URL on the top of the screen, and it also appears next to my blog name if you add this site to your favourites.

If you don't already have a favicon for your blog, I suggest you make one! It's simple, doesn't require any HTML knowledge, and, to be honest, is quite cute. Here's how:

Step 1:
Make an icon that you'd like to use for your favicon. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate, because the image is so tiny you probably won't see any detail. For mine, I simply used a coloured background and added a black "P". Paint is really good for this. Make sure to save your image on your computer! Oh, if you already have an icon that you'd like to use, feel free to use that. You only need to make one yourself if you don't have anything usable.

Step 2:
Click here to visit a favicon hosting site and upload your image. It gives you the option to download the icon, or to host it on their site. I recommend choosing the second option. Highlight and copy the code it gives you under the "Host it on IconJ (Direct link)" header.

Step 3:
Go back to blogger, sign in, and edit your blog's HTML. I suggest you copy and save your current layout before you change anything, in case you mess it up accidentally! Once you've done that, find the part in the code that looks like this, without the spaces:

< t i t l e > < d a t a : b l o g . p a g e T i t l e /> < / t i t l e >

It should be close to the top. Now, paste the code you copied earlier on the line directly underneath this.

Step 4:
Click on the preview button, just to confirm that nothing else was accidentally changed in your layout. Press save, and you're done!

Wasn't that simple? The whole process, including making your icon, should only take fifteen minutes or less. Enjoy your new favicon!

Credit: I was inspired by this blogger to create my own favicon.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

2010-08-04T10:15:00.002-04:00

Published: 1984
Pages: 110
Genre: YA fiction

Sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous, The House on Mango Street tells the story of Esperanza Cordero, whose neighborhood is one of harsh realities and beauty. Esperanza doesn't want to belong - not to her rundown neighborhood, and not to the low expectations the world has for her. Esperenza's story is that of a young girl coming into her power, and inventing for herself what she will become. (from back of book)

I guess you could say that I had relatively high hopes for this book. The summary lead me to believe that I'd gain a lot from reading it - empathy, understanding, appreciation, and strength. But, I didn't. I'm sure The House on Mango Street has many underlying themes and messages that a more critical and analytical reader could discover, but none of them came across for me!

Cisneros is talented writer, that's for sure. She also writes poetry, so some of that smoothness and richness was there. I liked the innocence of the narrator, and I liked seeing the world from her eyes. Despite all that, the book just didn't make logical sense to me. The "chapters" were short, fragmented, random, and didn't merge to create one single plot. Rather, they felt like their own separate short stories that had no relevance to each other in the least. And, to top it all off, none of the characters stood out. I found it difficult to distinguish them from each other.

Maybe the book's brevity ruined it for me. Maybe I didn't take it seriously enough. Maybe I even read too fast for my own good. No matter what, though, The House on Mango Street will not go down in history for me. It was a semi-positive, semi-uplifting story about a young girl who decides to leave her old life behind - that's pretty much the gist of it. Sandra Cisneros is a good author herself, but I don't think this book showcased her full potential.

Recommendation: Because you can theoretically read this book in just over an hour, give it a try if you see it anywhere. You might end up appreciating it more than I did, so I don't want to discourage you from reading it.

Teaser Tuesdays (21)

2010-08-03T09:45:00.000-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
Be careful not to include spoilers!
- Share the title and author, too.

Fixing Shadows by
Susan Barrett

"Perhaps it is the pain and loss of blood that make her feel so airy - so light-hearted and light-headed. It is as though the core of her has been scooped away, leaving her so hollow she could float right up to the ceiling."

Don't you just love that visual? This book started off very interestingly... I can't wait to advance more in the plot. The writing is a bit formal and stiff, so hopefully I'll get into the swing of it soon. Feel free to post a link to your own teaser - I'd love to see it!

Broken by Daniel Clay

2010-08-02T09:17:00.003-04:00

Published: 2008
Pages: 304
Genre: YA fiction

Skunk Cunningham has a loving dad, an absent mother, and a brother who plays more Xbox than is good for him. She has a crush on her teacher, Mr. Jeffries, and fond feelings for Mrs. Buckley, who lives across the street and always has time for her questions. But Skunk also has the neighbours from hell: the five Oswald girls and their thuggish dad, Bob, are vicious bullies whose reign of terror extends unchallenged over their otherwise quiet suburban square. (from back of book)

This is one of those books that is filled with countless tragedies. Nothing good ever seems to happen at all during the course of the story. But, if you can look past this constant morbid atmosphere, Broken does have a lot to offer in terms of writing, themes and messages.

The book is written in an odd way, in fact. There are no chapters, so the book feels like one long, continuous story. We alternate narrators at different points in the story: from the point of view of Skunk, a curious and intelligent young girl (who reminds me a lot of Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird), to a third person point of view. One of the things I hear a lot from people is that they usually don't feel they can connect with the characters when a story is not written from first person. Broken proves otherwise. Daniel Clay is an expert at letting us enter the minds of his characters - from the mentally unstable and "broken" Rick Buckley, to the violent and dangerous Bob Oswald, to the naive and innocent Skunk, who just wants to understand the world that surrounds her. I really, really enjoyed the psychological aspect of Broken, and oddly felt a bit more educated when I finished reading.

I love the way Daniel Clay writes. It's simple, straightforward, insightful, and is sometimes weirdly structured and feels a bit choppy. But it works. And it fits with the book beautifully.

"If Dillon could just move his head to the water... But he couldn't move his lips. Or his head. Or his hands. Or his feet. He was tied. Dillon was tied. He was gagged."

What else can I say about his writing? Not much, except that it's great for getting inside his characters' heads. Their thoughts and feelings aren't altered to sound more philosophical, or deeper, or more important. They're laid out in plain sight for the reader to take what they want from it. At times it's disturbing and creepy, but that's all part of what makes the book what it is.

The plot, as I said before, is very dark and borderline depressing. We have a maniac, violent, capable-of-murder family living across the street, a stuck-in-a-rut Mr. Jeffries, a hobo child, and a severely mentally-scarred young man who doesn't leave his room. What good could possibly come from that? And, to tell you the truth, no good does. I appreciated the originality and intriguing-ness of the story, but couldn't help but feel slightly sad whenever I picked the book up to read. That's fine, though, because if Broken was filled with lollipops and rainbows, the message would not come across as Clay intended.

Recommendation: If you're someone who isn't bothered by a plot with almost no happiness, give Broken a shot. It's a unique read that is sure to leave a mark.

In My Mailbox (19)

2010-08-01T15:08:00.004-04:00

Hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is where you share the recent books you've bought/received/taken out from the library.

I just came back from this used book store that I recently discovered. Actually, I've seen it on the corner of the street before, but never ventured inside! I'm glad I finally did, because I found three books for just over fifteen dollars that sound so good.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
A tiny girl is abandoned on a ship headed for Australia in 1913. She arrives completely alone with nothing but a small suitcase containing a few clothes and a single book - a beautiful volume of fairytales. She is taken in by the dockmaster and his wife and raised as their own. On her twenty-first birthday, they tell her the truth, and with her sense of self shattered and very little to go on, "Nell" sets out to trace her real identity. But it's not until her granddaughter, Cassandra, takes up the search after Nell's death that all the pieces of the puzzle are assembled. - From back of book

Fixing Shadows by Susan Barrett
On the night the Duchess of Fainhope is delivered of the baby whose head the future of the title rests, her governess, Miss Mantilla, secretly gives birth to an illegitimate son of her own. But the noble heir who will secure his mother's status does not survive the night, while the other, nameless boy survives. So a swap is arranged: the dead child for the living. The two women are locked into a pact that will seal their own fates, and that of the Duchess's empire. - From back of book

Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
Thirteen-year-old Matilda lives on a copper-rich tropical island that has been shattered by war, from which the teachers have fled along with everyone else. Only one white man chooses to stay behind - the eccentric Mr. Watts, object of much curiosity and scorn. He sweeps out the ruined schoolhouse and steps in to teach the children when there is no one else, and his only lessons consist of reading from his battered copy of Great Expectations, a book by his friend Mr. Dickens. - From back of book

I can't wait to get started on these books! Have you read them yourself? Did you like them? And, as always, feel free to leave a link to your own IMM post.

The Silver Needle Murder by Laura Childs

2010-07-31T10:30:00.003-04:00

Published: 2008
Pages: 260
Genre: Mystery
Series: Tea Shop Mystery book 9

Theodosia browning and the Indigo Tea Shop staff are chosen to cater the town's biggest event yet - the Charleston Film Festival. Busy as ever, there's almost no time to relax! But, on opening night, when a famous film director is shot in from of the whole crowd, things start to go downhill. Now, Theo helps solve the case while discovering juicy secrets and shocking information that will help catch the criminal.

Honestly, how could you not love this series? They're cute, comforting, and relaxing books to read. I'll be the first to admit that the quality of the mystery might not be the highest, but The Silver Needle Murder will draw you in simply with its charm. It was a quick and straightforward book that wasn't necessarily suspenseful, but I loved it all the same.

Take a simple mystery, add a tea shop into the mix, throw in a few lovely characters, a generous dose of small town charm, and what do you get? As lame as that sounds, the result is The Silver Needle Murder. How could you not fall in love with a book that revolves around the comforts of tea? I found it hard not to. Child's writing is dainty, sarcastic when it needs to be, and couldn't be more well-suited for this type of book. Her characters, while not exactly deep and complex, are perfectly simple and entertaining to read about with their witty remarks and strong sense of community. This is what I adore about this series - the honesty, the comfort, and the feeling of belonging.

The Silver Needle Murder, like the majority of books out there, isn't perfect. Laura Childs is a master when it comes to creating the environment and atmosphere, but has room for improvement in the mystery department. I realise that, as a cozy mystery, we won't be finding a brutal and detailed account of the murder, constant violence, and action on every page. But I do expect to be invested in the plot and have my own suspicions. Rather, that wasn't at all possible in this book. There weren't a lot of twists in The Silver Needle Murder, other than the occasional discovery of a small piece of evidence or a morsel of information that comes to light. It felt like the detectives of the book were sleuthing around behind the scenes, while us, the readers, were being entertaining and occupied until the ending when all was revealed. And even then it didn't shock me. The identity of the murderer had little relevance to the book, had next to no motive, and did not fit with most of the clues that were previously presented. Why, oh why?

Even though I clearly wasn't impressed plot-wise, I'm still going to continue with this series. An overly complex mystery would feel out of place in this type of book, to tell you the truth. But even so, the sheer fuzziness you feel while picking up a Tea Shop Mystery is worth the mediocrity. The Silver Needle Murder is the perfect book to read in the evening, while curled up in your favourite chair, sipping a mug of calming tea. When it all comes down to it, the feeling you get while reading is, for me, one of the reasons why I love it so much.

Recommendation: This book wouldn't suit someone who is looking for a fast-paced, thrilling and engaging mystery. However, it would be perfect for someone who is an avid cozy reader, enjoys tea, or is looking for a toned-down mystery that is relaxing and gentle.

It's finally Friday

2010-07-30T00:01:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone, it's Friday - woo hoo! Any big plans for the weekend? Me, I saw this really cool book store today. They sell shelves upon shelves of used books there, so I really want to pay them a visit (a.k.a. spend money). But, more importantly, the Book Blogger Hop is today!

What is your favourite author that you've discovered this year?
Hm, there are so many new authors that I've come across thanks to blogging. Right off the top of my head, I'd have to say Laura Childs. She writes a wonderful series of cozy mysteries called the "Tea Shop Mysteries". I adore the pure comfort you get from reading her books, and there's nothing more relaxing than curling up with a Tea Shop mystery. Give her a try!

Thanks for stopping by! And, as usual, don't hesitate to leave a link to your own blog in the comments. I'll be sure to return the visit.

River's Edge by Marie Bostwick

2010-07-28T10:01:00.002-04:00

Published: 2006
Pages: 357
Genre: Historical fiction

Elise was a young girl when her father sent her off to live with distant relatives at the start of World War II. Now, she's a German living in America. She struggles to fit in and ignore the prejudice of everyday life, while trying to understand why her father abandoned her. But Elise could never have imagined the horrors that this war would bring, both on the world and on her, a misunderstood refugee.

I do enjoy a good historical fiction now and then, and had no problems picking up River's Edge from the library with no previous influence. One thing that worried me, though was this. From personal experience, I did notice that most World War I or II stories that I've read are relatively similar in plot and in themes. And while River's Edge wasn't revolutionary or mind-blowing, I still enjoyed it despite some flaws that stuck with me.

One thing I certainly didn't anticipate was the strong religiousness of the book. The main characters are very religious, and the book constantly revolves around it and somehow ties everything back to faith. I am not religious myself, so I could not relate to/understand this at all. Actually, I found it a bit irritating when things like "...a miracle of creation" and "I just know that God exists and that He is good" were said. Now, don't get me wrong - I have absolutely no problem with religion. Why should I? But as someone who does not believe in it, how am I supposed to appreciate it?

If you checked out my Teaser Tuesday from River's Edge, you'd know that this book does contain some beautiful imagery! But, as usual, nothing is perfect. At times it felt like Bostwick tried a bit too hard to be descriptive, and over-analyzed situations to the point where it was tedious to read. Unfortunately, certain parts of the dialogue came across as cheesy to me and simply didn't work. I'm talking about things like "The food is pretty bad here, but after a day of running and marching with a full pack, I'll eat anything! Write me soon. I love, love, love you!" Believe it or not, that was supposed to be written by a big, teenage boy. Likely and believable? Not so.

Enough with the negatives, though! As I said before, River's Edge was an enjoyable book all in all. Even though the plot wasn't anything surprisingly new and amazing, it was still engaging and kept the pages turning on my part. The ending was happy (maybe a bit too happy and almost too perfect), but how can you not end that way when a big part of the book is religion and forgiveness?

Recommendation: River's Edge didn't have the impact and emotional power that some other war books have, but it was a decent read all together. If strong religious influences and (minor) flaws don't bother you, consider this book the next time you're at the library.

Teaser Tuesdays (20)

2010-07-27T10:30:00.002-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
Be careful not to include spoilers!
- Share the title and author, too.

River's Edge by
Marie Bostwick

"The tiny flowers drifted lazily through the night like snowflakes, taking their time, as if they knew this was their singular dance, their moment of glory, and that once they hit the ground they would become just another bit of fluff in a carpet of flowers, destined to be trod on by careless feet."

I wasn't expecting to like this book, but it's turning out to be a keeper! I do have a few issues with it (nothing major), but I'll leave those for the review. Keep an eye out - I'll probably have it posted by tomorrow.

Petropolis by Anya Ulinich

2010-07-25T14:41:00.002-04:00

Published: 2007
Pages: 324
Genre: Fiction

Sasha Goldberg is the ultimate outsider: she's a chubby, biracial Jewish girl from the Siberian town of Asbestos 2. Her father takes off for the Unites States, and leaves Sasha to navigate adolescence in a bleak apartment block with her overbearing mother. Following her heart gets her into trouble at home, so she flees Russia as a mail-order bride and lands in suburban Arizona. Then, Sasha abandons her fiance and embarks on a misadventure-filled journey across American in search of her father (from back of book).

As per usual, Petropolis was a totally random find for me in the library. I never heard about it, had no expectations, and was hoping for the best. Having finished it this morning, I can say one thing without a doubt: it was a unique book. But, for some reason, I didn't connect with it in the least!

The plot of the book wasn't terrible, but it doesn't stick out in my mind for any reason - good or bad. It's pretty much the standard finding-yourself-as-a-teen story, but with a slight twist; Sasha had a daughter at fifteen, immigrated from Russia a few years later, and had to fend for herself in America. Despite Sasha's endless adventures in this new country, not a lot happened during the 300+ pages. She moved from house to house, lover to lover, but when I think of the story in my mind, all that comes up is a bleak, blurry recollection of what actually occurred. It all merged together. Nothing stood out to me.

One thing that really impressed me was the large cast of solid, believable characters. While I didn't find Sasha to be the strongest in the novel, her mother, father, and other people we came across are characters I will likely never forget. They were interesting, scary, harsh, gentle, and so many other things. In this aspect, Petropolis delivered!

Ulinich's writing had its glorious moments, but also its downfalls. During some scenes, the words she used to describe certain things, and the comparisons she made, were truly great. But at other times I rushed through paragraphs, breezed through sections, and didn't get immersed at all. It did feel like a new reading experience, though, and I'm not quite sure why. Being a Russian immigrant herself, I'm sure Ulinich's experiences helped to create an authentic point of view. This came across in her writing at certain points, and it was really special.

Recommendation: Although I didn't personally connect with Petropolis, it's worth a read if you don't crave action on every page. The characters were great and the writing had its strong points, so it was a unique experience for sure!

What would it take?

2010-07-24T10:45:00.000-04:00

Usually, people have certain genres that they stick to when reading books. For me, it's sort of like a comfort zone - if I pick up a book from a certain genre that I really enjoy, chances are high that I'll end up liking it.

I consider myself very open minded, but even still, there are certain genres of books that I simply will not touch! Romance, paranormal, erotica... quite frankly, those types of books have never existed for me. But recently, I've been reading and hearing about quite a few great books that I normally wouldn't go near, mostly in the paranormal genre. So, that got me thinking: what would it take for me to try something new? What would it take for me to branch out a bit?

Actually, my mentality is quite silly. I've barely ever read anything in the paranormal genre, yet I'm totally ignoring it. I guess part of that is because of the constant, never-ending supply of them. It's all people are reading these days. I have no problem with that of course, but after a while it gets monotonous to the innocent observer. It's a silly reason for me not to be experiencing a wider variety of books, but I always hesitate!

So, to answer my question: it would take many, many rave reviews to even get me mildly interested in a book that I had no previous desire to read. I don't want to be that person who refuses to try something new and is highly critical of a thing they don't even know, but I'm sure we all have those books that we don't pay attention to out of habit. I cannot picture myself as someone who could sit down and enjoy a paranormal romance, but who knows? Stranger things have happened.

Are there certain genres that you stay away from? What would it take for you to try something new?

It's finally Friday

2010-07-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hiya, guys! Today's the best day of the week - Friday. What are you up to this weekend? Hopefully I'll get some quality reading done. I've been pretty busy recently with work and stuff, so I haven't satisfied my reading needs. So sad! I'm going to make time for reading, though. That's my goal.

Friday also means that it's time for the Book Blogger Hop! What a fun event. This is your chance to discover some new book blogs and gain some new followers. What's not to love? There's even a discussion topic every week. Today, we have to talk about the book we've just started. And mine is...

Petropolis by Anya Ulinich
I'm a few chapters away from being half way through this book. I've got to say, though, that it's quite dry. Not necessarily in a bad way, but it's certainly not action-packed by any means. Petropolis is also on the verge of being depressing, so I'm hoping the moral will pick up soon. There's still many pages left, so we'll have to wait and see!

Are you visiting from the Hop? As always, don't be afraid to leave a link to your blog so I can return the visit.

In My Mailbox (18)

2010-07-22T09:45:00.002-04:00

Hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is where you share the recent books you've bought/received/taken out from the library.

I know, I know - I'm just a tad late with my IMM post this week! But after finishing Murder on the Orient Express, I literally had no books to read. What a tragedy! So yesterday I made a trip to the library and picked up these gems.

Petropolis by Anya Ulinich
Sasha Goldberg is the ultimate outsider: she's a chubby, biracial Jewish girl from the Siberian town of Asbestos 2. Her father takes off for the Unites States, and leaves Sasha to navigate adolescence in a bleak apartment block with her overbearing mother. At fourteen Sasha falls in love with an art school dropout who lives inside a concrete pipe in the town dump. Following her heart gets her into trouble at home, so she flees Russia as a mail-order bride and lands in suburban Arizona. Then, Sasha abandons her Red Lobster-loving fiance and embarks on a misadventure-filled journey across American in search of her father. - From back of book

Broken by Daniel Clay
Skunk Cunningham has a loving dad, an absent mother, and a brother who plays more Xbox than is good for him. She has a crush on her teacher, Mr. Jeffries, and fond feelings for Mrs. Buckley, who lives across the street and always has time for her questions. But Skunk also has the neighbours from hell: the five Oswald girls and their thuggish dad, Bob, are vicious bullies whose reign of terror extends unchallenged over their otherwise quiet suburban square.
- From back of book

River's Edge by Marie Bostwick
After the death of her mother, Elise Braun travels to the United States to start a new life. Her father only wants to save his daughter from the impending war in her native Germany - and the horrors of the new Nazi regime. But Elise can only feel a sense of abandonment and resentment toward the one man who is supposed to protect her. An accomplished pianist, music has become her only solace from the lonliness and loss that makes it so difficult for her to love or trust anyone... - From back of book

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous, The House on Mango Street tells the story of Esperanza Cordero, whose neighborhood is one of harsh realities and harsh beatuy. Esperanza doesn't want to belong - not to her rundown neighborhood, and not to the low expectations the world has for her. Esperenza's story is that of a young girl coming into her power, and inventing for herself what she will become.
- From back of book

The Silver Needle Murder by Laura Childs
Theodosia Browning and the sraff of Indigo Tea Shop are feeling the heat, and not just because it's August. The Charleston Film Festival has brought them a busy week of catering jobs - and first up is the opening night gala at the historic Belvedere Theatre. But the festival starts off with a bang when famous director Jordan Cole is shot on his way to the podium and the entire audience witnesses his death silhouetted across the scrim.
- From back of book

Now that I have a good suppply of books, I can get some quality reading done. Have you heard of or read any of these books? I'd love to hear about it!

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

2010-07-21T09:32:00.005-04:00

Published: 1934
Pages: 322
Genre: Mystery

On board the famous Orient Express, detective Hercule Poirot was expecting a relaxing travelling experience. But when an American called Ratchett is brutally murdered by stabbing, he is called to duty solving the most shocking and confusing mystery yet. And no one is who they say...

What a classic! When I think of Agatha Christie, I think of Murder on the Orient Express. And for a good reason - this has to be one of her (if not the) most famous novels ever. It seems simple and straightforward at first, but I soon discovered that it involves a tragedy from the past, lies, deceit, and everything else we've grown to love about Christie's books.

Before the mystery starts to gain momentum, I must say that it felt like the book wasn't advancing. A good fifty pages or so were used purely to interview the passengers of the Orient Express and to gain information about them. While this was obviously important and necessary for the novel, it did feel a tad monotonous and I found myself tuning some of it out. I regret that, though, because the information presented during those interviews was critical for the rest of the mystery.

The book started to get exciting near the end, when all the pieces were coming together. Keeping with Christie's style, the detective, Hercule Poirot, was constantly dropping hints and boldly stating that he knows who committed the crime. This always adds to my anxiousness near the end! And even though I already knew the conclusion to the book (due to my having seen the movie version already. And I'll add that, because of this, I probably didn't find the conclusion as shocking as someone else would), it was simply amazing. Gorgeously set up, twists on every page, the perfect ending... what more could you want in a mystery book? Once again, Agatha Christie has proved her title of "Queen of Crime".

Recommendation: Mystery lovers will adore this book. I suggest you check it out if you've previously enjoyed Christie's books, or like the genre.

Teaser Tuesdays (19)

2010-07-20T09:45:00.002-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
Be careful not to include spoilers!
- Share the title and author, too.

Murder on the Orient Express
by Agatha Christie

"'Let us all three close our eyes and think... One or more of those passengers killed Ratchett. Which one of them?'"

I'm so, so close to finishing this book! I've already seen the movie (which seems to be a reoccurring mistake of mine), so I know who did the crime. But I've forgotten all the details, so it's nice to refresh my memory. Stay tuned for a review being posted tomorrow, maybe!

Gone for the weekend, but I shall be back!

2010-07-17T00:47:00.004-04:00

That's a waving hand, in case it was unclear. But anyways, this is just a post to let you know that I'll be away this weekend, so you will not see any posts! I might have a few spare minutes to read and comment on your blogs, though. Let's hope! Make sure you enjoy the weekend, and try to get outside if the weather is nice where you live! I know I'll be spending some time in the pool, and maybe even reading near the water. See you on Monday, when I will most likely be finished Murder on the Orient Express. Which reminds me, I've got to get to the library...

It's finally Friday

2010-07-16T00:53:00.007-04:00

Hello guys! It's Friday again. Can you believe it? I can't. This week went by too fast for comfort. But, there is a bright side to this sad, sad situation - it's the Book Blogger Hop! This week, we're supposed to talk about what book we're looking forward to reading. And my choice is...

Monster of Men by Patrick Ness
I only recently got into the Chaos Walking series after seeing countless positive reviews. I instantly fell in love! Each book leaves off on a painful cliffhanger, so it's no wonder why I'm anxious to read the third and final book.

Ness has such a unique but very memorable style of writing, and I love the originality behind his books. The twists are constant, and the excitement never ends! Monster of Men is going to be a big one, I can just sense it. Needless to say, I have to read this soon as soon as possible. Gimme gimme gimme.

Thanks for stopping by! Don't be afraid to leave a link to your own blog so I can return the visit. Enjoy your weekend!

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

2010-07-14T10:55:00.003-04:00

Published: 1926
Pages: 358
Genre: Mystery

Following the mysterious suicide of a local widow, Dr. Sheppard receives a phone call at night informing him that his friend, Roger Ackroyd, has been murdered in his study. Unable to solve the crime on his own, Dr. Sheppard gains the help of Hercule Poirot, an ingenious detective. He unravels rumours of blackmail, a secret wife, and discovers the shocking identity of the murderer.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is the definition of the classic Christie mystery. We've got multiple suspects, a limited understanding of the details of the murder, and lots of underlying drama between characters. The stage was set for the perfect, straightforward discovery of the murderer, but that's wasn't the case here at all! Even though I was shocked to discover the truth, it all made total sense. All the clues, all the hints... they lined up beautifully in the end.

I didn't find the plot itself to be that noteworthy. It was solid, and it was believable. That's about all that I can say. But the subtle hints that were automatically deemed "unimportant" in my mind proved to be quite substantial, and the conclusion was totally uncalled for. So, even though there wasn't excitement and action on every page, it all worked together and, in classic Christie style, every detail was necessary. From the untraceable phone call to the chair that wasn't in its place, it all matters.

As I've said before, I really like the way Christie writes. Her Englishness comes across in her descriptions, her characters, and the words she uses. And on that note, I admire the way she can invent characters the way she does. In this type of book, it's essential that each person stands alone and has their distinct way of acting and thinking - Christie is a master at this! Hercule Poirot is likely my favourite literary character of all time. I love his personality (even though he is a tad conceited), and I love the way he goes about his detecting.

In the end, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd was a tight, strong mystery novel. I'll admit that it felt dry at times, yet every moment was useful to the story. The way Christie can come up with this complex web of characters and information is mind blowing! It all leads to one shocking, slightly disturbing ending. In my mind, that's the perfect mystery.

Recommendation: If you enjoy mysteries, give this one a try! I guarantee that you won't see the ending coming.

Teaser Tuesdays (18)

2010-07-13T08:30:00.004-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
Be careful not to include spoilers!
- Share the title and author, too.

Book: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Author: Agatha Christie

" 'But, just that, monsieur. Every one of you in this room is concealing something from me.' He raised his hand as a faint murmur of protest arose. 'Yes, yes, I know what I am saying. It may be something unimportant - trivial - which is supposed to have no bearing on the case, but there it is. Each one of you has something to hide. Come, now, am I right?' "

I'm over half way done this book, and I can't help but have the feeling that something else is about to happen. I'll just have to wait and see, then!

Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan

2010-07-10T11:00:00.000-04:00

Published: 2008
Pages: 436
Genre: Fantasy

Liga was only a young girl when she was sexually abused by her father and some town boys. Wanting to escape the reality of her life, she's transported into a personal heaven where she raises her two daughters. But when the barriers of this new life start to become unclear, how can these three women, living in a gentle and safe land, accept reality and live in a place that is so cruel?

I'm going to come right out and say it, because I must tell someone or I will explode: this book totally, completely, utterly blew me away. And not just in the insignificant, sometimes over-used sense of the expression. No way. Tender Morsels is of the calibre that even the thought of the book evokes this weakening, nostalgic feeling in me.

Lanagan's writing is gorgeous, to say the least. It flows, and it compliments the story beautifully. The way she describes situations, people, feelings, and emotions is poetic and has this certain richness that is impossible for me to describe. The last few pages of this book are packed with an emotional intensity that made me melt. Lanagan has the power to make you feel sadness, heartbreak, joy, and understanding all in one thought. If the plot of this book doesn't interest you at all (which is should, really), do yourself a favour and read Tender Morsels just to experience Lanagan's writing talent.

Now, how can I describe the plot? That's something that I've been struggling with so far, because it is so, so different from the average novel's. It combines fairytale elements with fantasy elements, and the result is mesmerising - I guarantee you have never read anything even remotely close to Tender Morsels in this regard. Some of the stuff the book suggests is crazy, but that's the beauty of it all. To appreciate the novel, you have to let go of what you consider normal and enjoy the book as it progresses on its own. I really enjoyed that part of it, actually. People always say that they read books to "escape", and with this book you truly do escape. You escape into the world of Branza, Urdda, Liga, and the wonderful (and not so wonderful) people in their lives.

Recommendation: If you are able to let go of your own reality and aren't scared off by something that you aren't used to, I urge you to read Tender Morsels. It'll be unlike anything you've ever read, and you probably will never forget its magic.

It's finally Friday

2010-07-09T14:09:00.004-04:00

Hello hello hello! Today is Friday, and that means it's the Book Blogger Hop. This week, we have to talk about our favourite authors, and explain why we like them so much. So, here are mine!

Agatha Christie:
I love her mysteries, and I love the way she writes. The twists she comes up with are simply amazing, and I don't know how she has written so many original mystery novels! Where did she come up with her inspiration? I'd love to know.

Margaret Atwood:
Anyone who followers my blog and regularly reads my reviews will know that I can't get enough of Atwood's books. Most of them are so strange and deal with weird topics, but they are so engaging. I love her writing style, too. If you haven't read any of her books, you're missing out on something great!

Are you visiting from the Hop? Feel free to leave a comment with your blog address and I'll come visit you, too.

The most influential fiction

2010-07-08T14:32:00.016-04:00

Today, I somehow came across this list of the most influential fiction novels of the 20th century (Published in the November 1998 issue of Library Journal). I was looking through it out of interest and saw that I have read quite a few of the books, surprisingly!

The list has 150 books on it, so I obviously won't post the whole thing here. But, I will include the first 10 or so, and I encourage you to go check out the rest of them right here. It's super interesting! The next time I have no idea what to read, I'll pick something off the list. There's just something special about reading a book that affected people the way it did.

#1: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence, and hypocrisy is pricked by the stamina and quiet heroism of one man's struggle for justice.

#2: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Holden, knowing he is to be expelled from school, decides to leave early. He spends three days in New York City and tells the story of what he did and suffered there.

#3: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. The Lord of the Rings tells of the great quest undertaken by Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring.

#4: Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
A monumental classic considered by many to be not only the greatest love story ever written, but also the greatest Civil War saga.

#5: Beloved by Toni Morrison
Set in rural Ohio several years after the Civil War, this profoundly affecting chronicle of slavery and its aftermath is Toni Morrison's greatest novel, a dazzling achievement, and the most spellbinding reading experience of the decade.

#6: The Color Purple by Alice Walker
This landmark work is Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that also won the American Book Award and established her as a major voice in modern fiction. The New York Times Book Review hailed it an "intense emotional impact", and the San Francisco Chronicle called it "a work to stand beside literature of any time and place".

#7: Ninteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
To Winston Smith, a young man who works in the Ministry of Truth (Minitru for short), come two people who transform his life completely. One is Julia, whom he meets after she hands him a slip reading, "I love you." The other is O'Brien, who tells him, "We shall meet in the place where there is no darkness." The way in which Winston is betrayed by the one and, against his own desires and instincts, ultimately betrays the other, makes a story of mounting drama and suspense.

#8: Animal Farm by George Orwell
Farm is a devastating satire of the Soviet Union by the man V. S. Pritchett called "the conscience of his generation". A fable about an uprising of farm animals against their human masters, it illustrates how new tyranny replaces old in the wake of revolutions and power corrupts even the noblest of causes.

#9: Lord of the Flies by William Golding
The classic tale of a group of English school boys who are left stranded on an unpopulated island, and who must confront not only the defects of their society but the defects of their own natures.

#10: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
Catch-22 is like no other novel we have ever read. It has its own style, its own rationale, its own extraordinary character. It moves back and forth from hilarity to horror. It is outrageously funny and strangely affecting.

So, there we go! Have you read any of these books? Why do you think they are chosen as the most influential? Are there any other books you think should be recognized?

(All images and descriptions are from the Harris County Public Library website.)

Teaser Tuesdays (17)

2010-07-06T14:49:00.003-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

"I tried - I tried as I had with the daughters, tried to dredge up the person-ness in myself, to see into the person of her. She was not like anyone I could remember - any woman, any man. She searched my eyes all the while. I hoped she saw in them, inside this confident, clumsy bear, that vestigial man and his confusions."

I have just a few more chapters left to this book. It's extremely odd, but wonderful. I'll leave the rest of my feelings for the review!

Change is good, right?

2010-07-05T15:01:00.006-04:00

Most of us have been reading books for a long, long time. I remember going to the library as a little kid with my mom and my brother, and sitting in on those "story times" they'd host for children. Afterwards we would take out a book or two, of course! I would always go for the short Nancy Drew mysteries, and my brother enjoyed fantasy books. (See? Even then I was in love with mysteries. I'm proud of myself!)

Once I grew up a bit, my cousin got me into "The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes" book series. I devoured those books! Whenever a new one came out, she would usually buy it and then let me borrow it afterwards. Our little craze lasted for a couple of years before we outgrew the series.

Fast-forward to the time when "A Series of Unfortunate Events" was the new book trend. I, like many others, loved them! I don't think I ever finished the whole series, because once the last couple of books came out I wasn't interested anymore. That brings me to the part where I explain the purpose of this post: over time, our (or at least my) taste in books changes. Just like everything else in life, really.

Looking back, I can't believe I read some of the books I did. Mr. Popper's Penguins? Really? But I have so many great memories from back when I first started, and I appreciate all the books that got me into reading. Just out of curiosity, I'd like to pick up some of my old books and write some reviews on them. Maybe I'll be doing that sometime in the future, who knows?

Has your reading "style" changed over time? Are there any personal classics from your past that you've always loved?

In My Mailbox (17)

2010-07-04T10:30:00.006-04:00

Hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is where you share the recent books you've bought/received/taken out from the library.

Yesterday, I made a rare trip to the book store. I usually get my books from the library, but I had this sudden urge to buy more Agatha Christie books for my collection at home. So, I did! Here's what I got.

Murder on the Orient Express
by Agatha ChristieEn route to Paris, Belgian detective Hercule Poirot has booked winter passage on the fabled Orient Express. Among the assortment of fellow passengers, one wealthy American holds a unique distinction: He has been found dead of multiple stab wounds in the night compartment of the Calais coach. By dawn, thirteen travelers, each bearing a secret, will find themselves suspect in the most ingenious crime Poirot has ever solved...

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
by Agatha ChristieA widow's suicide has stirred suspicion and dreadful rumors - of blackmail, and of a secret lover named Roger Ackroyd, who was stabbed to death in his study. And there are rumors that his neighbour, Hercule Poirot, doesn't have a clue who did it.

I haven't read a Christie book in a while, and I've been craving a good, solid mystery. I saw the movie version of Murder on the Orient Express, so I kind of know what happens. But that was a long time ago, and plus - I want to read the book version. As for the other one, I don't know much about it except that it's one of her most famous books. I can't wait to get started!

What's in your mailbox? Feel free to leave a link so I can come visit!

It's finally Friday

2010-07-02T10:18:00.004-04:00

Yo! It's Friday today. And I'm pretty happy about that. Even though I'm off school right now, I'm working most of the week. And... I have tomorrow off! So I'm hoping to use some of that time to read a chunk of Tender Morsels, which I'm loving so far. Recently I haven't had the time to read it as much as I'd like to, and tomorrow is the perfect opportunity.

Also, today is the Book Blogger Hop! This is a great chance to discover new blogs and maybe even gain some followers, so I suggest you join in.This week, we're supposed to say why we started blogging. So, here goes!

I never really knew about "book blogging" until I accidentally came across a book blog while doing research for my english summative. I stayed a while, read a few posts, and decided to come back regularly and read the posts. I learned a lot, and I really liked how the whole community seemed to be connected and involved. I could never see myself as the blogging type, but I decided to take the plunge and start my own blog. And here we are! I'm so glad I did, because I've learned about so many great books and I've met so many great people through blogging.

If you're here from the Hop, don't be shy! Feel free to comment with your own blog link so I can come visit.

The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

2010-06-30T14:45:00.001-04:00

Published: 2009
Pages: 519
Genre: YA fiction
Series: Chaos Walking book 2

In the second book of the Chaos Walking trilogy, Todd and Viola find themselves separated. Todd is forced to join sides with the Mayor, now turned President. Meanwhile, Viola is cared for by a healer, who soon turns out to be the leader of a rebellious society called The Answer. When these two sides collide, Todd and Viola fight to save each other and, ultimately, the world they live in.

Having read The Knife of Never Letting Go a few weeks ago, I was all too eager to get started on the sequel. I really wish I read it sooner. For more than one reason, though! The first being that I forgot some of the details of what happened in the first book, and was a little lost for a few pages. The second being that an endless amount of important events happen in The Ask and the Answer, all of which are critical to the entire series! Why wait to read it?

After I read the first couple of chapters, I was a little disappointed. Not too much was happening yet, and it didn't feel normal to have Todd and Viola separated. That feeling remained for most of the book, actually. I was wishing and wishing for them to get together and go on an exciting adventure like the one in The Knife of Never Letting Go - that's what made me fall in love with this series in the first place! But, you know, after I got into the book a little more, the adventure appeared. Todd and Viola were still apart, but they each had their issues and were not sure what side they belonged on. The excitement factor in the book escalated rapidly, and it was living up to my expectations - yay!

We get to see a lot more of Viola in this book, and I did like how it alternated between hers and Todd's perspective. Also, their characters are built upon a lot, especially Todd's. It was frightening how he was slowly losing everything he fought to keep and was submitting to the Mayor, and it was scary how he was even doubting Viola's intentions. I'll stop there, because I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but I want you to know that there are constant battles in this book - not only physical, but mental.

I've said it before but I'll say it again: Ness' writing style is so unique. There are run-on sentences galore, but he chose to write like this for a reason. It truly mimics what it going on inside the minds of Todd and Viola, and it does this with impact! The font changes, the sentence structure... I love it. This combined with the imaginative and addictive story is pure delight.

Taking it all into account, The Ask and the Answer is a strong sequel that sets up the third book perfectly. As is the tradition so far, the book ends in a cliffhanger that is almost cruel on Ness' part - I need to know what happens next! Need to need to need to! But that's another thing I adore about this trilogy: the books seem to fit together seamlessly and feel like one long, continuous story. The "pointless writing", as I call it, is very minimal. The Ask and the Answer picked up exactly where the first one left off, and I expect Monster of Men to do the same.

Recommendation: Obviously, those who have started this series won't want to miss The Ask and the Answer! But if you haven't, at least give the first book a try. It truly is an amazing trilogy.

Teaser Tuesdays (16)

2010-06-29T11:50:00.004-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

"The soldiers look more astonished than angry, but they have no Noise, so there's no way to know. But they're carrying rifles. And they're raising them at us. 'And who the hell is this?' one barks, a middle-aged man with a shaved head and a scar down his jaw line."

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

2010-06-28T11:45:00.004-04:00

Published: 2003
Pages: 374
Genre: Science fiction, dystopian
Series: MaddAddam Trilogy book 1

Snowman, known as Jimmy before mankind was overwhelmed by a plague, is struggling to survive in a world where he may be the last human, and mourning the loss of his best friend, Crake, and the beautiful and elusive Oryx whom they both loved. In search of answers, Snowman embarks on a journey - with the help of the green-eyed children of Crake - through the lush wilderness that was so recently a great city, until powerful corporations took mankind on an uncontrolled genetic engineering ride. (from back of book)

This book was generously given to me by Marce from Tea Time With Marce. I'd really like to thank her, because I've once again discovered a great book trilogy. Having read multiple books by this author, I was bracing myself for something strange with Oryx and Crake.

Despite my anticipation, I was not prepared for the insanely crazy yet oddly realistic world that Atwood created in this book. I was immersed in a world where families live in secured compounds, "pigoons" are genetically made to grow organs, strange wolf-dog hybrids (called a "wolvog") roams the earth, and a synthetically made plague killed off most of the human population. It was very weird, but incredibly fascinating and, ironically enough, not that far-fetched at all.

The characters in this book are so interesting, and I say that in the most literal sense of the word. Snowman comes across as a negative, depressed guy. But once we learn of his past and all the events that lead up to this assumption, it's understandable. Crake, the science genius, is too mysterious for words. His seemingly twisted ideology of the world is disturbing, but, at the same time, brilliant. I wasn't sure whether he was to be trusted or not - what fun! Oryx is probably the most incomprehensible character of all. She ressembles a young girl Snowman and Crake saw in their childhood, and is innocent and naive in adulthood. Just who is she?

I must say, though, that this book isn't straightforward in the least. It jumps around, it's vague, it's confusing, it's strange. That's why I love it! It's one of those books that would make no sense if all the information was laid out on a silver platter. Its strength is in its ability to force the reader to think in other ways and other perspectives.

As for writing style, it seems Atwood has drifted away from her exquisite imagery and eloquent language to focus more on the character/plot aspects. That's not to say that she has written this book badly - not at all! It was still a complete pleasure to read, but I don't feel the writing compares to that of, say, Cat's Eye. To tell you the truth, I was oblivious to this until I finished the book and was reflecting back on what I just read. In no way does it spoil the book.

On the whole, Oryx and Crake feels like a whole new level of literature. It's scary, crazy, fantastic, and wonderful. The next time I go to the library, can you guess what I'll be looking for? The sequel, of course: The Year of the Flood.

Recommendation: Atwood lovers won't want to miss this book. If you're not a fan already, and you're willing to try something new (that might scare you a bit), consider Oryx and Crake.

In My Mailbox (16)

2010-06-27T12:15:00.002-04:00

Hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is where you share the recent books you've bought/received/taken out from the library.

Hey! This week I have two awesome books to show you all. I had them on hold from the library and they just came in yesterday. I'm way too excited to read them.

The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness:
Fleeing before a relentless army, Todd has carried a desperately wounded Viola right into the hands of their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss. Immediately separated from Viola and imprisoned, Todd is forced to learn the ways of the Mayor's new order. But what secrets are hiding just outside of town? And where is Viola? Is she even still alive? And who are the mysterious Answer? And then one day, the bombs begin to explode... - From back of book

Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan:
Tender Morsels is a dark and vivid story, set in two worlds and worrying at the border between them. Liga lives modestly in her own personal heaven, given to her by natural magic in exchange for her earthly life. Her two daughters, gentle Branza and curious Urdda, grow up in this soft world, protected from the violence and prejudice that harmed their mother. But the real world cannot be denied forever - magicked men and wild bears break down the borders of Liga's refuge. Now, having known heaven, how will these three women survive in a world where beauty and brutality lie side by side? - From back of book

I really loved The Knife of Never Letting Go, and I've heard that The Ask and the Answer is a great follow-up. As for Tender Morsels, all I can say is that I'm curious. I have next to no knowledge about what the story is actually about, so I'm going into this one with no expectations. Let's hope it's a success!

What's in your mailbox? Please feel free to leave a link so I can come visit.

Florence & Giles by John Harding

2010-06-26T10:25:00.000-04:00

Published: 2010
Pages: 261
Genre: Fiction

Florence is a young orphan girl living in her uncle's gothic mansion. Her half brother, Giles, also lives with them. Not being allowed to read, Florence constantly sneaks off into the library to get lost in her own world. But after the mysterious death of Giles' governess, the post is quickly replaced by Miss Taylor. Florence is convinced that the governess is her vicious supernatural enemy and has evil intentions towards her innocent younger brother. Without having any adults to help her, Florence begins to formulate a plan to save her brother.

Quite simply put, this book blew me away. I saw it on the "new arrivals" shelf at the library, picked it up, and nearly put it back because I already had a long list of books I wanted to read. I am so, so, so glad I didn't succumb to my sensible side, because Florence & Giles is now one of the best books I've read this year, if not the best. Sitting here writing this review is proving to be a difficult thing to do, because I'm having a hard time trying to articulate exactly why I adore this book so much. I'll try my absolute best, because I want to convince you to read this book - for your own sake, mostly!

So, after I read the summary from the inside of the book (which is similar to what I wrote above) I thought I was in for a story that was mildly interesting, perhaps even a tad dry. Wow, was I ever wrong with that assumption. Right from the first sentence I could tell this was going to be a unique book:

"It is a curious story I have to tell, one not easily absorbed and understood, so it is fortunate I have the words for the task. If I say so myself, who probably shouldn't, for a girl my age I am very well worded. Exceedingly well worded, to speak plain. But because of the strict views of my uncle regarding the education of females, I have hidden my eloquence, under-a-bushelled it, and kept any but the simplest forms of expression bridewelled within my brain."

Whoa. That made me want to keep reading, because who doesn't like a good, curious story now and then? The first few chapters were mostly introductions, essentially welcoming you to the book. We learn that Florence is an extremely imaginative and intelligent girl, while her younger brother is naive and not as sharp as his sister. We learn that she is adventurous, and often roams the hallways alone at night, trying to sneak into the housekeeper's room and hopefully learn about her family's past. We learn that Florence is protective over her brother, and is deeply bothered when he comes home from his boarding school due to being bullied and made fun of. All this leads up to the momentous event - when Miss Taylor, the new governess, arrives.

I love Florence's character, mainly because of her intuition and the observations that she makes. Something isn't right with Miss Taylor, and this soon proved to be true during an extremely haunting and frightening point in the book. I don't get scared easily, but I can honestly tell you that I was on the edge of my seat and contemplating whether I had the guts to turn the page. The governess was one of the creepiest character I've ever encountered in a book, which I wasn't expecting.

That's something else that I enjoyed about Florence & Giles - it was eerie and frightening, and the fact that it revolves around a child makes it all the more disturbing. Mystery plays a big part in the book, but it was a different caliber of mystery - the mystery of Florence's past and, more importantly, the mystery of Miss Taylor. You know, sometimes this whole "scary mystery" can be lame/cheesy in a book, and even though Florence & Giles involved evil spirits, ghosts, and other supernatural references, it felt real - which scared me a bit. I found myself accepting whatever was thrown at me, and I even got to the point where it seemed logical that the governess was able to watch Florence through the various mirrors in the house. (Curious about that? Read the book!)

This review is turning out to be a long one, but I could keep going. I'm not even half way through expressing all that I'm feeling about this book - yes, it was that good. So, to wrap this up, I'll say this: If you're going to read one book that I've blogged about so far, please, let it be this one.

Recommendation: I've made it quite clear, but I'll say it again: you've got to read this!

Author Interview: Allan Richard Shickman

2010-06-25T13:45:00.002-04:00

I'd like to welcome Allan Shickman to Une Parole! He is the author of Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure & Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country.

Zan-Gah is an adventure story about a young boy. Pressed by a bad conscience and love for Dael, his missing brother, the hero undertakes a quest which leads to suffering, captivity, conflict, love, and triumph. In three years, Zan-Gah passes from an uncertain boyhood to a tried and proven manhood and a role of leadership among his people. The adventure continues in the sequel, Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country.

Being an art history professor for most of your career, what made you become an author?
Nothing remarkable about it. As a professor, I did lots of scholarly writing. A retired professor needs to keep busy, and I happen to have a very active imagination. Ideas kept coming, I kept writing them down on note cards, and one day I started writing. I must say that my background in art history was fertile soil for my ideas to grow in. I have looked at and studied prehistoric art and the lives of the people who made it.

2) Both books seem to have an equally complex yet action-packed storyline. Where did you get the inspiration and ideas for these books?
Ideas come from all sorts of unlikely places. Geography had a lot to do with it. My travels through the fantastic landscape of the western United States gave me the idea of a story of survival in an arid land. How did early travelers survive there? That's a question that can set the imagination roiling. Later I visited one of Missouri's great caves, Onondaga, where I got more ideas and took scads of notes. (I was the only guy in the cave who was taking notes.) There really were eyeless salamanders which spent their entire lives in absolute darkness and needed no sight, and a very quiet stream that could take a rod right out of your hand. Inspiration! In my own neighborhood a group meets every Sunday to beat their drums and other instruments of percussion—twenty musicians thumping away. When, in the initial chapter of the first book, I describe the thunder of drums, I had my local experience of them in mind. Of course I mixed all these experiences, and a great many more, with action and conflict. There has to be conflict.

3) Zan-Gah: Prehistoric Adventure centers around Zan-Gah's quest to find his brother. Do you yourself have any close siblings that perhaps inspired Zan-Gah's devotion to Dael?
Maybe I do. Maybe I have a close brother who moved off to California soon after I retired and settled in St. Louis, where he lived. Maybe I have to cross the whole darned country to see him and his family. But I swear that I was not thinking of him when I wrote of Zan and his twin brother Dael. I would rather say that Zan's search for his twin in a strange, wild world parallels his search for himself and his manhood. So put away your "Freud for Dummies." You might uncover more than I want you to.

4) Are the characters, setting and culture in the books based upon actual civilizations or are they purely fictional?
The settings and cultures owe a good deal to some that I have studied or become acquainted with. I have seen petroglyphs (etchings in stone) like the one I describe in the desert, and cave paintings like the ones in Lissa-Na's cave, and a ceremony of tribal union like the one at the end of the first Zan-Gah book. But I have not seen them all in the same place. I borrowed real prehistoric things and used them rather freely, and with a lot of imagined stuff in addition. The truth is, I am not expecting people to read my Zan-Gah books for accurate archaeological/anthropological information. I am writing stories about human beings, their conflicts, their hurts, and their passions.

5) Both books in this series have multiple themes, such as brotherhood, gender roles, and bravery. Is there a certain message you wanted to convey?
There are a number of humanistic messages. I urge integrity, self-reliance, self-discipline, and courage, but I think my main message is that when people become violent and cruel it is not always their fault, and that there is nobility in caring and feeling for others when they are at their worst. If prehistoric cave people could do it, so can we.

6) In terms of characterization, plot development and writing, what was most challenging for you?
Plot problems were challenging. I myself did not always know where I was going with the story, and the plot worked itself out in both books by fits and starts. My main character, Zan-Gah, presented some problems too. He is such a good guy, and good guys are not always interesting. I couldn't have him chopping up his enemies just to entertain the reader. That was what his twin brother was good for. Dael may be read as Zan's violent alter ego. Get out your "Freud" again, will ya.

7) Being an author, what is the most rewarding aspect?
Easy question. When a twelve or thirteen year old kid tells me that he/she loved my book, felt its emotions, and could "read it over and over," I have my reward.

Thanks so much for your time, Allan. Make sure you check out the Zan-Gah series if you're into adventure novels with lots of substance!

Artist, teacher, author, and historian Allan Richard Shickman was an art history professor at the University of Northern Iowa for three decades. His first novel, Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure, won an Eric Hoffer Notable Book Award, and was a Finalist for the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award.The series received the Mom's Choice Gold Seal for Excellence. Shickman has published articles in English Literary Renaissance, Studies in English Literature, Notes and Queries, Colby Quarterly, Art Bulletin, Art History.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

2010-06-23T13:20:00.001-04:00

Published: 2009
Pages: 199
Genre: YA fiction

Mia is a normal seventeen-year-old girl. She has problems dividing her time between family, her boyfriend, and music. But one day, on the way to visit some family friends, a tragic accident happens. From that moment on, Mia's life is changed forever.

For such a small book, If I Stay is an emotional powerhouse beyond its size. At just under 200 pages, I flew through this book in a few days - but that wasn't just because it was a short read. I love the characters, I love the concept, I love the structure. Even though parts of this book are on the brink of being depressing, it doesn't matter. If I Stay is delicate, intricate, and poignant.

Some people might consider this a spoiler, so read the rest of this paragraph with caution. Judging by the summary, I think it's fair to assume that even without reading this book you can deduce that Mia and her family are involved in a terrible car accident. Because of this, the majority of the book is, essentially, Mia having an out-of-body experience in which she reminisces about her old life and memories. At first I was a bit turned off by this; it seemed a tad on the cheesy side. I soon realised, however, that there's no other way to write the book and still have the same effect as this provided. I grew to accept it, and I even loved it.

It's also fair to assume that If I Stay is an extremely emotional book. And it is. I think this is due not only to the nature of the accident, but to the authenticity of the characters. They're certainly not generic, predictable clones like the people in some of the books I've read in the past. Mia, her parents, Adam, Teddy, Willow, Henry, and Kim feel like they could be based on real people - they're that life-like. Each of them have a personal way of displaying their inner feelings, and this makes If I Stay so much more special. After spending only a couple of days with this book, it already feels life I've known about it for years.

And the ending - oh, then ending. I have to admit that I saw it coming, but who wouldn't? If it ended any other way, the book would have been a complete contradiction. So yes, while it wasn't a shocking ending (which, might I add, would be out of place in a book like this), it was a perfect one. Just the right amount of positivity, curiosity and hope to end the book on a good note.

Recommendation: If you're an avid YA reader you won't want to miss If I Stay. But even if you aren't, pick it up for a quick yet inspiring read.

Teaser Tuesdays (15)

2010-06-22T13:46:00.002-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

"Snowman opens his eyes, shuts them, opens them, keeps them open. He's had a terrible night. He doesn't know which is worse, a past he can't regain or a present that will destoy him if he looks at it too clearly."

Life as we Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

2010-06-21T15:15:00.004-04:00

Published: 2006
Genre: YA fiction
Pages: 337

Miranda is an ordinary teen living in an ordinary world - that is, until a meteor crashes into the moon and drastically alters the world's climate. At the beginning, no one takes this event seriously, including Miranda. But after a few days the grocery stores run out of food, gas prices go up, and the weather gets worse. Soon Miranda finds her family struggling to stay alive and see the world get back to normal.

There's no questioning whether this is an interesting idea for a book. I mean, dystopian fiction seems to be all the rage these days, but for some reason I really wanted to read Life as we Knew It. As you can see, I did. In fact, I finished it just moments ago. And now I can say it didn't have the shocking effect on me that I was expecting.

So, there was this huge lunar impact that totally threw the earth's climate off kilter. Eventually, Miranda and her family were struggling to stay alive and were even skipping meals in order to conserve food. Big tragedy, big problem. But, oddly enough, it didn't seem like such a big deal to me! Yes, I know what you're thinking - if I went through that in real life I would be the last one to complain about the seriousness of the situation. When I read a book like this, though, I'm wanting to be amazed, I'm wanting to be disgusted, I'm wanting to read something that seems so impossible it's almost scary. Life as we Knew It just didn't do that for me. There were obviously some emotional moments, and there were moments when Miranda re-evaluated her priorities and her desires. Yes, there was all that good stuff. At times I was touched, and I even felt for her. But in the grand scheme of things I wasn't overly impressed.

The diary entry type of narration was a cute idea, but it honestly didn't come across as such. The only indication of this was the date written as each day went by. Other than that, the book felt pretty average in terms of writing. Now, don't think that I'm judging the book based solely on the narration style - I'm not! It actually served a purpose, which was to remind us that the days, months and seasons were passing by.

(Potential spoilers ahead - beware!)

There was something else that really bothered me, and that was the fact that near the end of the book Miranda just stopped caring. She didn't seem to value her life and ignored the fact that she and her family came so far. She even walked into town with the intention of not making it back home, so that there would be enough food for her stronger, more important brother to make it. That struck me as a bit odd, and I was concerned as to why Miranda valued her life less than her brother's, and why she felt that he was the only one who deserved to live. This event lead up to the grand finale ending, which was on the verge of being a happy one. But I must admit, it felt a bit rushed. Throughout the whole book there's all this build up and then - wham! It's all over.

(Spoilers done!)

Now that I'm re-reading my review of Life as we Knew it, it sounds like I'm making this book out to be terrible. Actually, there were many instances where I enjoyed it, and I'm definitely not sorry I read it. All in all, it was a solid and quick dystopian read that had its ups and downs. The characters were believable and had their distinct personalities, but there were minor flaws in the plot which seem to have stuck with me.

Recommendation: Fans of YA dystopian novels would like this one, of course! But if you don't normally read those books, give this a try if you're on the lookout for something different.

Author interviews

2010-06-21T15:14:00.005-04:00

Below is a list of all the author interviews I've done in the past. To read the interview, click on the name of the author.

If you're an author who would like to be interviewed, please don't hesitate to get in touch! Click here to send me an email and schedule your interview.

May 1st, 2010:
Cynthia Roberts
Author of Wind Warrior and Captive Heart

June 25th, 2010:
Allan Richard Shickman
Author of Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure &
Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country

The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran

2010-06-20T12:45:00.001-04:00

Published: 2008
Pages: 383
Genre: Historical fiction

Nefertari is a princess, the niece of the hated and forgotten Queen Nefertiti. Her family's history haunts the Egyptian people and Nefertari has to live through the prejudice and unfairness of her daily life. She falls in love with her childhood friend, Ramesses, who soon becomes Pharaoh. When they marry, Nefertari is not accepted as his wife. She struggles to become Queen and honour her family's history while uncovering the secrets of the palace.

I don't say it often, but Egyptian history fascinates me. Not enough to make me sit through another boring history class in school, but I didn't have to second-guess my decision to read The Heretic Queen. Just as I had hoped and expected, this book is filled with scandal, intrigue, romance, mystery, and an endless supply of excitement. I waited to start this book (I needed to cut down my library pile first!) but once I did, the pages flew by. One moment I was sitting in my house on a comfy chair, and the next moment I was transported back thousands of years into this rich, cultured land. What an experience.

There's such a wonderful array of characters in this book. We have intelligent, mature Nefertari. Merit, her loving and motherly nurse. Ramesses, the bold yet gentle husband. Iset, Nefertari's jealous and harsh competition. Henuttawy, the cunning and evil Priestess. Those personalities might sound cliche when I describe them, but they're not. Not at all. Each one has secrets, feelings, wants, needs, desires, that don't all come across at once. Slowly, we gain information about them as we formulate our opinions and decide what their intentions truly are. The lies and scandals in The Heretic Queen are lovely, and it's what makes this book so intensely readable.

Plot wise, the book is complex. At first the names and relations of people are hard to wrap your mind around, but it comes eventually. There's a family tree and map at the front of the novel, and a glossary at the back. They do help, but I managed to get through most of the book without referring to them - it is possible! Part of what makes this book so substantial is the fact that it is historical fiction, so the events and characters and based upon actual people. Michelle Moran wrote a "historical note" at the end, which deepened my love and understanding for the book. Having the realistic aspect reinforced into my brain was muchly appreciated, and makes this book a lot more astounding. The characters felt real enough as they were, but knowing that they were actual people is too cool for words.

Even if you don't like this genre of book, please, please don't shy away. The Heretic Queen is filled with everything that makes a book a success and is, in the truest sense of the word, fascinating.

Recommendation: Read this book - that goes for everyone.

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

2010-06-19T12:30:00.001-04:00

Published: 2008
Pages: 479
Genre: YA fiction, science fiction
Series: Chaos Walking book 1

Todd Hewitt is the last boy in Prentisstown, living in a world where you can hear everyone's thoughts. One day, he comes upon an area of complete silence, something that should be impossible. Soon after this event, Todd forced to flee Prentisstown, running from something that he doesn't even understand.

Wow, wow, wow. You know, I'm generally not the action/adventure/science fiction type, but you can forget I ever said that. In fact, erase it from your memory. The Knife of Never Letting Go was so wild, so imaginative, so shocking, that I can't understand why I've ignored it for this long.

The first thing I noticed when I started reading was Ness' odd use of language and spelling. He frequently uses words such as "yer" instead of "your", and spells words like "explanation" as "explanayshun". I was a bit put off at first, but that's simply because I've never read anything like it before. It quickly became a part of the book and emphasized the fact that Todd is living on New World, a whole different culture of sorts. Ness' writing was effective, emotional, and at times even funny. I fell in love with the characters and the world he created almost instantly. Todd's dog, Manchee, was such a good addition to the book! And what a personality he had. (Ow, Todd?)

Not only does The Knife of Never Letting Go have an array of unforgettable characters, but the book is also such a page turner that it's on the brink of being painful to put down. Pretty much every chapter is left making you crave more, and there are twists and surprises everywhere you look. You'd think that a book like this would be totally plot-driven, but you'd be wrong. Every single element of this book works, and together creates a masterpiece that everyone should consider reading. Don't follow my example and wait to read this book - treat yourself to it right now.

I don't want to get too analytical, but there are countless messages and meanings you can take away from this book. Trusting yourself, the desire for power, the importance of privacy, are all touched upon and make this book so much more than simply an exciting and addictive story. It has substance, which was unexpected but very, very welcome.

Recommendation: YA readers sould get this book for sure, but even if this isn't your normal genre (like me!) don't ignore it. You'd only be punishing yourself.

I have returned!

2010-06-18T10:42:00.003-04:00

Woo - it's officially summer for me! No more school, and lots of time to read. And after many days without blogging, I'm so glad to be back. I missed posting and I missed visiting all my favourite blogs, so I'll have to catch up and that. Speaking of which... I have 5 review written and ready to be posted - keep an eye out for:

- The Knife of Never Letting Go
- The Heretic Queen
- Life as we Knew It
- If I Stay
- Florence & Giles

Today is Friday, so that also means that it's the Book Blogger Hop! Click here to visit crazy-for-books.com and join in. This is a great way to discover some new book blogs and maybe even gain some followers, too.

If you're visiting from the Hop don't be shy - leave a comment with a link to your blog so I can come check you out. Have a fantastic weekend!

In My Mailbox (15)

2010-06-13T09:45:00.000-04:00

Hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is where you share the recent books you've bought/received/taken out from the library.

Hello everyone! I decided to do my IMM post this week even though I said I was taking time off to (ugh) study. But I have two great books that I wanted to show off, so here goes.

Florence & Giles by John Harding:

1891. In a remote and crumbling New England mansion, 12-year-old orphan Florence is neglected by her guardian uncle and banned from reading. Left to her own devices she devours books in secret and talks to herself - and narrates this, her story - in a unique language of her own invention. By night, she sleepwalks the corridors like one of the old house's many ghosts and is troubled by a recurrent dream in which a mysterious woman appears to threaten her younger brother Giles. Sometimes Florence doesn't sleepwalk at all, but simply pretends to so she can roam at will and search the house for clues to her own baffling past.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman:
Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones. Stay true to her first love - music - even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends. Then, one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it's the only one that matters.

So, those are the books that will keep me company this week. Have you read any of them? Did you enjoy them? I'd love to hear about it!

Just stopping by...

2010-06-08T14:59:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone!
Yes, I'm still alive. I haven't checked in for a week or so, so it's about time. I wanted to let you all know that I'm still reading and I still think about blogging - I haven't forgotten you! I've had the time to finish two books so far, and that means that by the time my exams are done I'll most likely have at least three reviews ready.

So, thanks for not leaving me! I can't wait until my blogging routine can be back to normal. Bye for now!

Studying is boring - but it must be done!

2010-05-31T20:50:00.004-04:00

Oh, how I love that picture. I want to hug whoever made it, because it's so, so true. But anyways, this is a formal post to tell you all that I won't be an active blogger/commenter for the next two weeks or so due to (ugh) exams. Well, not entirely. I will obviously be taking some breaks from my studying (I've learned from last year - six hours straight of reviewing math does not work well) so you will see the occasional post here and there.

Everything should be back to normal around June 18th. On that day, my blood pressure will hopefully return to its normal level. Until then, have fun without me!

In My Mailbox (14)

2010-05-30T09:07:00.001-04:00

Hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is where you share the recent books you've bought/received/taken out from the library.

Only one new book this week - it's one that I saw on another blog and reserved it from the library right away! The plot sounds fantastic so I'm pretty excited to get started on it.

Life as we Knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer: When Miranda first hears the warnings that a meteor is headed on a collision path with the moon, they just sound like an excuse for extra homework. But her disbelief turns to fear in a split second as the entire world witnesses a lunar impact that knocks the moon closer in orbit, catastrophically altering the earth's climate. Everthing in Miranda's life fades away as supermarkets run out of food, gas goes up in price, and school is closed indefinitely. But what Miranda and her family don't realise is that the worst is yet to come.

Doesn't that sound cool? I also can't wait to start it because it's told in diary format, which is always interesting in a book. Have you read Life as we Knew It? What did you think? Also, feel free to leave a link to your IMM post so I can come visit.

It's finally Friday

2010-05-28T07:22:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! Friday is finally here, and it couldn't come any sooner.
This weekend I have to crack down and do some major studying for exams, but I'll still try to get some reading done. I'm about half way through The Knife of Never Letting Go and I'm loving ever page! It's suspenseful, funny, and very mysterious. You can expect a review at the beginning of next week, I'm estimating.

The Book Blogger Hop is today, of course! Click here to visit crazy-for-books.com and discover some new blogs and maybe gain some followers. It's a great time, so don't forget to add your blog to the linky!

If you're visiting from the Hop, don't be shy! Feel free to leave a link to your own blog so I can come visit you. Have a great weekend!

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

2010-05-26T16:41:00.001-04:00

Published: 1999
Pages: 198
Genre: YA fiction

From her first moment in Merryweather High, Melinda Sordino knows she's an outcast. She busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops - a major infraction in high-school society - so her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't know glare at her. She retreats into her head, where the lies and hypocrisies of high school stand in stark relief to her own silence. But it's not so comfortable in her head, either - there's something banging around in there that she doesn't want to think about. Try as she might to avoid it, it won't go away, until there is a painful confrontation (from back of book).

For such a small book, I wasn't expecting such an impact. I wasn't expective to love this book in every way possible. But I officially do. Laurie Halse Anderson has made her book stand out from all the others.

The topic of bullying and abuse is definitely not a new phenomenon in YA, but Speak really brings it to a new level. The way the story is told, from the perspective of a sarcastic and tormented young teen, is stunning. The comparisons she makes, her way of seeing the world, her feelings, her thoughts, are so exagerated but, oddly, also very real. I'm in love with the narration in Speak - here's a random passage that I believe is an example of this:

"Homework is not an option. My bed is sending out serious nap rays. I can't help myself. The fluffy pillows and warm conforter are more powerful than I am. I have no choice but to snuggle under the covers."

Not only is the writting extremely delicious, but the characters are so well-developed in such a small book. I've read books four times this length and have not taken the characters seriously like I did in Speak. Melinda's problems, while not very relatable to me, are a central part of the book and have a huge impact on her as a person. This is totally cliché, but I felt her pain. The author makes it so real that you don't second-guess her issues. You just accept it, and are disgusted by her treatment.

The ending of the book, right down to the last sentence, is too amazing for words. But even before that is the incredible climax that nearly brought me to tears! Not because of sadness, but because of Melinda's bravery and the fears she was overcoming by finally speaking. Every single moment in this book is pure perfection.

Recommendation: Everyone - adults and teens - has to read Speak. You haven't experienced everything this genre has to offer if you haven't had the chance to pick up this wonderful story. Read it - now!

Teaser Tuesdays (14)

2010-05-25T18:31:00.006-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
Be careful not to include spoilers!

- Share the title and author, too.

The Knife of Never Letting Go
by Patrick Ness

"It's weird, it is, hiding somewhere, in the trees or outta sight, a spot where yer ears and yer mind are telling you there's no Noise. It's like a shape you can't see except by how everything else around it is touching it. Like water in the shape of a cup, but with no cup."

I'm a few chapters into this book and I can already see why everyone likes it! I need to finish this post so I can continue reading - I'm at a very suspenseful part and I'm dying to see what happens.

Atlas of Unknowns by Tania James

2010-05-24T11:57:00.000-04:00

Published: 2009
Pages: 319
Genre: Fiction

In the wake of their mother's mysterious death, Linno and Anju are raised in Kerala by their father Melvin. When Anju wins a scholarship to a prestigious school in America, she seizes the opportunity, even though it means betraying her sister. Meanwhile, back in Kerala, Linno is undergoing a transformation of her own, rejecting the wealthy suitor whom her father has chosen. When Anju goes missing, Linno comes up with a scheme to procure a visa so that she can travel to America to search for her sister (From back of book).

Generally, I enjoy books about dark, scandalous family secrets. That's what I was expecting from Atlas of Unknowns, and I was waiting for something momentous to occur at each page turn. I was waiting, waiting, waiting, plowing through chapter after chapter... but nothing really happened.

Now, don't get me wrong - this is not a bad book by any means. James's writing is simple, at times dry, and at other moments very deep. The concept of the book itself is a good one: two sisters who are separated in different countries are struggling to find their place and come to terms with their family's past (which, by the way, isn't very shocking). I connected with the characters, I understood their issues, and I even cared about them. When I reached the end of the book, however, it felt as if something was missing. I didn't feel like anything was resolved, and I didn't feel any closure. I guess you could argue that the book is wonderful in its simplicity, but I wasn't feeling it.

I want to love this book. It's almost painful how monotonous it felt, because I know that Atlas of Unknowns isn't just any old piece of fiction. It has potential to be a masterpiece, if only it contained more twists, more emotion. To me, the raw elements that make a great book are here. They just need to be developed and be built upon to turn Atlas of Unknowns into a poignant and unforgettable novel.

Recommendation: It's hard to recommend this book to a certain group of people, because I know each person will be affected differently and take away different things. So if you see Atlas of Unknowns in the library, I suggest you give it a try. It didn't blow my mind, but it might blow yours.

In My Mailbox (13)

2010-05-23T09:16:00.001-04:00

Hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is where you share the recent books you've bought/received/taken out from the library.

I only have one new book this week (It was hard, but I refrained from going to the library) and it's a great one. Marce from Tea Time With Marce was too kind. All of the sudden she decided to buy some of her followers a book, just to say thanks. I thought that was very, very sweet of her! So this is the book that she bought me, and I can't tell you how excited I am to read it.

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood:
Oryx and Crake is at once an unforgettable love story and a compelling vision of the future. Snowman, known as Jimmy before mankind was overwhelmed by a plague, is struggling to survive in a world where he may be the last human, and mourning the loss of his best friend, Crake, and the beautiful and elusive Oryx whom they both loved. In search of answers, Snowman embarks on a journey - with the help of the green-eyed children of Crake - through the lush wilderness that was so recently a great city, until powerful corporations took mankind on an uncontrolled genetic engineering ride (from back of book).

You guys are probably tired of seeing me read Margaret Atwood books, but I can't resist not reading Oryx and Crake. I didn't know this, but it's the prequel to her newest book, "The Year of the Flood". What's in your mailbox this week? Feel free to leave a link so I can come visit.

Snapped by Pamela Klaffke

2010-05-21T15:46:00.008-04:00

Published: 2010
Pages: 248
Genre: Chick lit

At the helm of must-read Snap magazine, veteran style guru Sara B. has had the job for the past fifteen years of eviscerating the city's fashion victims in her legendary DOs and DON'Ts photo spread. Fueled by alcohol, nicotine and self-loathing, Sara launches into a cringeworthy but often comic series of blowups - personal, professional and private - that culminate in an epiphany. That she, the arbiter of taste, has made her living by cutting people down. And she's got to make amends (from back of book).

I saw this odd-looking book on the shelf of the library and decided to give it a shot. It looked kind of cute and I was in the mood for something light, so why not? After finishing the book last night, I'm on the fence in terms of liking the book or not. Allow me to elaborate.

It's not often that you read about a forty-year-old who acts like a young adult - drinking constantly, working for a fashion magazine, sleeping around, and questioning her purpose in life. I have to admit, it took a considerable amount of time for me to get used to Sara as a character, but I accepted her eventually. It also took a bit of time for me to sort out all the other characters, the relationships between them, and their place in the novel. That came eventually, too, and I was slowly but steadily falling into the pace of the book.

Pamela Klaffke has a unique voice for sure. Her sentences were usually quite long, lacking any commas or semi-colons in between. It worked, though, because Snapped is written from Sara's point of view. The language is sarcastic, often comical, and always entertaining. I can't speak from experience, but I would assume that Klaffke accurately portrayed the emotions and feelings of a middle-aged woman who is going through a difficult part in her life, and that's something I like about Snapped.

Despite the fabulous narration in the book, I simply could not comprehend why Sara was so pissed off towards life. Okay, the younger generation is re-inventing your idea of style. Fine, your assistant is sleeping with your friend. Sure, you've made a few mistakes. But who hasn't? That's no reason to quit your job. That doesn't mean you have to break up with your boyfriend. How Sara dealt with her issues didn't seem mature to me, and it didn't feel realistic either.

On the whole, Snapped was a cute book. Not a favourite, but I can't say that I'm sorry I read it. It was entertaining while it lasted, and was certainly very imaginative. Even though I didn't take Sara seriously, she had a distinct personality - a very refreshing one, that's for sure.

Recommendation: Looking for something different? If you enjoy these "self-discovery" chick lit type books, give Snapped a shot. It's not for everyone, but you might end up loving it!

The Tent by Margaret Atwood

2010-05-19T18:07:00.004-04:00

Published: 2006
Pages: 155
Genre: Short stories

The Tent is Margaret Atwood's highly imaginative new collection of mini-fictions. These vintage Atwoodian tales - monologues, pretend histories and autobiographies, animal fables, and condensed science fictions - speak to a broad range of subjects, reflecting the times we live in with deadly accuracy and knife-edge precision (from back of book).

In all honesty, I don't think I've ever read a collection of short stories. I mean, I've read some in school, but I've never had the desire to read a whole book full of them. For that reason I was a little hesitant to read The Tent, but I figured: "Hey, it's Atwood. It's gotta be good". And I was so, so right.

The stories in The Tent range from being a paragraph to a few pages, so you can generally say that they're the epitome of short stories. That's one of the reasons why I liked them so much, though; short and sweet, yet you can interpret them in a variety of ways. For example, the story "Bring Back Mom: An Invocation" is all about the role of the housewife in history, but it's also about the consequences that occur when we don't expect anything more from women. The story "Faster" is making fun of this current age when time cannot be wasted and people are concerned about efficiency and speed. Each and every story in The Tent has something to offer - whether it be a point Atwood is trying to make, or simply a whimsical, fantastical tale that transports you into another dimension.

If you haven't read any of Atwood's work, you might not understand when I say that her writing has a certain feel to it. To me, it seems almost childish at times, simple and innocent. But there's deliberate contrast when she writes about dark, even morbid topics. It's unexpected, and to me that's Atwood's signature style. Here's a great example:

"Chicken Little slammed Turkey Lurkey's office door, causing Turkey Lurkey's corkboard decorated with clever newspaper cartoons to fall to the floor. Then he took himself off to Goosey Loosey, his old roommate, who was now the editor of a major newspaper."

Along with some of Atwood's drawings scattered within the pages, The Tent is filled with mini-masterpieces that are sure to impress even her regular readers. Each tale is a jem, having the impact of a full length story.

Recommendation: Fan of short stories? You won't want to miss The Tent. If you're like me and have never touched this genre, don't be afraid. You cannot go wrong with Margaret Atwood!

Teaser Tuesdays (13)

2010-05-18T16:46:00.003-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

"We ate the birds. We ate them. We wanted their songs to flow up through our throats and burst out of our mouths, and so we ate them. We wanted their feathers to bud from our flesh. We wanted their wings, we wanted to fly as they did, soar freely among the treetops and the clouds, and so we ate them."

My teaser from last week was also from The Tent, and here's another. I love this passage - it's the beginning of a short story called, you guessed it, Eating the Birds. It's so strange, but I find it wonderful.

Citizen Girl by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

2010-05-17T16:09:00.003-04:00

Published: 2004
Pages: 306
Genre: Chick lit

Working in a world where a college degree qualifies her to make photocopies and color-coordinate file folders, twenty-four-year-old Girl is struggling to keep up with the essential trinity of food, shelter, and student loans. So when she finally lands the job of her dreams, she ignores her misgivings and concentrates on getting the job done... whatever that may be (from back of book).

After semi-enjoying The Nanny Diaries by the same authors, I decided to pick up Citizen Girl when I saw it at the library. I finished it yesterday, and can honestly say that it left me feeling a tad confused.

The book started out fine, despite having a main character named "Girl" which I found to be an odd choice. Nevertheless, I continued onwards and was getting into the book, enjoying Girl's misfortunes and happy moments. All of the sudden, though, I got lost. I can't remember the exact moment and I can't remember how, but it hit me - I have no idea what's going on anymore!

That's the truth. At some undefined moment during the course of Citizen Girl, I completey lost track. I didn't know what was happening, I didn't know who some of the characters were, and I didn't know why I was still reading. Usually when I feel this confused during a book I go back and try to make sense of it again. But Citizen Girl didn't feel worth the trouble, and I didn't even care.

Now that I look back, I think some of this is due to the extremely satirist and almost sarcastic writing style that these authors have. On occasion I couldn't even tell if what they were saying was true, or if it was simply a metaphor for something else. Some events in the story didn't make sense, and some of the characters felt out of place to me. Again, maybe I just wasn't comprehending enough. Maybe not.

In the end, Citizen Girl is certainly a strangely-composed book. The plot itself is 50% fun, chick lit pleasure, the other 50% is pure confusion. I'm sure some people really like McLaughlin and Kraus' writing style and can follow the story. But if you're like me, you'll find Citizen Girl to be a mish-mash of characters randomly shoved into a weak story line.

Recommendation: Fans of The Nanny Diaries might like to give the book a try. If you aren't familiar with these authors, I would steer clear.

In My Mailbox (12)

2010-05-16T10:00:00.001-04:00

Hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is where you share the recent books you've bought/received/taken out from the library.

Yesterday I visited the library to pick up some books that I reserved. They're all books that I read about on other blogs and have wanted to read for such a long time. Well, I have them now and can't wait to get started.

The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran:
The winds of change are blowing through Thebes. A devastating palace fire has killed the Eighteenth Dynasty's royal family - all with the exception of Nefertari, the niece of the reviled former queen, Nefertiti. The girl's deceased family has been branded as heretical, and no one in Egypt will speak their names. Nefertari is pushed aside, an unimportant princess left to run wild in the palace. But this changes when she is taken under the wing of the Pharaoh's aunt, then brought to the Temple of Hathor, where she is educated in a manner befitting a future queen (From back of book).

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness:
Todd Hewitt is the last boy in Prentisstown. But Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. There is no quiet, no privacy, no room for secrets. Or is there? Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee - whose thoughts Todd can hear, too, whether he wants to or not - stumble upon an area of complete silence. Which is impossible (From back of book).

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson:
From her first moment in Merryweather High, Melinda Sordino knows she's an outcast. She busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops - a major infraction in high-school society - so her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't know glare at her. She retreats into her head, where the lies and hypocrisies of high school stand in stark relief to her own silence, making her all the more mute. But it's not so comfortable in her head, either - there's something banging around in there that she doesn't want to think about. Try as she might to avoid it, it won't go away, until there is a painful confrontation (From back of book).

Yay, yay, yay! Don't those sound amazing? I'm sure many of you have read them, so let me know if you enjoyed them. Also, feel free to leave a link to your IMM post so I can come visit.

The bookmark countdown

2010-05-15T19:07:00.012-04:00

I seem to have developed a fascination with cute and interesting bookmark designs. So earlier today, I found myself browsing around the internet for some cool bookmarks! I thought it would be neat if I showed some of them to you, and I'm going to this in a countdown style from my favourite to least favourite.

NUMBER ONE:
The paintchip bookmark
Aren't these the cutest? They're oh so simple but I think they're ingenious. You can make a ton of them using all your favourite paint colours, and rotate with each book you read. I'm so going to Home Depot and stealing a bunch of their paintchips.

NUMBER TWO:
The "help me!" bookmark
I love this! Poor guy, getting stuck between the pages. At least he won't be bored, though! Haha... lame attempt at a joke. But anyways, I think this is a great design. I'm sure I've seen it before somewhere.

NUMBER THREE:
The liquid bookmark
Creepy, but cool. I think this is such a quirky idea, but I'm worried about how it covers a good portion of the front cover. If the book has an ugly cover, though, I have no problem using it! Apparently these bookmarks are hand-made and each one is original.

NUMBER FOUR:
The burning bookmark
So cool! But again, very impractical. I can see how that huge piece of fire would get in the way once you lay your book down. They're more fun than useful, but I can picture young kids being amazed by these and using them for their books. It was worth a mention.

NUMBER FIVE:
The butterfly bookmark
I'm pretty sure these are more on the paperclip side, but apparently you can use them as bookmarks. They're so pretty, yet they seem very delicate and it makes me wonder how well they would survive being squished inside a book.

So there you have it, my bookmark countdown! What's your favourite? When choosing bookmarks, do you go for design or practicality?

It's finally Friday

2010-05-14T21:15:00.005-04:00

Hey guys, sorry for the late-ish post! Hope you've all had an amazing week. I've been so, so busy recently, and it's only going to get worse. My exams are coming up soon, not to mention summatives in every class. Unfortunately that means that I won't have the same amount of time for blogging and checking up on your blogs, but I'll try my best to stay updated.

1) As you probably know, today is the Book Blogger Hop! Click here to visit crazy-for-books.com and join in. This is a wonderful way to discover some new book blogs and maybe gain a few new followers along the way.

2) I'm slowly but steadily getting through the book I'm reading, Citizen Girl. I'm hoping to have some time to read this weekend, so keep an eye out for my review coming up soon!

3) Last weekend I reserved some books from the library that I've been dying to read, and guess what? They've arrived! I'll be going to pick those up soon, so my IMM post on Sunday is going to be very juicy.

And that about sums up all I needed to mention. If you're visiting from the Hop, please don't be shy! Leave a comment telling me you were here. Make sure you have a fantastic weekend!

Curtain by Agatha Christie

2010-05-12T15:13:00.004-04:00

Published: 1975
Pages: 284
Genre: Mystery

Returning to the place where he solved his first murder, Captain Hastings is asked to join Hercule Poirot with his final case. Poirot, old and suffering from arthritis, tells Hastings that there's a murderer among their fellow guests that will soon strike again. While Hastings feels lost and confused, Poirot alone knows he must stop the murderer before it's too late.

You simply can't go wrong with an Agatha Christie murder mystery. The Curtain proved to be a dramatic and expertly put together story with an ending that I wasn't expecting at all! I know that's a common thing to say regarding this genre of book, but there was more than one surprise at the end. One of which nearly brought me to tears, amazingly enough.

The Curtain delivers exactly what you'd expect from a Christie book - a smart, simple and solid plot that is both entertaining and actually makes sense! In comparison to her other books, The Curtain isn't bursting with originality. But for some reason it feels special and important. That could be due to the fact that it is subtitled "Poirot's last case", and that's exactly what it is. Veteran Christie readers might feel a tinge of sadness while reading, because Poirot is portrayed as an old, frail and sick man. Do not fear, however! He's still a genius and has lost none of his lovable personality; the Poirot you know and love hasn't whithered away.

Even though I said the plot isn't extremely original, it's still engaging and leads you to believe that everyone could be the murderer. That's what I love about the book - you aren't sure who to trust, you aren't sure who is genuine. Enough clues are subtly given to you at regular intervals, but the rest is obviously up to you. If you decide to read The Curtain and think you've figured it out, I can almost guarantee that you're wrong in your assumption! The ending came as a huge surprise to me, and I think it's a wonderful yet shocking way to end Poirot's career. Curious yet?

As for Christie's writing style, I love it. She's not big on imagery or metaphors, but you truly get the feeling of English charm. Her writing is so proper and dainty - I can't get enough of it! It fits with the atmosphere perfectly.

Recommendation: I recommend this to experienced Christie readers simply because it's indeed "Poirot's last case". That brings along certain implications, so you should be familiar with her books before reading The Curtain. Other than that, have fun with it! I promise you'll enjoy every page.

Teaser Tuesdays (12)

2010-05-11T15:28:00.003-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

"I was given a voice. That's what people say about me. I cultivated my voice, because it would be a shame to waste such a gift. I pictured this voice as a hothouse plant, something luxuriant, with glossy foliage and the word tuberous in the name, and a musky scent at night."

This isn't actually the book I'm reading right now. Sadly, I just discovered that I left the book I am reading in my locker at school. What a tragedy! So, this week's teaser is from the book I plan on reading next.

In My Mailbox (11)

2010-05-09T16:00:00.007-04:00

Hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is where you share the recent books you've bought/received/taken out from the library.

After going days without visiting the library, I finally went today! I found some books that sound great, and I'm excited to show them to you all. Here they are:

Atlas of Unknowns by Tania James:
In the wake of their mother's mysterious death, Linno and Anju are raised in Kerala by their father Melvin. When Anju wins a scholarship to a prestigious school in America, she seizes the opportunity, even though it means betraying her sister. Meanwhile, back in Kerala, Linno is undergoing a transformation of her own, rejecting the wealthy suitor whom her father has chosen. When Anju goes missing, Linno comes up with a scheme to procure a visa so that she can travel to America to search for her sister (From back of book).

The Tent by Margaret Atwood:
The Tent is Margaret Atwood's highly imaginative new collection of mini-fictions. These vintage Atwoodian tales - monologues, pretend histories and autobiographies, animal fables, and condensed science fictions - speak to a broad range of subjects, reflecting the times we live in with deadly accuracy and knife-edge precision (From back of book).

Citizen Girl by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus:
Working in a world where a college degree qualifies her to make photocopies and color-coordinate file folders, twenty-four-year-old Girl is struggling to keep up with the essential trinity of food, shelter, and student loans. So when she finally lands the job of her dreams, she ignores her misgivings and concentrates on getting the job done... whatever that may be (From back of book).

Snapped by Pamela Klaffke:
At the helm of must-read Snap magazine, veteran style guru Sara B. has had the job - and joy - for the past fifteen years of eviscerating the city's fashion victims in her legendary DOs and DON'Ts photo spread. Fueled by alcohol, nicotine and self-loathing, Sara launches into a cringeworthy but often comic series of blowups - personal, professional and private - that culminate in an epiphany. That she, the arbiter of taste, has made her living by cutting people down... and somehow she's got to make amends (From back of book).

As you can see, I couldn't resist getting another Atwood out! But this time it's a collection of short stories, so that should be different. Have you read any of these? Did you like them? Also, feel free to post a link to your IMM post and I'll come check it out.

Lady Oracle by Margaret Atwood

2010-05-08T08:06:00.003-04:00

Published: 1976
Pages: 434
Genre: Fiction

Joan Foster is the frustrated wife of a political activist. Lady Oracle depicts her horrific childhood as an obese child, as well as the resentment of her mother who couldn't accept her. In her adult life, Joan starts to write gothic novels and attracts the attention of many men, including a blackmailing reporter who threatens to reveal her past. Joan flees the country and stages her death as she tries to leave her old life behind and start anew.

I'm a big fan of Margaret Atwood's novels, so when I saw Lady Oracle in the discount book store I couldn't simply walk away. After finishing the book a few short minutes ago, I've been convinced once again that Atwood is one of my favourite authors of all time. Here's why.

This is such a unique novel - from the writing, to the characters, to the story line. My curiosity played a big role in getting me involved with the book, and I think that's why it affected me like it did. I was completely drawn into its haunting and dark atmosphere and couldn't escape it. But, it wasn't a depressing book at all! I found the tone to be comical at times, and even sarcastic. Lady Oracle is so hard to describe in terms of a reading experience; it almost feels like a fairytale. It certainly isn't fantasy, but there's something lying between the pages that creates this magical feeling.

The main character, Joan, suffered a lot of pain as a child because of her obesity. Her mother would torment her almost like a child would, and this feeling of insufficiency certainly comes across in Joan's life as an adult. It's also very obvious when we get to read excerpts of Joan's gothic novels. Her characters subtly mimic what she felt as a child. And that's another reason why I liked Lady Oracle so much; it's basically a book inside a book. Atwood included snippets of Joan's novels throughout the main story, and they were extremely entertaining! I wish they were actual books; the stories are so whimsical, imaginative, and creative.

This goes without saying, but Atwood's writing style is by far one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I can't put my finger on it, but she has a specific way of structuring her sentences, and has such a strange but wonderful way of describing things. Even if the actual story drags on it doesn't matter - Atwood's exquisite, rich words are there to comfort you.

Recommendation: If you've read and enjoyed Atwood's books you must, must read Lady Oracle. But if you haven't, I still recommend this book to you! It probably isn't like anything you've ever read before, but don't let that scare you away. At the end of the last page, I can almost guarantee that you'll have found a new favourite author.

It's finally Friday

2010-05-07T17:10:00.004-04:00

Yesss... it's that time of week again! I'm looking forward to relaxing during the next few days, hopefully. I'm not loaded with school work for once, so maybe I'll take advantage of that. Anyways, I just have a few announcements:

1) As always, today is the Book Blogger Hop! Click here to visit crazy-for-books.com and join in on the fun.

2) I'm just a few chapters away from finishing Lady Oracle by Margaret Atwood. Make sure you check back sometime tomorrow for the review.

3) My library has been closed for the past four days (boo!) for some "system upgrades", so I haven't had the chance to take out some new books. I'm planning on doing that this weekend, so my IMM post on Sunday should be filled with some lovely stuff.

Have a fabulous weekend! Remember, if you're visiting from the Hop don't be shy - leave a comment telling me you were here.

My sad little bookless life

2010-05-05T15:57:00.005-04:00

Recently, I've been thinking. About what, you ask? No, not about what I'm going to do this weekend. And definitely not about my biology test coming up on Friday. I've been thinking about my life without books!

I see people all the time who don't read regularly, who have never picked up a novel, who spend their free time watching TV or doing other activities. What they do is none of my business, but I simply cannot process why someone would refuse to even try reading a book. Can you?

If I had no books in my life, I can say for sure that I'd be pretty bored. Now, I don't have all the free time in the world to read, but whenever I do I head straight to my favourite chair with a book. If I wasn't into reading, I'd probably be spending the vast majority of my time lying on the couch, indulging in the mind-numbing activity of watching TV. That's not necessarily a bad thing (in moderation), but when I have the choice of reading over doing something else, guess what I choose?

Reading has become such an essential part of my day that, when I don't have the chance to read before bed like I usually do, I feel incomplete. Even if I only get through a few pages before the book is literally falling from my hands, I still have to read. So, the moral of this post is that life without books would pretty much suck for me.

What about you? What would your sad little bookless life be like?

Teaser Tuesdays (11)

2010-05-04T17:04:00.005-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

"I planned my death carefully; unlike my life, which meandered along from one thing to another, despite my feeble attempts to control it. My life had a tendency to spread, to get flabby, to scroll and festoon like the frame of a baroque mirror, which came from following the line of least resistance."

These are actually the opening lines to the novel. I found it to be a very unique way to start, and it totally drew me in!

Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

2010-05-03T14:46:00.002-04:00

Published: 2003
Pages: 380
Genre: Memoir

Azar Nafisi is an English literature professor who lived in Iran during the time of its revolution. Expelled from her job at the university because she refused to wear the veil, Azar rounded up seven of her female university students and started a discussion group with them. Every Thursday, they gather to talk about the works of many popular authors and how the novels relate to their lives as women in Iran.

I'm not a usual reader of memoirs, so I was curious and somewhat excited to delve into this genre. I started this book with the assumption that I would be enjoying it very much, considering it's written by an English literature professor. I'm sad to say, though, that Reading Lolita in Tehran didn't live up to my personal expectations.

I must say that the summary (including the one I've written above) is a tad misleading. I thought that Azar's reading group would be the main focus of the novel, and as the reader we would be granted special access to sit there and observe the discussions going on. To a certain extent this was true - there were multiple instances where I got to read about the connections between Austen and the women's personal lives; between Nabokov and the Iranian revolution. But the bulk of the novel centered on the political turmoil going on, which is a topic that I don't enjoy to read about.

That being said, I also felt that it would have been useful to have a bit of Iranian history knowledge before attempting to read this book. Because I have none whatsoever, I consistently felt lost and confused! I skimmed through almost all of the passages about politics, which is a shame because that is what gives this book its foundation. I almost feel like doing some research about this topic and then picking up this book again, because I didn't fully grasp it and I really, really want to. Without a doubt, Reading Lolita in Tehran has potential - but not everyone will be able to appreciate it.

Recommendation: For those who are familiar with the politics going on in Iran, you'd be able to enjoy the book for sure. If you aren't a fan of non-fiction/memoirs and are not interested in this topic, I don't suggest you read it.

In My Mailbox (10)

2010-05-02T12:57:00.005-04:00

Hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is where you share the recent books you've bought/received/taken out from the library.

Once again, I didn't get that many news books this week. But, I did buy a couple for three dollars at this discount book store. They're both written by authors that I simply adore, so I'm excited to start them!

Lady Oracle by Margaret Atwood:
Joan Foster is the bored wife of a myopic ban-the-bomber. She takes off overnight as Canada's new superpoet, pens lurid gothics on the sly, attracts a blackmailing reporter, skids cheerfully in and out of menacing plots, hair-raising traps, and passionate trysts, and lands dead and well in Terremoto, Italy (from back cover).

Curtain by Agatha Christie:
Both Poirot and Great Styles have seen better days - but despite being crippled with arthritis, there is nothing wrong with the detective's 'little grey cells'. However, when Poirot brands one of the seemingly harmless guests as a five-time murderer, some people have their doubts. But Poirot alone knows he must prevent a sixth murder before the curtain falls... (from back cover).

After reading the summary of Lady Oracle, I can officially say that I'm clueless in terms of the plot. It's Atwood, though, so it's bound to be a good read. As for the Christie book - I'm in the mood for a good, solid mystery. Hopefully these two books will be enjoyable! What's in your mailbox? Feel free to leave a link so I can come visit.

Author Interview: Cynthia Roberts

2010-05-01T10:00:00.003-04:00

I'd like to welcome the romance author Cynthia Roberts, author of Wind Warrior, to Une Parole! Cynthia has been writing ever since she was a young girl, and has been reading romance for many years. Her passion lead her to start her own novel, and thus, Wind Warrior was born. Book two, Captive Heart, will be released this winter. She's also the very first author that I've interviewed - enjoy!

You started reading romance novels yourself when you were raising a young family. What made you finally become an author?

The passion was sooo inherent I just had to. I mean, ever since a Crayola was placed in my hand, I jibbered on paper. Sadly, life just got in the way and it has taken until my more mature years (chuckle chuckle ) before it was time for me. Then this light bulb went off. After all of the readings I had done, I suddenly realized I wanted to take a stab at it. I enrolled in a series of creative writing classes at my local community college and ... the writer in me was born.

Wow, it's great that you had the initiative to take those classes and follow your dream! Where do you find the inspiration behind your work?

You may not believe this one but, it just comes. It truly amazes me sometimes. I carry a little spiral tablet in my purse, keep one at my bedside and there's also another one between the front seats in my car. It just comes.

I admire people with that kind of creativity. Your book Wind Warrior focuses on the Native Indians living in the 1800s. What kind of research went into this?

Quite a lot. It was pretty extensive. This book came to life 19 years ago when my world started to fall apart and much of my research was done at the New York State Library. I not only wanted to be true to their customs, folklore and language, but educate my readers and pay them the respect they justly deserve.

It sounds like a lot of work and passion went into this novel! Describe the writing process for you. Where do you write? How often do you write?

I have a home office. I just can't get into laptops for some reason. Even though I can type more than 100 w.p.m. once I get going, on those, my fingers get all befuddled and I hit the wrong keys ... it's ugly. I invested in a good ergonomic keyboard for comfort try to devote at least 20 hours a week to my projects.

I have a playlist of 70 songs I entitled Pure Romance made up of some of my favorites like Perry Como, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Brian McKnight, Michael Bolton, Air Supply, Frankie Valle ... I let my boys croon to me while I write.

Interesting! I can see how music would help. Writing a book and getting it published is a long journey. What did you find most challenging?

Giving up. We all think we've written the next NY Times Best Seller. However, fate has a way of knowing when that time is right for you. I had so many road blocks and detours thrown at me, I needed to simply survive life's challenges before I could accomplish what was most important to me as a writer ... to have my readers feel an extreme range of emotions. When you've lived it, you can express it more deeply and passionately.

That's so true. I love it when authors' emotions come across in their work. What is the most rewarding thing about being an author - or, more specifically, a romance author?

Receiving a call, email or comment of praise from a reader. Up to that point all that you have is belief in your self and this burning desire in the pit of your belly to get published. And when that first time happens, it is sooo darn emotional. I actually fell to my knees and whimpered like a baby twice ... when I held the first printed copy in my hands and then when I hung up after my first true reader feedback phone call. There is nothing more gratifying than knowing that someone escaped into the world you created, felt and experienced the passion of your words. It just doesn't get any better than that.

Thank you for your time, Cynthia!

For more information:
- Cynthia Roberts' website
- Excerpt of Wind Warrior and Captive Heart
- Purchase Wind Warrior

It's finally Friday

2010-04-30T16:17:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone! It's that amazing time of week again - Friday! And to be honest, it couldn't come any sooner. I've been so busy with school recently that I barely had a chance to pick up my current read. Hopefully this weekend I'll get a good chunk of it done. Now, on to some announcements...

1) The Book Blogger Hop is on today! Click here to go to crazy-for-books.com and join in on the fun. You'll no doubt find some great new blogs and maybe gain some followers along the way.

2) My interview with the romance author Cynthia Roberts should be posted tomorrow. It's my first ever author interview, so I'd love to see what you think of it.

3) As I said before, I couldn't get much reading done so I'm only half way through Reading Lolita in Tehran. I'm going to estimate that my review will be posted on Monday, so make sure you take a peek.

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend! And if you're visiting from the Hop, don't be afraid to leave a comment letting me know you were here.

Coming soon: My first author interview

2010-04-28T18:08:00.003-04:00

Good news! An author interview with the romance novelist Cynthia Roberts will be posted within the next few days. Her newest book is called Wind Warrior, and she has recently been featured at 'Til we Read Again.

I'd like to get you all involved in this interview. If you have any specific questions you'd like me to ask Cynthia, feel free to post them in the comments.

It could be about:
- The book writing process
- An author's life
- The romance genre
- Tips for aspiring writers

Or anything else you may want to find out! Don't worry if there's nothing in particular you'd like to see answered - I'll come up with a good set of questions all the same. So, keep an eye out for this coming up soon!

Teaser Tuesdays (10)

2010-04-27T17:35:00.004-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

"I have asked you to imagine us, to imagine us in the act of reading Lolita in Tehran: a novel about a man who, in order to possess and captivate a twelve-year-old girl, indirectly causes the death of her mother, Carlotte, and keeps her as his little mistress for two years. Are you bewildered? Why Lolita? Why Lolita in Tehran?"

Daughters of Fortune by Tara Hyland

2010-04-26T15:30:00.000-04:00

Published: 2010
Pages: 567
Genre: Chick lit

William Melville's daughters are heiresses to the world's most exclusive fashion dynasty. Beautiful and rich, they are envied by all. But behind the glittering facade of their lives, each girl hides a dark secret that threatens to tear their family apart. As each of them seeks to carve out her own destiny, they face difficult choices which will take them in wildly different directions.

The moment I got this book in the mail from a contest at Bookalicious Ramblings I couldn't contain my excitement to get started. I was totally in the mood for a fun and light read, which is exactly what this book delivered.

Despite being a rather lengthy novel, Daughters of Fortune didn't seem like a burden. I didn't have to read just for the sake of making my way through the book. Every page was engaging, and there was constantly something important going on which held my attention. This is an all around entertaining, uplifting and fun book to read.

Something that I think contributes to the sheer entertainment factor is how the book switches from person to person to person - we read about Elizabeth, Caitlin, Amber, William, Isabelle, Katie, Piers, Lucien, Cole, and many other people. This format lends itself well to this particular book because we slowly gain bits of information about each of their lives, and we can piece it together. Daughters of Fortune is packed with scandal, secrets, and drama. Pure deliciousness.

I didn't find Hyland's writing to be outstanding, but it fit with the book. Even the most critical reviewer would most likely dismiss her relatively average style of writing and focus on the elaborate and unique plot that is being showcased. It's hard not to be concerned about the characters. It's hard not to follow the story line with enthusiasm. And most of all, it's hard to put the book down! I repeatedly found myself losing sleep and opening the book long after I forced myself to turn off the light. You have been warned.

Recommendation: I highly recommend this to readers of the chick lit genre, or to someone who is looking to enjoy a light but engrossing novel. You won't want to miss this one!

In My Mailbox (9)

2010-04-25T09:17:00.003-04:00

Hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is where you share the recent books you've bought/received/taken out from the library.

I only have one new book to show you all this week! Actually, it's not really new - I've had it sitting around for a while. But, I haven't talked about it yet so I figured I'd showcase it this week for my IMM post.

Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
For two years before she left Iran in 1997, Nafisi gathered seven young women at her house every Thursday morning to read and discuss forbidden works of Western literature. They were all former students whom she had taught at university. Some came from conservative and religious families, others were progressive and secular; several had spent time in jail. They were shy and uncomfortable at first, unaccustomed to being asked to speak their minds, but soon they began to open up and to speak more freely, not only about the novels they were reading but also about themselves, their dreams and disappointments. (From Goodreads)

So that's the book that I'm about to start reading! My review of Daughters of Fortune should be up tomorrow. What's in your mailbox? Feel free to leave a link.