*** 3 stars
It was hard for me to buy the underlying set-up of this book; that a fairly reasonable, responsible guy would allow a bachelor party of this nature in his own home. But you do have to buy into that so the moral or the message of the story can be driven home, I guess. It's not a pleasant book, that's for sure, but it kept me interested. I'm not sure it was as effective at generating outrage as maybe the author hoped. I felt a little disconnected to the characters. It was just an okay read.
Saturday, January 23, 2016
China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
*** 3 stars
Maybe the novelty wore off a little bit as I found this book to be not quite as fast-paced and madcap as Crazy Rich Asians. It was still a lot of fun though and I enjoyed it. Definitely worth a read!
Maybe the novelty wore off a little bit as I found this book to be not quite as fast-paced and madcap as Crazy Rich Asians. It was still a lot of fun though and I enjoyed it. Definitely worth a read!
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Finding Jake by Bryan Reardon
** 2 stars
Ugh. Okay, there was a pretty interesting concept buried in this book and I have to admit I read it really quickly. It definitely captured my interest. It might have helped that I was "trapped" in a cold car with a flat tire for about an hour!
Anyway, the book suffers from a couple things. First, the inevitable comparison with the far, far superior (and very hard to read), We Need to Talk About Kevin. Similar themes of parenting a difficult-to-understand child. But Shriver is a far better writer for one thing. I found the writing here to be quite clunky and repetitive.
Second, and really a quibble, but one I've seen other readers mention. There's no reason to name the character "Jake" and title the book "Finding Jake" which kept putting me in mind of the (again) much superior book "Defending Jacob". That book, too, was told mainly from the father's point of view. And, once again, was a much stronger book.
Ultimately, this was a disappointment because I thought the conclusion was actually pretty creative but it got lost in so many problems with the book. When I read (skimmed) the author's afterword, I wasn't convinced he managed to effectively expose his themes in the book. Being a stay-at-home dad, for instance, isn't quite the weird thing he seems to think it is. And the exploration of introverted people was not really fully realized. I think the book was a just a little too ambitious for this author.
Ugh. Okay, there was a pretty interesting concept buried in this book and I have to admit I read it really quickly. It definitely captured my interest. It might have helped that I was "trapped" in a cold car with a flat tire for about an hour!
Anyway, the book suffers from a couple things. First, the inevitable comparison with the far, far superior (and very hard to read), We Need to Talk About Kevin. Similar themes of parenting a difficult-to-understand child. But Shriver is a far better writer for one thing. I found the writing here to be quite clunky and repetitive.
Second, and really a quibble, but one I've seen other readers mention. There's no reason to name the character "Jake" and title the book "Finding Jake" which kept putting me in mind of the (again) much superior book "Defending Jacob". That book, too, was told mainly from the father's point of view. And, once again, was a much stronger book.
Ultimately, this was a disappointment because I thought the conclusion was actually pretty creative but it got lost in so many problems with the book. When I read (skimmed) the author's afterword, I wasn't convinced he managed to effectively expose his themes in the book. Being a stay-at-home dad, for instance, isn't quite the weird thing he seems to think it is. And the exploration of introverted people was not really fully realized. I think the book was a just a little too ambitious for this author.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
**** 4 stars
I'm so glad I bumped this popular book up my reading list. It came very highly recommended by several book club buddies as they listed it as one of (if not THE) top read of 2015 for them.
I very much enjoyed this book and found myself always looking forward to picking it up again. It was utterly engaging and told such an interesting story. I did not know very much about this particular situation during WWII (occupied France). The book keeps you guessing and I found the conclusion to be satisfying, if bittersweet. A lovely book!
I'm so glad I bumped this popular book up my reading list. It came very highly recommended by several book club buddies as they listed it as one of (if not THE) top read of 2015 for them.
I very much enjoyed this book and found myself always looking forward to picking it up again. It was utterly engaging and told such an interesting story. I did not know very much about this particular situation during WWII (occupied France). The book keeps you guessing and I found the conclusion to be satisfying, if bittersweet. A lovely book!
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
***** 5 stars
I loved this crazy book. It was just fun. Sort of trashy but also a sharp satire. Sometimes it's nice to read something that is just plain fun. Always looked forward to picking it up again and I'm eager to read the sequel, China Rich Girlfriend.
I loved this crazy book. It was just fun. Sort of trashy but also a sharp satire. Sometimes it's nice to read something that is just plain fun. Always looked forward to picking it up again and I'm eager to read the sequel, China Rich Girlfriend.
A Rural Affair by Catherine Alliott
0 stars
Did not finish; mainly because I had to get it back to the library. It was actually kind of an entertaining read and I would have usually stuck with it. It's a bit hefty maybe for what is essentialy a chick-lit book. But my much-loved Marian Keyes loves this author, so I felt I needed to give it a go. Perhaps I'll pick it up again one day.....
Did not finish; mainly because I had to get it back to the library. It was actually kind of an entertaining read and I would have usually stuck with it. It's a bit hefty maybe for what is essentialy a chick-lit book. But my much-loved Marian Keyes loves this author, so I felt I needed to give it a go. Perhaps I'll pick it up again one day.....
Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes
0 stars
Did not finish. This book jumped around a lot; I was reading far too many books at once, so I was struggling to find the plot line. I looked for spoilers and seems the book goes off in a weirdo direction, so I decided to abandon it!
Did not finish. This book jumped around a lot; I was reading far too many books at once, so I was struggling to find the plot line. I looked for spoilers and seems the book goes off in a weirdo direction, so I decided to abandon it!
The Very Thought of You by Rosie Alison
*** 3 stars
A rather tough love-story with a good setting. The main conceit is that people are all married to the wrong person; so that's a little tough to get past. But the historical setting of a large country house being used for children being evacuated from London during WWII was pretty interesting.
A rather tough love-story with a good setting. The main conceit is that people are all married to the wrong person; so that's a little tough to get past. But the historical setting of a large country house being used for children being evacuated from London during WWII was pretty interesting.
X by Sue Grafton
*** 3 stars
Well, looks like I'll be sticking with Kinsey Malone until the bitter end (aka, "Z is for...."). I do still like these books and look forward to them but honestly, they are starting to feel a little stale and forced. Seems there's always a great deal of padding, such as discussion of the trivia of Kinsey's life (she makes a lot of sandwiches of dubious content....). This mystery wasn't that interesting to me, either. I found the subplot involving Henry's elderly neighbors a lot more entertaining.
Well, looks like I'll be sticking with Kinsey Malone until the bitter end (aka, "Z is for...."). I do still like these books and look forward to them but honestly, they are starting to feel a little stale and forced. Seems there's always a great deal of padding, such as discussion of the trivia of Kinsey's life (she makes a lot of sandwiches of dubious content....). This mystery wasn't that interesting to me, either. I found the subplot involving Henry's elderly neighbors a lot more entertaining.
Plotted: A Literary Atlas by Andrew DeGraff
* 1 star
Just okay; the lack is with me, not the book. I think you need to understand the books being "plotted" at a deeper level than I have. I could pretty much appreciate the artwork without necessarily feeling like the maps enhanced my understanding.
Just okay; the lack is with me, not the book. I think you need to understand the books being "plotted" at a deeper level than I have. I could pretty much appreciate the artwork without necessarily feeling like the maps enhanced my understanding.
The Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg Gilmore
**** 4 stars
A notable read for 2015 for me. It was emotional and hard to read sometimes but also hopeful. I particularly liked the relationships among the women at the factory and how they came to support each other. Nice read.
A notable read for 2015 for me. It was emotional and hard to read sometimes but also hopeful. I particularly liked the relationships among the women at the factory and how they came to support each other. Nice read.
Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart
*** 3 stars
I know of the author from the BBC series, Call the Midwife. I just adore her character on that show. She has another comedy show, too, I guess, but I've not seen it. It was impossible not to read this in "Chummy's" voice. It was a little uneven maybe but I got a few chuckles from it. Pretty entertaining.
I know of the author from the BBC series, Call the Midwife. I just adore her character on that show. She has another comedy show, too, I guess, but I've not seen it. It was impossible not to read this in "Chummy's" voice. It was a little uneven maybe but I got a few chuckles from it. Pretty entertaining.
The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
**** 4 stars
There's nothing I like better than a tricky, twisting, turn-y mystery! This was so good and really kept me guessing. I always hate to say too much about books like this but this was a worthwhile and entertaining read.
There's nothing I like better than a tricky, twisting, turn-y mystery! This was so good and really kept me guessing. I always hate to say too much about books like this but this was a worthwhile and entertaining read.
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
0 stars
Disappointed! I couldn't even struggle through the first few chapters of this. I felt dropped into a Harry Potter-rip off series without context. This book is an offshoot of Rowell's Fan Girl which is my least favorite of her books. So, perhaps not such a surprise I did not like this one. Stick with her other titles.
Disappointed! I couldn't even struggle through the first few chapters of this. I felt dropped into a Harry Potter-rip off series without context. This book is an offshoot of Rowell's Fan Girl which is my least favorite of her books. So, perhaps not such a surprise I did not like this one. Stick with her other titles.
The Middle Ages by Jennie Fields
**** 4 stars
A cute little romance with middle-aged folks. Much better than I would have expected. This was a quick and enjoyable read.
A cute little romance with middle-aged folks. Much better than I would have expected. This was a quick and enjoyable read.
The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer
** 2 stars
Another children's book. It was entertaining enough but I probably won't continue with the series. I did not love it that much. I liked the fairy tale theme.
Another children's book. It was entertaining enough but I probably won't continue with the series. I did not love it that much. I liked the fairy tale theme.
The Crossing by Michael Connelly
**** 4 stars
Another great Bosch mystery. It's nice to see evolution and internal struggle with a character in such a lengthy series. I'm always impressed at how well the quality holds up with Connelly. He's an amazing writer.
Another great Bosch mystery. It's nice to see evolution and internal struggle with a character in such a lengthy series. I'm always impressed at how well the quality holds up with Connelly. He's an amazing writer.
Little House Living: The Make-Your-Own Guide to a Frugal, Simple, and Self-Sufficient Life by Merissa Alink
**** 4 stars
The author is a little more crunchy-granola-y than I am but I still liked reading about her life and her recipes. A focus on simplicity and a bit of wholesomeness is okay by me. I am especially interested in her recipes for cleaners and skin care using coconut oil, since that's all the rage lately. I'll be checking it out.
The author is a little more crunchy-granola-y than I am but I still liked reading about her life and her recipes. A focus on simplicity and a bit of wholesomeness is okay by me. I am especially interested in her recipes for cleaners and skin care using coconut oil, since that's all the rage lately. I'll be checking it out.
Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige
0 stars
Another DNF for me. My teenage daughter loves this book and this series but I did not. Just too dark and unpleasant. Seemed mean-spirited somehow. Pass!
Another DNF for me. My teenage daughter loves this book and this series but I did not. Just too dark and unpleasant. Seemed mean-spirited somehow. Pass!
Dark Rooms by Lili Anolik
0 stars
Did not finish. Struggled quite a ways through it but just couldn't connect with it. Disappointed when that happens but makes me glad I am mainly a library user!
Did not finish. Struggled quite a ways through it but just couldn't connect with it. Disappointed when that happens but makes me glad I am mainly a library user!
Old World Murder by Kathleen Ernst
*** 3 star
Nice, solid start for a new (to me) mystery series. There are about five books in the series, I think. I liked the setting of a Midwest history museum. It was a little odd that the book was set so firmly in the 80s. I'm not sure that added much to the book. I feel the same way about the Kinsey Malone books; we don't really have the distance of time for this era to feel charming. It just feels a little remote and odd.
But I would probably read the other books; they are currently on my library shelf. We'll see if I get to them!
Nice, solid start for a new (to me) mystery series. There are about five books in the series, I think. I liked the setting of a Midwest history museum. It was a little odd that the book was set so firmly in the 80s. I'm not sure that added much to the book. I feel the same way about the Kinsey Malone books; we don't really have the distance of time for this era to feel charming. It just feels a little remote and odd.
But I would probably read the other books; they are currently on my library shelf. We'll see if I get to them!
Doing Good by Pamela Morsi
** 2 stars
Just okay; a quick little read. The essential premise required that our main character be a bit of an unlikable person. It was a little difficult for me to get past that and start to like her. But it was fluffy and fun and there's always room on my reading schedule for that!
Just okay; a quick little read. The essential premise required that our main character be a bit of an unlikable person. It was a little difficult for me to get past that and start to like her. But it was fluffy and fun and there's always room on my reading schedule for that!
The Art of Language Invention: From Horse-Lords to Dark Elves, the Words Behind World-Building by David J. Peterson
*** 3 stars
An interesting, if fairly technical, read on fictional linguistics. Good for skimming as I was not familiar with some of the "worlds" he has created languages for.
An interesting, if fairly technical, read on fictional linguistics. Good for skimming as I was not familiar with some of the "worlds" he has created languages for.
The Hideout by Peg Kehret
** 2 stars
Another children's book off my daughter's shelf. Entertaining enough; I'm sure children would love the adventure aspect of it, but as an adult I struggled with some of the plot points and how realistic they could be. Kehret is a good writer, though!
Another children's book off my daughter's shelf. Entertaining enough; I'm sure children would love the adventure aspect of it, but as an adult I struggled with some of the plot points and how realistic they could be. Kehret is a good writer, though!
The World of Ice & Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
*** 3 stars
A beautiful coffee-table-type book with gorgeous illustrations. It's really an extensive history of the world of Game of Thrones. Much of the discussion is prior to the actions and characters of the show, which I'm most familiar with. Still, it was fun to browse and skim and I'm very happy to have a copy of it. It's really a beautiful book!
A beautiful coffee-table-type book with gorgeous illustrations. It's really an extensive history of the world of Game of Thrones. Much of the discussion is prior to the actions and characters of the show, which I'm most familiar with. Still, it was fun to browse and skim and I'm very happy to have a copy of it. It's really a beautiful book!
I Used to Know That: Stuff You Forgot from School by Caroline Taggart
*** 3 star
Fun little trivia book I picked up at our church's silent auction. Just little tidbits of information and knowledge in lots of areas.
Fun little trivia book I picked up at our church's silent auction. Just little tidbits of information and knowledge in lots of areas.
After You by Jojo Moyes
**** 4 stars
A lovely followup to my much-loved Me Before You. I really do wish I'd taken the time to re-read that one first, so at some point I believe I will do that and read this one again right after. It would be nice to see the progression and continuity. I find my reading retention, which was never great, is only getting sketchier!
Some nice surprises and really just a lovely book.
A lovely followup to my much-loved Me Before You. I really do wish I'd taken the time to re-read that one first, so at some point I believe I will do that and read this one again right after. It would be nice to see the progression and continuity. I find my reading retention, which was never great, is only getting sketchier!
Some nice surprises and really just a lovely book.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
*** 3 stars
A children's book (probably a little young for my high school-aged children), but kind of fun. Picked it up at a used book store because the comparisons to The Westing Game appealed to me. Passed it along to my son; not sure that he's gotten to it yet.
It was fun. I liked playing along with the children in the book as they tried to figure out the puzzles.
A children's book (probably a little young for my high school-aged children), but kind of fun. Picked it up at a used book store because the comparisons to The Westing Game appealed to me. Passed it along to my son; not sure that he's gotten to it yet.
It was fun. I liked playing along with the children in the book as they tried to figure out the puzzles.
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson
***** 5 stars
What is really left to say about this critically acclaimed comic? I finally had the time to tackle this ENORMOUS collection that my son got for Christmas last year. I think he's already read each volume at least once.
Really enjoyed the evolution of the characters and stories as well as reading it from the perspective of a parent who still remembers what it's like to be a child. Just wonderful and will forever be a favorite of mine.
What is really left to say about this critically acclaimed comic? I finally had the time to tackle this ENORMOUS collection that my son got for Christmas last year. I think he's already read each volume at least once.
Really enjoyed the evolution of the characters and stories as well as reading it from the perspective of a parent who still remembers what it's like to be a child. Just wonderful and will forever be a favorite of mine.
Time to catch up!
Oooof! A busy fall turned right into a busy winter. I was feeling better by the last few weeks of my leave, so I got a lot of reading done. I had also exhausted my Netflix queue which allowed for more reading. I must confess that watching TV was a lot easier when I didn't feel really super.
But as time went on, my energy level and ability to concentrate got better, so I read more. Then life slid right back into work and school activities while trying madly to get ready for Christmas. So, here we are, well into January. I'll add separate posts for books I read in November and December. I hope to get back to a weekly update.
Happy New Year! Let's read a lot in 2016!
But as time went on, my energy level and ability to concentrate got better, so I read more. Then life slid right back into work and school activities while trying madly to get ready for Christmas. So, here we are, well into January. I'll add separate posts for books I read in November and December. I hope to get back to a weekly update.
Happy New Year! Let's read a lot in 2016!
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