The Girl on the Train

The Girl on the Train Paula Hawkins 3.5 / 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 Girl, The Silent Wife, or Before I Go to Sleep, this is an electrifying debut embraced by readers across markets and categories.
Dear Reader, Augh, another too-hyped book that I found to be a letdown! I have to stop getting myself so excited for these books! Ninety-nine percent of the time, they don't live up to their accolades. (But at least there are those who do, and they often make up for the others.) Don't get me wrong - Troy can attest, I couldn't put this book down all weekend, nor could I stop talking about it. But! I felt like the "big reveal" was rather predictable much earlier on, and that the whole rest of the book was kind of...pointless. I didn't need to know that much about how everything wrapped up. I just needed to know the how & the why. I loved the premise of this book - hearing about it on a webinar last November, I was eager to pick it up, imagining a modern-day Rear Window (one of my favorite Jimmy Stewarts). And it started off with a ton of promise, as the reader got to know Rachel's sad life (and indulge in a little schadenfreude). We could understand the frustration & helplessness she felt (especially those of us who had been through that situation, in one form or another). We sympathized with the situation she found herself in, and could see why she would want to allow herself the escape of becoming a bit too nosy about the life of  another couple ("the perfect couple"). That she didn't know them at all just made it easier for her to invent perfection. So when things go downhill quickly for "Jess & Jason", it makes sense that Rachel feels a connection to them, a responsibility to help out where she can. I enjoyed how the book flipped between the narration of three women, all of whom were tied together through Rachel. Their unique voices helped shape the story, and seeing things from their perspectives really changed my sympathies and alignments as time went on. I was solidly pro-Rachel the whole book, but felt various amounts of sympathy for the other two. I think this book is great for those who enjoyed Gone Girl and Before I Go to Sleep and other similar thrillers; it certainly is engrossing and a great weekend read! I just...wasn't all that won over by it, in the end. Unfortunately! Yours, Arianna

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Great House

Great House Nicole Krauss 3.5 / 5	Published 2010 First Sentence "Your Honor, in the winter of 1972 R and I broke up, or I should say he broke up with me."
Publisher's Description: A powerful, soaring novel about a stolen desk that contains the secrets, and becomes the obsession, of the lives it passes through. For twenty-five years, a solitary American novelist has been writing at the desk she inherited from a young poet who disappeared at the hands of Pinochet's secret police; one day a girl claiming to be his daughter arrives to take it away, sending her life reeling. Across the ocean in London, a man discovers a terrifying secret about his wife of almost fifty years. In Jerusalem, an antiques dealer is slowly reassembling his father's Budapest study, plundered by the Nazis in 1944. These worlds are anchored by a desk of enormous dimension and many drawers that exerts a power over those who possess it or give it away. In the minds of those it has belonged to, the desk comes to stand for all that has disappeared in the chaos of the world-children, parents, whole peoples and civilizations. Nicole Krauss has written a hauntingly powerful novel about memory struggling to create a meaningful permanence in the face of inevitable loss.
Dear Reader, When I was done with it, this book forced me to sit down and write out a summary of each section so that I could try to more fully comprehend what had just happened. I don’t even know where to start writing this review! It was a gorgeously-written but incredibly complex book, laden with nuances that the reader is never sure whether the author intended. Oy. Luckily, I read this one for my book club, so I was able to sit down with the group and realize that I was not the only one confounded and frustrated by the story! It was funny, because the book would take me some time to pick up, but whenever I did, I found myself flying through, captivated by the beautiful writing. (The character's situation in the first chapter really resonated with me, which initially drew me in.) Overall, it felt like it took me a little while to read, but I did enjoy the process of doing so. However...the reader is left with so much mystery at the end! It was initially very frustrating, and I wanted to rate the book really low in spite of the prose.  It certainly helped to talk the book over with others, though, and to give it some time to sink in. I was glad to learn I wasn’t the only one who had felt confounded, almost swindled by the author! As if we were missing a huge chunk of something that would make the entire story fall into place. However, we came to realize over the course of an hour (and sometimes heated discussion!) it isn’t quite necessary that the book have that sort of closure. The book stood well enough by itself, and most of us agreed it was certainly worth reading.  We discussed also how the author had published versions of the first section as a standalone short story in a couple of publications prior to fleshing it out into a book, and we agreed that that first story really did stand pretty well on its own. We also learned that Krauss had admitted to often being tired & distracted while writing the novel, because she was pregnant at the time. This could also have explained some of the readers’ confusion - but we thought a good editor would have helped if that were truly the problem.  The book club discussed some excellent things: we talked about how every character seemed tortured and unable to move on; we commented on the similarities between the regimes of Hitler and Pinochet; we discussed the very Jewish sensibility of this book, and how ultimately all anyone wanted to do was tell their stories, and be remembered by them. One group member said “story as legacy,” which I think sums the book up nicely. The book touches on estranged parent/child relationships, loss (and the need to hold onto something), writing as catharsis, and the fragility of memory. It was complex and dense at times, and ultimately a very rewarding read (especially after our discussion). So my overall impression is that I think it gives the reader a lot to take away, and I ended up rating it quite a lot higher than I would have when I first closed the book. It makes me so grateful to be able to participate in such a thorough & multifaceted discussion group - and often be introduced to books I might not otherwise have ever encountered! Yours, Arianna

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The Fold

The Fold Peter Clines 4/5	Published June 2015 First Sentence "'I just don't think it's that good,' said Denise."
Publisher's Description: STEP INTO THE FOLD.  IT’S PERFECTLY SAFE. The folks in Mike Erikson's small New England town would say he's just your average, everyday guy. And that's exactly how Mike likes it. Sure, the life he's chosen isn’t much of a challenge to someone with his unique gifts, but he’s content with his quiet and peaceful existence. That is, until an old friend presents him with an irresistible mystery, one that Mike is uniquely qualified to solve: far out in the California desert, a team of DARPA scientists has invented a device they affectionately call the Albuquerque Door. Using a cryptic computer equation and magnetic fields to “fold” dimensions, it shrinks distances so that a traveler can travel hundreds of feet with a single step. The invention promises to make mankind’s dreams of teleportation a reality. And, the scientists insist, traveling through the Door is completely safe. Yet evidence is mounting that this miraculous machine isn't quite what it seems—and that its creators are harboring a dangerous secret. As his investigations draw him deeper into the puzzle, Mike begins to fear there’s only one answer that makes sense. And if he’s right, it may only be a matter of time before the project destroys…everything. A cunningly inventive mystery featuring a hero worthy of Sherlock Holmes and a terrifying final twist you’ll never see coming, The Fold is that rarest of things: a genuinely page-turning science-fiction thriller. Step inside its pages and learn why author Peter Clines has already won legions of loyal fans.
Dear Reader, I feel like I just left an amusement park, this book was SO much fun. It was chock full of everything I love... science fiction, adventure with a twist of horror. Going into the book, I was under the impression that this was strictly Sci-Fi and would be a fun little romp through teleportation and what not. Not the case. This jumped over that into a story that became complex enough to keep the attention of the intelligent reader but brought the comedy and horror for those of us who crave a nice merge between the two. Clines does this seamlessly, the action doesn't really get going until the middle of the book and you won't see too much horror until the end, but I promise you... it's worth it. I love the main character, Mike, as unbelievable as he is. I'm not sure if someone like him actually exists out there but it was a very clever (or cop-out) device the author used to resolve many of the mysteries. Let me explain, this guy... he has more than a photographic memory, he has the IQ of Einstein and a unique ability to remember EVERYTHING he's ever learned, experienced and seen. I know somewhere in the book Clines mentioned a name for this *ability?* but I didn't note or bookmark it (bad Amber). I'd be interested to go back and look into it and see if he modeled it after a true case or just made it up from existing cases all rolled into one. No matter what, I think everyone will agree it gives the character something unique and will keep the reader curious enough to want to learn more (plus a little jealous, I know I was). Not only does 'Mike' have this crazy ability but he also has a great sense of humor, which is much needed in such a heavy scientific setting. I always find the inclusion of some comedic relief greatly appreciated in these types of books. I'd also say that "The Fold" is VERY accessible and would appeal to pretty much about anyone willing to give it a shot. It might be the perfect book to introduce a reader into the sci-fi genre. Peter Clines has done an excellent job keeping the setting within our time period by sprinkling tons of pop culture references throughout. I love when an author does that and it reminds me of books like "Ready Player One", "The Martian" and a few others recently published that could be compared (even though they fall into different genres). I appreciated all the geeky shout outs, Clines knows his readers and definitely gives them a little "somethin', somethin'". I'm super tempted to write more about what the book is about but I feel that the pace of the book stops me from doing so. You really don't get the reveal of how "The Fold" works or what it is until a good chunk of the way in. I was happy I didn't know, and I want my readers to have that same experience. However, I do want to caution those of you who don't like scary/messy bits - because this book has some of those. Not a ton... but maybe enough to shy away the easily scared. Other than that, I would definitely recommend this to anyone, Clines is now on my radar as an entertaining author who can be trusted to deliver an adventurous romp into the unknown. Happy Reading, AmberBug

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The Buried Giant

The Buried Giant Kazuo Ishiguro 3/5	Published 2015 First Sentence "You would have searched a long time for the sort of winding lane or tranquil meadow for which England later became celebrated."
Publisher's Description: "You've long set your heart against it, Axl, I know. But it's time now to think on it anew. There's a journey we must go on, and no more delay..." The Buried Giant begins as a couple set off across a troubled land of mist and rain in the hope of finding a son they have not seen in years. Sometimes savage, often intensely moving, Kazuo Ishiguro's first novel in nearly a decade is about lost memories, love, revenge, and war.
Dear Reader, I'm going to have trouble with this one, writing the review and trying to piece together the puzzle my brain is in. Ishiguro is well known and I've been wanting to read something by him for a long time now. I thought, 'hey, why not this one?', well... I now I have an answer to that question. I made a mistake and realize I need to read one of his more well known books, "The Remains of the Day" or even "Never Let Me Go" with a little hesitation. Am I the person for Ishiguro? Maybe I'm missing something? I hate being left out! For those of you who don't know, this is Ishiguro's latest novel and was hyped up because of his fanbase and past success. I've heard through the grapevine that many of his fans felt let down by this book, which has me breathing a sigh of relief. Maybe there is nothing magical to get in this one? Or maybe it is SO subtle that it flew right over my head (which is much better than not being able to understand). The book was stuffed full of anecdotes and ponderings over memory. I pretty much took away that this book was dealing with memory and loss of memory in its entirety. The setting of the story (although exciting and fantastical) gave the story too much pull in the wrong direction for me. I wanted more adventure, more excitement, less of the boring bits. The characters are losing their memories little by little throughout the book, when they finally figure out why... we get fascinating interaction between the two (trying to remember and yet learning to fill in those gaps). This book did make me reflect on how much would change if certain memories were plucked from my brain. I love this concept and felt very strongly to it while watching, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" but for some reason, when you add dragons, woodland creatures and King Arthur, the last thing I want is to overly think about psychology or the brain (fascinating as that is). Now, I love me some fantasy and this hit many of those itches - the boatman of death, King Arthur, dragons, lore... but the story held back a little. I remember thinking that maybe Ishiguro wanted to create a story set in this land but of the normal folk, the boring folk... then they introduced another group of characters and that ruined that theory for me. I was much more attached to the older couple than any of the others. I wish it would have stayed with them throughout the story. I'm going to stop here because I'd rather not give too much away but I do want to mention how charmed I was listening to this audiobook and hearing the husband call his wife "princess" all the time, it gave me girly butterflies. Happy Reading, AmberBug

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The Farm

The Farm Tom Rob Smith 3.5/5	Published June 2014 First Sentence "Until that phone call it had been an ordinary day."
Publisher's Description: If you refuse to believe me, I will no longer consider you my son. Daniel believed that his parents were enjoying a peaceful retirement on a remote farm in Sweden. But with a single phone call, everything changes. Your mother...she's not well, his father tells him. She's been imagining things - terrible, terrible things. She's had a psychotic breakdown, and been committed to a mental hospital. Before Daniel can board a plane to Sweden, his mother calls: Everything that man has told you is a lie. I'm not mad... I need the police... Meet me at Heathrow. Caught between his parents, and unsure of who to believe or trust, Daniel becomes his mother's unwilling judge and jury as she tells him an urgent tale of secrets, of lies, of a crime and a conspiracy that implicates his own father.
Dear Reader, The Farm is one of those books that put you on teeter totter, one minute you start to believe and the next you become skeptical. I'm getting a little tired of the "big reveal" mystery, which I think has become really popular after "Gone Girl" hit the big time. I would like to say that this book gave me something different to latch onto, and it did, but just barely. For most of the readers who still crave those thrilling mysteries, this won't disappoint. The story is told through Daniel and his mother, who has turned to him for safety after suffering from a breakdown in Sweden. She believes her Husband, Daniel's father, has sided with some locals and is no longer to be trusted. She hopes that Daniel will listen to her story with open ears (believing that he'll save her from those coming after her). The plot slowly develops as the story gets unraveled. We hear the story the way Daniel does, in slow progression with all the events in order. As much as I like the clarity the story has when told in chronological order, it loses some of that suspense when you don't know some of the consequences. I was pulled into the story more by the language and detail the Author provides. While not poetry, the Author gives us great picturesque settings and paints the characters very clearly. One of the hardest things for me to do while reading this was to remain subjective. As the mother started ranting out things that sounded a little crazy, all I could relate this to was from my personal experiences with my own mother. I don't want to go into that much but I do have personal experience with having a family member who has experienced mental confusion, paranoia and other related issues. I know how it feels to question the facts and be torn because a parental figure is a leader, one you trust and believe, which makes questioning things that much harder. I could really relate to what Daniel was going through and I felt even more connected to the character than I thought. I tried to look at things objectively, like Daniel but found that very difficult. I was pretty convinced that his mother had lost her mind. After pondering over the book while writing this, I've realized that I was more impressed with it than I thought I was. The biggest downfall is the pace of the book, I know that a few nights I fell asleep during a sentence which only happens when I get bored. But to be fair, this happened to me during some of my favorite books of all time, like "Les Miserables". I believe you can have boring parts in a good book! I believe that's the case with this one... it wasn't bad, no... it was actually pretty good, but I just didn't devour it like most books in this genre. I would suggest you go into reading this book when you have a little more brain power for it. This won't be a beachy thriller, this will be more of a thinker. Happy Reading, AmberBug P.S. - I received this title free from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley for this review.

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