Thursday, July 30, 2015

Guys Read: True Stories


Guys Read: True Stories
Jon Scieszka (Editor)
3.5 / 5

Published 2014

First Sentence
"Have you ever imagined what it would be like to grow up in Vietnam during a war, to hunt for tarantulas in the Amazon, to learn how to play the guitar using a wire from an old broom, to almost die canoeing down a wild Alaskan river?"
Publisher's Description:
Jon Scieszka's Guys Read anthology series for tweens turns to nonfiction in its fifth volume, True Stories. The fifth installment in the Guys Read Library of Great Reading features ten stories that are 100% amazing, 100% adventurous, 100% unbelievable—and 100% true. A star-studded group of award-winning nonfiction authors and journalists provides something for every reader, all aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Compiled and edited by real-life literature legend Jon Scieszka, Guys Read: True Stories is a mind-blowing collection of essays, biographies, how-to guides, and more, all proving that the truth is most definitely out there.

Supports the Common Core State Standards.

Dear Reader,

You'll have to take my rating of this book with a grain of salt: I am clearly NOT the intended audience for this book. But, since I had plans to pass it on to my sole nephew for when he grows a little older, I wanted to see what I was handing over! I figured it would be a quick read, and it was. I read the entire book except for the section on tarantulas, which I requested Troy read for me (he kindly did, and agreed it was a good idea for arachnophobic me to have avoided it at all costs).

Shelf Notes received copies of this book before last year's BEA, and unfortunately I did not have enough time to read it before our amazing interview with Jon. Our conversation with him quickly turned us into converts over an idea we had been somewhat uncertain about - we wondered why boys needed special books! But the website and book series' dynamic editor explained the founding principles so well that we were sold. (See the interview to understand his motivations!) However, I think it important to point out that I do hope the title also won't deter girls from reading what I think is a great collection of content.

The book itself was not something I would have probably gravitated towards when I was younger, "Guys" in the title or not. It took me years to even understand how non-fiction was not always as dry as our school textbooks, and while I usually love a documentary, it often takes a lot to get me to watch one over a fictional movie. So right away I was wary of whatever might be inside. But I really enjoyed the first chapter, which told the story of a shipwreck which left its men stranded in the Sahara - with so little water that they ended up having to drink their own urine to survive! Their daring in betting their lives on rescue was fascinating. (And I loved that there were ties to my home state, as well.) The second piece I read was a "graphic novel" take on the story of a man left for dead in the Wild West, which I also enjoyed (particularly the way it was framed, and the humorous quips throughout).  I was thrilled reading the life story of Muddy Waters and his influence on modern rock n' roll. And the story of Jumbo the elephant was great - having a sister who attended Tufts I knew of his final days, but I had no idea of his storied history before then!

The other stories won't stick with me as much: I found myself racing to get through the one about the men fishing and white-water canoeing, although I think it could really resonate with a young kid itching for adventure. Same with the piece on becoming a cartoonist, although I think it teaches a great lesson about how one can find a niche career in a field they love, even if it's not what they expected. I also enjoyed the story of the girl and her many brothers growing up in Vietnam, but I had forgotten it was included in the book until I re-read the table of contents. Same with the piece on the history of dental care, although I do think that would also really appeal to those who love gory medical procedures! The "uni-verses" piece just wasn't my jam, but it was a clever way to teach (and help a kid remember) certain physics concepts.

All in all, I think the book will have something to offer everyone - even if they don't take to the entire book - which is the entire point, I believe. The editor wanted a kid to pick up the book, find a piece that interested them, and perhaps look for a book where they could read more - or, if they liked the writing style, they could use the recommended reads section in the back of the book. All in all, I think this was a great project and an excellent collection - and I'd eagerly check out more books in this series!

Yours,
Arianna


Guys Read: True Stories

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Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Kitchens of the Great Midwest


Kitchens of the Great Midwest
J. Ryan Stradal
4 / 5

Published July 28, 2015

First Sentence
"Lars Thorvald loved two women."
Publisher's Description:
“Foodies and those who love contemporary literature will devour this novel that is being compared to Elizabeth Strout’sOlive Kitteridge. A standout.” —Library Journal (starred review)

Kitchens of the Great Midwest, about a young woman with a once-in-a-generation palate who becomes the iconic chef behind the country’s most coveted dinner reservation, is the summer’s most hotly-anticipated debut. 

When Lars Thorvald’s wife, Cynthia, falls in love with wine—and a dashing sommelier—he’s left to raise their baby, Eva, on his own. He’s determined to pass on his love of food to his daughter—starting with puréed pork shoulder. As Eva grows, she finds her solace and salvation in the flavors of her native Minnesota. From Scandinavian lutefisk to hydroponic chocolate habaneros, each ingredient represents one part of Eva’s journey as she becomes the star chef behind a legendary and secretive pop-up supper club, culminating in an opulent and emotional feast that’s a testament to her spirit and resilience.

Each chapter in J. Ryan Stradal’s startlingly original debut tells the story of a single dish and character, at once capturing the zeitgeist of the Midwest, the rise of foodie culture, and delving into the ways food creates community and a sense of identity. By turns quirky, hilarious, and vividly sensory, Kitchens of the Great Midwest is an unexpected mother-daughter story about the bittersweet nature of life—its missed opportunities and its joyful surprises. It marks the entry of a brilliant new talent.

Dear Reader,

Every time I picked this book up I actually disappeared into it. That is rare for me, someone who is always running a background train of thought in her head of all the things she needs to get done. But this book was the perfect summer read: I just flew through it! Essentially, it is the story of the life of a woman and chef extraordinaire, Eva Thorvald, told through the eyes of others - some close, some mere passing acquaintances. I found it fascinating, once I understood the concept, to wait and see how Eva might fit in with each character. I did find it a bit far-fetched that they all interconnected so well at times, but I’ll give the author some leeway for the sake of the story. 

I enjoyed every single viewpoint the book was written from; I thought it was such an intriguing portrait of the Midwest and its various walks of life. I actually think Eva, despite being something of the “main” character, was largely my least favorite. But her life story sure was engaging. 

Food didn’t play quite as much of a role in this book as I’d thought - or, I should say, specific foods didn’t. There were a handful of recipes thrown around (makes me wonder if they are the author’s favorites), but they don’t feature so much as they shape the story. Even Stradal agrees that this is more of a family novel than a foodie book, although I think it will appeal across many types of people. The exploration of family is particularly fascinating; the author examines what family really means, be it biological family, inherited family, or the family you create around yourself. 

If you are a How I Met Your Mother fan, the above video (and the book) have some great commentary on what the Midwest considers a “salad,” and harkens back to the Eriksen Family 7-Layer Salad….

Also, who knew that in the last few pages the book would introduce me to the most amazing McDonald’s ever, which is just down the road from me? How have I not heard of or seen this yet?!

So, clearly I am a fan. I look forward to seeing more from J. Ryan Stadal.

Yours, 
Arianna

P.S. I received a complimentary ARC of this book in the mail; the above is my honest review. 


Kitchens of the Great Midwest

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Monday, July 27, 2015

Delicious Foods


Delicious Foods
James Hannaham
4/5


Published 2015

First Sentence
"After escaping from the farm, Eddie drove through the night."

Publisher's Description:

Darlene, a young widow and mother devastated by the death of her husband, turns to drugs to erase the trauma. In this fog of grief, she is lured with the promise of a great job to a mysterious farm run by a shady company, with disastrous consequences for both her and her eleven-year-old son, Eddie--left behind in a panic-stricken search for her.

Delicious Foods tells the gripping story of three unforgettable characters: a mother, her son, and the drug that threatens to destroy them. In Darlene's haunted struggle to reunite with Eddie, and in the efforts of both to triumph over those who would enslave them, Hannaham's daring and shape-shifting prose not only infuses their desperate circumstances with grace and humor, but also wrestles with timeless questions of love and freedom.

Dear Reader,

I was not expecting this book to be what it is. I don't know why, but I had a vision in my head of how this novel was before even cracking the spine. I actually audiobook'd this... so all spines are still intact. I have to say though, you must audiobook this one.... if only because the Author, James Hannaham, does a fantastic impression of crack cocaine. Yep, you heard right. Crack cocaine is a main character, and a very strong one indeed. I was so enamoured by this excellent writing trick, I had friends and family listen to the first crack chapter. Every time I listened, I picked up something I missed. I would come to work feeling "energized" and "pumped up"... but not because I was high on drugs but from how AMAZING James Hannaham writes and reads that character, it makes you feel the buzz. No, it won't get you high... but I dare you to listen to that chapter and NOT be woken up.

I'm hard pressed to call this satire, even though I feel hints of it and have heard others call it that. I feel that the darkness looming over everyone is way too heavy to be satirical. Now, crack cocaine... that had humor. Eddie and his mother, that story is just downright sad.... a tragedy. I get a sharp pang thinking about them, I didn't cry but thinking back, it gets me a little emotional. Eddie, that poor boy who lost his father (fire) and then his mother (to drugs and delicious food) and had to find his own way to her. His story is heartwarming, sad and deeply tragic, warranting a book into itself. Eddie's mother, Darlene, holds a tragic story too. Her husband dies in a fire, she can't keep up with bills, she turns to drugs to self medicate and ends up (for lack of a better word) kidnapped by a corrupt company to slave drive them to "earn" their freedom. All this happens early on and we get set up for the "real" story. Think things can't get more tragic than that? Try again.

If you plan on reading this, I HIGHLY suggest audiobook format (the Author narrates his book perfectly). I would also plan on listening only during "light" days, this book can pull the darkness in a little and I could feel the storm clouds rumbling... don't make this mistake... it'll bring you down even more. But oh boy, is this book something... so much to discuss here, I could see this being a great contender for the TOB (Tournament of Books) next year (crosses fingers).

Happy Reading,
AmberBug

Delicious Foods

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Thursday, July 23, 2015

Footnotes 7/23 (AmberBug)


Footnotes - July 23rd


Hello Readers!

Remember that time I said I was adopting two dogs? Yeah, that happened then a fight broke out. Unfortunately for the safety of the submissive dog, we had to return the dog that attacked. It was terribly sad and I had a hard time feeling "okay" after that one. Now, we have the challenge of a dog that has been trying to gain "alpha" status and testing us at every turn. He has NO bite inhibition so that when he does "mouth" it HURTS! So far, dog ownership hasn't been great. I think we just need more time with him to get there. We shall see. The last thing we want is a dog attack on us or the cats. Ryder (his name) has had one session with the trainer (and us), so we might have to give it some time.

Enough dog talk though... let's talk about books "baby", let's talk about words "sexy", let's talk about all the good ones and the bad ones that I've seen. Let's talk about BOOKS, let's talk about bookssss.

Did I really just do that? Yes, yes I did. I'm leaving it... deal.

I've been audiobooking Neal Stephenson's "Seveneves" and really enjoying it... although it's LONG (32 hours I think). Anyways, I have a signed copy from BEA but I decided to use an audible credit with this one because I don't want to ruin my signed copy!!! 


I'm also reading (or maybe finished by the time this posts) "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates. I've been hearing excellent things about this one and I have a feeling it has a good chance to be a contender in the Tournament of Books next year. I've been picking what to read next this year based halfway on the belief that they might be Tournament books. I'm curious to see how many I've read by the time the final list comes out. I've been wanting to read more classics this year but it might not be in the cards this year - my obsession with the TOB has me devouring all the latest releases and ignoring blacklists and classics galore. Maybe I just need to get this out of my system... I tend to focus on something entirely (obsessed much?) and drop it like a hat after awhile. I'm sure this will be the same thing.   

Can we just talk about Harper Lee a bit? Those numbers?!? I want to say "I'm not surprised" but I kinda am! I guess it's nice to know that a book like that can gain as much momentum as 50 Shades can. Wouldn't you agree?


  

Happy Reading,
AmberBug

P.S. - I have these books waiting on my Kindle... which one would you recommend?

The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood (ARC)
In the Country by Mia Alvar
The Tsar of Love and Techno by Anthony Marra (ARC)
In the Woods by Tana French
Twain's End by Lynn Cullen (ARC)
City on Fire by Garth Risk Hallberg (ARC)
Offshore by Penelope Fitzgerald
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
Bad Marie by Marcy Dermansky
Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

April 2015 mini reviews



Mini Reviews
April 2015


Dear Reader,

Maybe it seems as if I haven't been reading much lately. That is decidedly NOT TRUE, but I have felt a little less eager to write long reviews (maybe it's the languorous summer days?), and I apologize for that! Amber gave me the great idea to write a single post about a few books that I've read but haven't reviewed this year. Please, no psychoanalyzing me! - I didn't choose to not review these for any specific or consistent reason. Sometimes it was because I was lazy. Sometimes it was because I was eager to crack the next book, and then I got so into it that I didn't recall what I had to say about the previous book. Sometimes? I just didn't have much to say about something I'd read, for whatever reason.

So, apparently April was a BAD review month for me. Perhaps that had to do with my travel to Minneapolis for work and the planning of Candy Picnic (Amber's and my annual joint birthday party extravaganza! - I can't even begin to explain the amazingness). Perhaps it was other reasons (anxiety, busy with work, etc.?). Whatever the case, here are a few I finished that month but missed mentioning!



The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
Haruki Murakami
4 / 5
I just could not bring myself to write a review of this book. There was so much to take in! I didn't love some of the magical realism (that is not really my jam), but I did love some of the characters and will not soon forget many of the stories which the book encompasses - especially those of the soldier in Mongolia.



Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1
G. Willow Wilson (Author), Adrian Alphona (Artist)
5 / 5
I'd been meaning to pick this graphic novel up for ages, particularly since I have the poster of Ms. Marvel in my office (it's actually a poster for ACRL 2015, but I loved it so much I had to put it up). It could only go unread so long when I was flying the Ms. Marvel flag! So of course once I picked it up, I flew through it. I loved the humor, the amazing female lead, and the cast of side characters. The story felt real, and feminist, and, well, super. I definitely plan to continue with this series.



Remains of the Day
Kazuo Ishiguro
4.5 / 5
I really loved this book. I actually started writing a review of it several times. It had so much to say - about regret, about time, even about the disappearance of the British gentry following WWII. I really enjoyed the feel of the book - it reminded me of a more serious version of a Wodehouse novel - and the strong characters. I have to say I might have rated it 5 stars except for the ending, but that is kind of unfair, and I might have to revise that. Gorgeous and heartbreaking prose.



Paper Towns
John Green
2 / 5
I read this in my hotel room in Minneapolis. I don't know why I keep trying to read John Green - apparently he just doesn't do it for me. Even though I like him as a person (his YouTube channel is pretty great) and even do like the premises of his book! But his characters seriously grate on me. They are too pretentious and FAR too full of themselves. I will die happy if I never hear the name "Margo Roth Speigelman" again, and boy did I want to punch that incredibly selfish girl in the face at the end of the book.

However, I did really like the concept of "paper towns" and the ideals behind the story itself - the main character was very sympathetic, and sounds like someone I would have wanted to be friends with in high school. And I understand very much dying to make a huge and life-altering change in high school! The world seems terribly narrow and impossibly huge at the same time. There was certainly a lot of beautiful sentiment in the book. It just didn't balance out enough for me, I suppose.



Off to Be the Wizard
Scott Meyer
4 / 5
Troy & I audiobooked this during several car rides. We loved it and laughed our heads off constantly! The narrator was also priceless. We still quote from or reference it from time to time, two months later. A totally worthwhile geek read.



A very ecclectic collection, huh? I am actually fascinated by what stuck with me from those books, even months later. Ah, I love books. (Could you tell?)

Yours,
Arianna


Thursday, July 16, 2015

The Strange Library


The Strange Library
Haruki Murakami
3 / 5


Published 2014

First Sentence
"The library was even more hushed than usual."
Publisher's Description:
From internationally acclaimed author Haruki Murakami—a fantastical illustrated short novel about a boy imprisoned in a nightmarish library.

A lonely boy, a mysterious girl, and a tormented sheep man plot their escape from the nightmarish library of internationally acclaimed, best-selling Haruki Murakami's wild imagination.

Dear Reader, 

This is a charming little fairy tale of a book. I can't tell if it had a moral to the story (and I very much dislike that it made the protagonist never want to return to his library!), but it was cute and entertaining and very endearing. Pretty much what one might expect from Murakami. I was intrigued by the artwork on almost every facing page in the book - it appeared to illustrate the story, but in a sort of abstract way. A truly beautiful book, though (also entirely what I've come to expect from Chip Kidd). The setup itself is so interesting: the reader folds back vertical cover flaps to get to the story. I found it odd to hold and somewhat difficult to read that way, but the concept was great. 

The book is so short that I don't want to speak too much about it for fear of giving away the entire thing! But I encourage anyone to go read it - it'll take you no time at all. I'd suggest it as a bedtime story, but...I worry it might deter children from going to the library ever again! And that is NOT something I want. (I wonder if Murakami had a bad experience in his own local library, and this is his retribution...?)

Yours,
Arianna


The Strange Library

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Monday, July 13, 2015

Footnotes 7/13 (AmberBug)


Footnotes - July 13th


Hello Readers!

I've been inspired to start a reading life journal from Katie at Bookish Tendencies. I know this is pretty common around the bookternet, and I've decided that I'm ready to join in. So digging right in....

Have you noticed a change to our site within the past year? We added a goodreads widget that shows what we're currently reading. Just thought I should point that out.
-Oh, you noticed I'm reading a book from Cesar Millan, the famous dog trainer? 
-Yes, I am.
-Why?
-Why else?!!?!?!?! I'm getting a dog! Okay, two dogs... crazy, I know. 
Just look at these two goofballs! Here's the thing... they aren't very well behaved... YET. They've been cooped up in kennels with less exercise than needed. They need to learn their P's & Q's (sitting, not jumping and no puppy mouthing) and I decided the best thing to do was RESEARCH! It's in our nature... us readers.

I'm also trying to come up with some fantastic names for these two... something that goes together. I love Holmes and Watson (for example) but don't think these boys fit for such distinguished names. What do you think? 

On another note, I've been in a reading slump lately (BookRiot did an article recently about this that really spoke to me). I just can't seem to find the book "I want" to read... and mostly this seems to drift me away from the stack of ARC's I picked up to read/review from #BEA15. I've taken down countless of books off my amazing bookshelves and flipped through them to only sigh and place them back. Maybe it's the stress of adding two new family members that has me overly anxious with my book selection. I'm handing off my feelings from picking a Furrever friend (as Marsha would say) to picking the next book to commit too. Please... slap me, I need to quit being overly dramatic. 


So, looks like that's all folks. That was kind of fun... I'm looking forward to sharing my "feeeelingsss" with you again, haha.  

Happy Reading,
AmberBug

Friday, July 10, 2015

East of Eden


East of Eden
John Steinbeck
5 / 5


Published 1952

First Sentence
"The Salinas Valley is in Northern California."
Publisher's Description:
Set in the rich farmland of California’s Salinas Valley, this sprawling and often brutal novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—whose generations helplessly reenact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel. Here Steinbeck created some of his most memorable characters and explored his most enduring themes: the mystery of identity; the inexplicability of love; and the murderous consequences of love’s absence.

Dear Reader,

When I was on the second leg of a flight to Miami at the very end of 2003*, my seatmate was reading this book and raved to me about it (I unfortunately cannot recall what I was reading at the time, although I am certain it was something not nearly as literary). I have had it on my to-read list (at the time, it was a pen & paper version that I carried around in my Filofax for years!) ever since. And boy, am I glad I finally got around to it!!! What a gorgeous epic of, well, epic proportions. This retelling of the Cain & Abel story was so masterfully done - although, would you expect anything less from Steinbeck? I loved his take on the tale, and how he made things work out in the end. This wasn’t quite up to par with The Grapes of Wrath for me (perhaps because it wasn’t quite so political, so I didn’t feel as if it had a motive other than the telling of a great story), but it was certainly nonstop enjoyable. 

Samuel Hamilton and Lee were by far my favorite characters. I wanted to just sit down and hang out with those two. They were down to earth and yet had these amazing views on the world. If you read the book for nothing else, read it for the passages where one of them discourses about the meaning of life. So worth it. 

I also just loved how Steinbeck inserted himself into the periphery of the novel, as if this was a story he himself had experienced firsthand as a child. He made it feel as if he had watched it happen to someone else, to a neighbor his family was familiar but not close with. His childhood interactions with the main characters made the story feel so much more real. What a clever device. 

Wikipedia says that Steinbeck used the novel as a vehicle for describing the Salinas Valley to his then-young sons. I find that fascinating, because yes, the Valley itself is almost another character entirely - it certainly informs the story and the movements of the characters, for better or for worse. I can see this book being an ode, a love letter, to the area -  its lushness and verdancy in good years, as well as its leanness and cruelty in bad ones. I was fascinated to see my home state of Connecticut feature in the book, as well - although clearly it is not a place that Steinbeck favors. 

Speaking of places, I also loved the title - the phrase referring to the location of the Land of Nod, where Cain was exiled after having murdered his twin brother. I was fairly unfamiliar with the Biblical tale going into the book, but luckily Steinbeck offers quite a thoughtful and thorough exploration of the story (and its various interpretations). This book becomes a study on the possibility of hope in the face of fate, and whether you are bound by the blood that flows through your veins. I truly loved it. 

Yours,
Arianna

* If you haven’t experienced New Year’s Eve while wearing a sundress, you must! (Yes, even those of you who don’t regularly wear sundresses...hehe.)


East of Eden

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Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Pretty Is


Pretty Is
Maggie Mitchell
3.5/5


Published July 2015

First Sentence
"Everyone thought we were dead."

Publisher's Description:

A fiercely imagined fiction debut in which two young women face what happened the summer they were twelve, when a handsome stranger abducted them

Everyone thought we were dead. We were missing for nearly two months; we were twelve. What else could they think? -Lois

It's always been hard to talk about what happened without sounding all melodramatic. . . . Actually, I haven't mentioned it for years, not to a goddamned person. -Carly May


The summer precocious Lois and pretty Carly May were twelve years old, they were kidnapped, driven across the country, and held in a cabin in the woods for two months by a charismatic stranger. Nearly twenty years later, Lois has become a professor, teaching British literature at a small college in upstate New York, and Carly May is an actress in Los Angeles, drinking too much and struggling to revive her career. When a movie with a shockingly familiar plot draws the two women together once more, they must face the public exposure of their secret history and confront the dark longings and unspeakable truths that haunt them still. Maggie Mitchell's Pretty Is beautifully defies ripped-from-the-headlines crime story expectations and announces the debut of a masterful new storytelling talent.



Dear Reader,

I really liked this book... up to a point. You know when you feel a story gaining speed but then it turns the corner and you realize you won't be feeling any loop de loop excitement... that was this book for me. This is not a bad book, at all. If anything, it was an entertaining read... but I wish Maggie Mitchell took the unexpected turn into the unknown instead of the predictable flat road. Let me start by giving you a little background. We meet Lois and Carly, two teen girls kidnapped by the same man. Both of these girls are from different parts of the country and don't know each other. Not only that, but after getting to know who they are, the girls don't seem to have much of a connection personality wise (maybe by being opposites).

The cool part about this book is the puzzle... which isn't "what happened?" but "why?" Why did this man kidnap two girls with completely different personalities? The Author completely divulges all secrets and shows us a very ordinary interaction between everyone, which has the reader begging to know WHY? This man isn't sexually assaulting them, he isn't hurting them, he isn't doing much of anything really. Both of these girls grow up to wonder that same question... why? Why them? This story is told between the girls, back and forth and through time. Unfortunately, something that had the promise of being complex and different... didn't end up that way. I saw it coming... and it shouldn't have gone that way. However, the Author picked that ending, and the reader must live with it. This doesn't belittle the rest of the book into being unworthy of attention. I would gladly recommend this book, especially because of the unique storytelling that happens throughout. I hope you get a chance to check it out and tell me what you thought.

Happy Reading,
AmberBug

P.S. - Leah from Books Speak Volumes has an excellent review of this book that mirrored my sentiments exactly (using better words). ;p


Pretty Is

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Monday, July 6, 2015

The Girl on the Train (Review by AmberBug)


The Girl on the Train
Paula Hawkins
3 / 5


Published 2015

First Sentence
"She's buried beneath a silver birch tree, down towards the old train tracks, her grave marked with a cairn."

Publisher's Description:

A debut psychological thriller that will forever change the way you look at other people's lives.

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?

A compulsively readable, emotionally immersive, Hitchcockian thriller that draws comparisons to Gone GirlThe Silent Wife, or Before I Go to Sleep, this is an electrifying debut embraced by readers across markets and categories.

Dear Reader,

Before you get all involved with my review, check out what Arianna had to say here.

What can I say? I wasn't that impressed. Arianna clearly nails it dead on when she talks about hype and getting overly excited for a book. Clearly this book could never live up to that, and nor would any... the hype for it was astronomical. With that said, I tried to forget what everyone else has said and told me and read the book for myself. It was a suspensive book that was mainly plot driven. I didn't connect with any of the characters, and all the females blended into one giant blob for me.

I'll start with what I liked about the book. I enjoyed the setting, voyeurism from a train, how scandalous! I loved the obsessive nature the main character had brewing for her ex, that kept building beautifully. I even liked the layer of blackout drinking - a "what did you do last night" that gave her that unreliable narrator title I love so much. I read this super quick and can't deny that it held my interest from start to finish, but...

What the heck was the Author thinking when she wrote all the female characters? She has three women all of weak minds, and there isn't much distinction between them (especially the longer you read). Was this done on purpose? If so, I couldn't think of a reason why. This was even pointed out with a main character, stating how similar all the women are (don't want to say much more) but this was my biggest gripe with this book. All the females ended up having the same voice in my head. Even though the main character had a few distinguishing characteristics, they were all negative, like her blackout drinking and her complete nutcase personality. Yes, she is unreliable and I love that, but it bothered me when I couldn't tell the difference between her and the other two girls - at least the title chapters had the name (which I kept referencing).

Overall, I was pretty disappointed. Once the "big reveal" happened, I started to read a little faster, knowing that the tight wrapped up ending was coming and I kept glancing at the stack of books I was going to read next. It was a little of, "Okay, thanks for the fun little mystery, now I need to finish you and pick out the next one". Don't get me wrong, it was entertaining and a very quick read (I couldn't put it down - as they say). I just require a little more than plot to keep me captivated to the very last word. If I didn't care that much of what happens to the characters in the final showdown, maybe the Author didn't develop them enough for me to feel invested.

Happy Reading,
AmberBug


The Girl on the Train

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Friday, July 3, 2015

The Chalice


The Chalice
Nancy Bilyeau
2.5 / 5


Published 2013

First Sentence
"When preparing for martyrdom on the night of December 28, 1538, I did not think of those I love."
Publisher's Description:
It was a time of fear. It was a time of prophecy. It was a time for one woman to show a courage she never knew she had...
Winner of the Best Historical Mystery Award from the RT Reviews, 'The Chalice' is a thriller told from the point of view of a young woman caught in the crosswinds of time: She has pledged to become a Dominican nun in an England ruled by Henry VIII, who has ruthlessly smashed his country's allegiance to Rome. By 1538, the bloody power struggles between crown and cross threaten to tear the country apart. Joanna Stafford has seen what lies inside the king’s torture rooms and risks imprisonment again, when she is caught up in a shadowy international plot targeting the King. As the power plays turn vicious, Joanna understands she may have to assume her role in a prophecy foretold by three different seers, each more omniscient than the last. The life of Henry VIII as well as the future of Christendom are in her hands—hands that must someday hold the chalice that lays at the center of these deadly prophecies. As she struggles to forge a life for herself in a country that rejects her faith, she must also decide if her future should be shared with a man--and if so, which of the two men who love her should be chosen.

Dear Reader,

Meh. I had really enjoyed the adventure story of The Crown, the first in this series, but was hugely disappointed by the follow up. I think that might, however, had had a lot to do with format this time - while I didn’t dislike the narrator’s voice in this audiobook, I really didn’t enjoy her inflection. I felt as if she portrayed Joanna Stafford as rather ditzy, and that ruined a lot of the book for me. At times when I think the author might have intended Joanna to sound wise and perhaps a bit jaded, the narrator made me think she was a wide-eyed ingenue. Who knows - maybe that was how she was supposed to sound. But a few times I found myself repeating a line in my own head, in a different tone of voice, and realizing that while the main character had sounded rather idiotic narrating the words, taken in a different way she could have just sounded world-weary. I wish I could come up with a good example - I am thinking specifically of a time when Joanna was holding the chalice and saying her action was “unprecedented.” The narrator makes her sound like “oh my gosh, I cannot believe I did such a thing!” whereas I think had I read this in print, I would have thought she was simply stating a hard truth. Does that make any sense? I was really bothered by that, particularly because perhaps were I to reread this book in print, I could have really enjoyed it. But, eh, probably not. I don’t think the story could have saved itself from a bad narration. 

It was neat, however, to see Cromwell and his cronies from another angle, after having finished Wolf Hall a short time ago. I hadn’t recalled that The Crown was a story about Henry VIII until I picked the story back up in The Chalice (it’s been a few years; forgive me my memory!). To see a historical figure I had come to respect in Mantel’s novel so despised by the protagonist in this one was quite interesting. 

Again, though, even the historical aspects of the book didn’t hold my interest enough. I wasn’t ever sure I once felt invested in the outcome of the story. I found myself wanting to finish only to be done with it already, not to resolve any of the story lines. I really enjoyed Bilyeau’s first novel, and I would still recommend it. However, I just felt her second did not live up to expectations, unfortunately. I will continue to keep an eye on her clever and unique work - but I probably won’t finish out this series. 

Yours,
Arianna


The Chalice

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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Scarlet


Scarlet
(The Lunar Chronicles #2)

Marissa Meyer
4/5


Published 2013

First Sentence
"Scarlet was descending toward the alley behind the Rieux Tavern when her portscreen chimed from the passenger seat, followed by an automated voice: 'Comm received for Mademoiselle Scarlet Benoit from the Toulouse Law Enforcement Department of missing persons.'"

Publisher's Description:

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison--even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive. 

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

Dear Reader,

I enjoyed this book so much, even right after reading Cinder. I know I was a little harsh with Cinder but this series is growing on me and is starting to meet my expectations of what I want from a book. This one follows the story of Little Red Riding Hood, but completely twists it around. I think the Author did a much better job staying away from that linear approach she followed with the first book. Yes, the main character Scarlet has Riding Hood written all over her and she is searching for a lost Grandmother, plus she meets a guy nicknamed "Wolf" who might be connected to the missing Grandmother. However, you get a completely different story, she twisted it so much that the only recognizable things had to do with the characters themselves. I loved that.

Scarlet is also set in France, which I found a little more comfort in. I don't know why but when reading Cinder, I didn't connect with the setting at ALL. Where was Cinder located? I almost felt like it was an alien planet. The setting brought me back to more of a futuristic Earth (which is what I think the Author was going for). My friend told me recently (Hi Marsha) that the Author used these countries (China for Cinder and France for Scarlet) because that is where the origin of the fairy tale originated. I thought that was pretty neat and clever.

This book also feels a little more rough, almost like a mystery splashed with western but set in a futuristic land, space cowboy? I was digging it. We have rebels, outlaws, gangs, kidnapping but it all tied down to the cliffhanger in Cinder perfectly. I liked how the Author connected two very different storylines and characters but made it feel very believable. I was also happy to see that Cinder got quite a bit of page time in this one - the cyborg is not forgotten! I can't wait to see what happens next but after all the books I took home from BEA and all the ARCs that have been backing up on my Kindle... I need to take a break and come back to this. I hope it doesn't ruin it for me but I'd also love to finish the last half of the series in one giant chunk (sometime when Winter comes out).

Happy Reading,
AmberBug

Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2)

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