October 2011Monthly Archives

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Had VERY Strong Emotions About

Top Ten Tuesday is a great meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish!

Top Ten Books I Had VERY Strong Emotions About:

  1. A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer – this one made me yell and pump my fist – the ending is PERFECT.
  2. Here be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman – The love story in this book is the most powerful love story I’ve ever read.  It made me cry, and it’s so worth reading to find out why.
  3. The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey – Laughter, lots and lots and lots of laughter.  One word: Unicorns.
  4. The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise by Julia Stuart - This book has such a quiet humor, it amused me enough to make me laugh in my car for five minutes straight (I was sitting in carpool reading!)
  5. The Twelve by William Gladstone - I threw this book across the room.  It disgusted me.
  6. Wicked by Gregory Maguire – I was so sad that I couldn’t bring myself to like this story – because I LOVE the musical so very much.
  7. Room by Emma Donoghue - When I finished reading this book I couldn’t pick up another for two days.  It moved me deeply, but I didn’t cry.  It just really affected me.
  8. The Arrival by Shaun Tan – Picture books seem so simple..but the pictures in this one tell the whole story so poignantly it’s impossible not to be completely moved.
  9. The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt - This book is so funny and touching at the same time.  The perfect read for both kids and adults.
  10. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - Who doesn’t cry at Beth’s death?  You’d have to be a hard person not to!

Do you have any to add to the list or any thoughts on the titles above? Have you read them? What do you think?










Lydia
31 October, 2011
Books, memes
0 comments

It’s Monday, what are you reading?

This meme is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

Books I’ve read this past week (Links to reviews):

  1. Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon
  2. Domestic Violets by Mathew Norman
  3. Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Gray
  4. Ape House by Sara Gruen
  5. How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
  6. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
Books reviewed this past week:
  1. The Corn Maiden and Other Nightmares by Joyce Carol Oates
  2. The Last of the Renshai by Mickey Zucker Reichert
  3. Sweetly by Jackson Pearce
  4. Fallen by Traci L. Slatton
  5. The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
  6. Practical Jean by Trevor Cole

Books to read this week:

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey 

Next to Love by Ellen Feldman

The Blacksmith’s Daughter by Arley Cole

The Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon 

Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Lydia
30 October, 2011
Books, memes
5 comments

The Corn Maiden and Other Nightmares by Joyce Carol Oates

Order from:

 

Reason for Reading:
  • I hear so much amazing stuff about Joyce Carol Oates, and I had planned to do some scary reading this month so… tada!

I also recommend:

Summary from GoodReads:

 

The trusting Marissa happily went to a secluded basement with the older girls, pleased to be included, and is convinced that the world has ended and that they are the last survivors. Remaining an unaware hostage for days, she grows weaker on a sparse diet as Judah prepares her for sacrifice.

The seemingly inevitable fate of Marissa becomes ever more terrifying as Judah relishes her power, leading to unbearable tension with a shocking conclusion.


My Review:

So this collection of short stories.. it packs a mean punch.  I mean right out of the gate, Joyce Carol Oates slams her readers with a story about “innocent” young girls and the horrific acts they can commit.  Seriously, people, I have goosebumps just thinking about the story and it’s been a few weeks since I read it.

One after another, each story hits where you least expect to be hit.  From showing the darker side of charity, the immense pain of loneliness, the all-too-human fears we face in moments when we should be thinking of other things, it’s all contained within this book.

I’ve only recently become a fan of short stories – I’ve come to appreciate them for how quickly I can become immersed in the story and also appreciate just how much of a workout my imagination gets from the (sometimes abrupt) endings.  I’m positive I’ll be checking out more of Joyce Carol Oates books, just because I have a think for powerhouse female writers – but I will say this…

The last story in this book I couldn’t read all the way through.  I was just too grossed out, and for that I blame my active imagination – although the story was pretty damn twisted.

If you want the perfect Halloween read, look no further.  This book will take you beyond paranormal and sometimes silly scary stories into the very corrupt and twisted mind of some very “normal” people.

Check out these reviews!

Book Goggles


Lydia
30 October, 2011
Horror, reviews, Short Stories
3 comments
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The Last of the Renshai by Mickey Zucker Reichert

Order from:

 

Reason for Reading:
  • I put this on my TBR list years ago and finally got enough points through PaperbackSwap to order the series.

I also recommend:

Summary from GoodReads:

 

First in a bold, magical trilogy of a world living in the shadow of an ancient prophecy of war. Enemies band together to attack the Renshai, the mightiest, most hated and feared of all warrior races. One Renshai escapes, determined to keep the memory of his people alive and to claim his vengeance on the slayers of his race.

My Review:

I’ve been reading fantasy books my whole life – but I read the same books over and over.  Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were everyday staples in my reading life.  So when I signed up for PaperbackSwap I decided to start exploring other authors and series.  I started requesting science fiction and fantasy titles that were 5, 10, 15.. sometimes 20+ years old and I start mapping out time on my calendar to begin to read them.

The Renshai books by Mickey Zucker Reichert head up the list.  These books have been on my TBR for years, but libraries didn’t have them and I didn’t want to buy them new, just in case… I was needlessly worried though, because, frankly, this book rocked my socks off.

Brilliantly written, Reichert forms her world around North, South, East and West Wizards.  The Northern Wizard stands for goodness, the Southern for evil, and the East and West balance.  Reichert goes further into the “balance” thing – but that’s later in the series and I’ll save that for my review of the third book (because yes, I kept on reading!).

In The Last of the Renshai we’re introduced to a ruthless, killing tribe of folks.  The lore they have and the Gods they believe in are Norse mythology – Modi, the son of Thor being their chosen god.  The Renshai are skilled, remarkable swordsmen and women (yes, women! And such a woman!) with a unique outlook on what exactly it means to be Renshai.  Reichert’s sword descriptions, the maneuvers, the fighting sequences – they were so elegantly written I could see the patterns forming in my imagination and smell the sweat of the warriors – it was incredible.

As a paperback, this book is a tome.  It’s 600+ pages with a glossary in the back.  But.. it’s worth the read and the aching hands from holding it.  If you are a fantasy lover and are looking for a new series to invest in, I highly recommend this one.

Check out these reviews!

A Bookwyrm’s Book Blog


Lydia
29 October, 2011
Fantasy
0 comments
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Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

Order from:

 

Reason for Reading:

I also recommend:

Summary from GoodReads:

 

As a child, Gretchen’s twin sister was taken by a witch-like monster in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch’s forest threatening to make them disappear, too.

 

When their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out as teens, they stumble upon a sleepy Southern town and are invited to stay with Sophia Kelly at her sweet shop. Sophia molds candied magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.

 

Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel finally start to forget their haunted past – until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel, who gives Gretchen a reason to fear Sophia: girls have been vanishing at Sophia’s annual chocolate festival, taken by the insatiable ‘witch’ of Gretchen’s nightmares. Can Gretchen save herself, the girls of Live Oak,and Sophia?

 

Of one thing, Gretchen is certain: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry.


My Review:

You know what I love about Jackson Pearce?  She’s not afraid of gore.  She’s not into making paranormal things scary – because they are scary.  She’s not afraid to go there, even when you are horrified inside and thinking.. oh my gosh are you gonna?  That’s what I love about Jackson Pearce.

Because she does go there in Sweetly.  For the moment, let’s just ignore the fact that there is mouth-watering, delicious descriptions scattered throughout the book and let’s look at the gore factor.  There’s a lot of it – but it’s well-placed gore. It’s gore I can get behind, and some that shocks me (but in a really good way).

Now, let me talk about the sweets because this book was not named Sweetly for nothing.  Oh. My. Gosh.  I want some of what Jackson is cooking up (can you really make sweets like that Jackson? If you can’t.. can you please tell me who can??).  Because, people.. I’m drooling just remembering reading ABOUT the sweets and I didn’t even taste them!

I was really anxious to get my hands on this book – Jackson Pearce does a fantastic job connecting with the bookish community, her fans, and the world at large through her insanely cute and funny YouTube channel – but not just that, the girl can write a mean story and I love reading every one that she puts out.

Bring on the next re-telling! I cannot wait.

Check out these reviews!

Bending the Spine

Bibliophilic Book Blog

Lydia
28 October, 2011
Fairy Tales, Fantasy, reviews, Young Adult
2 comments
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Fallen by Traci L. Slatton

Order from:

 

Reason for Reading:
  • The summary looked really interesting to me.

I also recommend:

Summary from GoodReads:

As chaos descends on a crippled Earth, survivors are tormented by strange psychic gifts. In this time of apocalyptic despair, love is put to the test. One woman with mysterious healing power guides seven children to safety. Charismatic Arthur offers her a haven. Slowly Emma falls for him. But at the moment of their sweetest love, his devastating secret is revealed, and they are lost to each other. Will Emma stay with him?

My Review:

So there is a lot, and I do mean a lot, of dystopia slash apocalyptic literature being published these days, especially for young adults.  Now, don’t get me wrong – I don’t think that’s a bad thing.  I have issues with the cut and paste stories of some of them, but as a whole they are fairly decent (and some even exceptional).

That said, I was missing reading it on more of an adult level – because there is no way that an apocalyptic world wouldn’t have some people doing desperate things to survive.  Traci Slatton seems to agree with me.

Y’all, Emma is hardcore in this book.  She doesn’t pull punches, she uses whatever she needs to use to guarantee safety for her kids and the thing that is causing pain.. it’s causing real pain.  Not just the physical kind, it’s the emotionally scarring kind.  I was horrified by what the mists did, as well as how they came about (which you’ll have to read to find out!).

What I loved about this book was the push and pull in it, the tension created by the relationship of Emma and Arthur, wondering what choice she’ll make, how she’ll survive, how the others will survive.  I cried deep, gutwrenching sobs at certain scenes in the story, I found myself gasping for air at a well placed, light-hearted scene here and there, and overall.. I was gripped and on the edge of my seat dying (although not literally) to know what happens next.

My biggest disappointment?  That I have to wait for the next one to come out.

This is a home-run if you are wanting a more adult “this is the end of the world!” type book.  Until now, I honestly haven’t enjoyed a book of this type since reading Atwood’s Oryx and Crake.

Check out these reviews!

Bending the Spine

The Bookworm’s Library

Lydia
27 October, 2011
Post-Apocalyptic, reviews, Science Fiction
0 comments
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The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Order from:

 

Reason for Reading:
  • I just love the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa.  

I also recommend:

Summary from GoodReads:

My name—my True Name—is Ashallayn’darkmyr Tallyn.

I am the last remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court. And I am dead to her.

 

My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl…


My Review:

Bravo, Julie.  I’m firmly on Team Puck, but putting The Iron Knight into the words of Ash made me appreciate him more then I have in books past.  Oh, I’m still on Team Puck, but … let’s just say I have a bit of respect now for Ash which I didn’t previously have.

Y’all, The Iron Knight was just about perfect, as far as romping adventures go.  A beautiful hero, surprises from the past, a quest for a worthy prize, romance, comedy, friendship and scary things that go BOO.  It was all included in this action-packed novel and I loved every single moment of it.  I was sucked hook-line-sinker into the world of Meghan, Ash and Puck and without even having to review where the last book left off, I just knew where things stood and remembered what had happened.  That was hundreds of books ago people!  These stories are just those kind that stick in your head.

I think Julie Kagawa might just be one of my favorite YA writers.  I love her characters, her style of adventure and just think she writes a dang good story.  The Iron Knight was the perfect conclusion (is it really?) to the Iron Fey series.. but I’m jonesing for some Puck now!

 

Check out these reviews!

My Love Affair with Books

Debz Bookshelf

Lydia
26 October, 2011
Fantasy, Favorites, reviews, Young Adult
2 comments
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Practical Jean by Trevor Cole

Order from:

 

Reason for Reading:
  • The summary, plus I’ve been on a good run with male contemporary authors lately.

I recommend:

Summary from GoodReads:

Jean Vale Horemarsh is an ordinary, small-town woman with the usual challenges of middle age. She’s content, mostly, with the life she’s built: a semi-successful career as a ceramics artist, a close collection of women friends (if you ignore the terrible falling out she had with Cheryl all those years ago), a comfortable marriage with a kind if otherwise unextraordinary man. And then Jean sees her mother go through the final devastating months of cancer, and realizes that her fondest wish is to protect her dearest friends from the indignities of aging and illness. That’s when she decides to kill them . . .

My Review:

I really, really, really wanted to love this book.  I’ve been on such a good run, and recently read a book (Fathermucker by Greg Olear) that had me in stitches.  It wasn’t until fairly recently that I started to really get into the harder edge of comedy that these types of books offer, so I, like I said earlier, I really wanted to like this one.

But I didn’t.

This is why:

Jean is not a likeable character.  She seems to break(? I don’t know if that’s the right word for it, but it most describes what I felt about it) after her mothers death and rather then finding a dark humor in the story, I just felt incredible pity and a lot of anxiety.  I didn’t want Jean to get caught, but I didn’t agree with her actions either – or understand them fully, really.

I think the breaking point though, the moment I really just fell off the wagon and admitted to myself that I just didn’t get it, was during a pivotal moment in the book.  I don’t want to say too much, but Jean basically takes away all climax to the story with a single speech. It felt.. contrived and out of character for her – not to mention the rest of the story seeming just too convenient.

I think I understand what Cole was attempting to do with the story, I just don’t feel there was enough of Jean to really like, or dislike.  I felt pity, yes, but she isn’t a character that will stick with me.  She seemed somewhat.. bland, like an unseasoned bowl of oatmeal.

About the Author


For more reviews on Practical Jean by Trevor Cole, please follow the book tour.

Lydia
25 October, 2011
Contemporary, reviews
3 comments
, , ,

It’s Monday, what are you reading?

This meme is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

I had a blast doing Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-A-Thon yesterday (as much as homework and practice would allow).  My finishing up post will be put up later on Monday as I’m just to plain exhausted to do it now.

While you are here, be sure to check out my Top Ten Tuesday this week – covers that made me buy them!

Books I’ve read this past week (Links to reviews):

  1. The Time In Between by Maria Duenas
  2. American Rose by Karen Abbott
  3. Child of Thunder by Mickey Zucker Reichert
  4. Practical Jean by Trevor Cole
Gave up on:
  1. Book of Lies by Mary Horlock
Books reviewed this past week:
  1. Spindle’s End by Robin McKinley
  2. American Wife by Curtis Sittinfeld
  3. Beauty by Robin McKinley
  4. Clementine by Cherie Priest

Books to read this week:

Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon

Domestic Violets by Matthew Norman

Becoming Marie Antoinette by  Juliet Grey 

In the Fabled East by Adam Lewis Schroeder 

Ape House by Sara Gruen

Lydia
23 October, 2011
Books, memes
9 comments

Dewey’s Read-A-Thon: Hour 16

Time Started: 9:00 AM CST
Time Now: 10:30 PM CST

Currently reading: Child of Thunder by Mickey Zucker Reichert
Total pages read: 740
Books finished: 1
What’s up next: Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon

Total Time Spent Reading: 9 hours
Mini-challenges completed: 5

Food/drink consumed: Lots and lots of water – thinking about brewing some Awake Tazo Tea!
Mentality: Very, very sleepy – must keep going!

——————————————–

The Bluestocking Society has a Re-Read Mini Challenge up for Hour 16.

2. Go back to your blog, and give us a list of your top favorite rereads of all time. You know, those books that you can go to time and time again for comfort and escape. Again, pictures are always good but not required.

The first answer that came to mind for this one is The Princess Bride by William Goldman. I’ve seen the movie too many times to count, and read the book now four times.  Each time it thrills me more and more and gives me a different, but still satisfying, feeling.  There really isn’t another book quite like it.


Lydia
22 October, 2011
Books, Dewey's Read-A-Thon
3 comments