Bookish Nookish

Morgue Drawer Four

2012-01-01T19:31:00.001-07:00

     Profijt has written a book, albeit a short one, that feels familiar. Perhaps I have seen too many crime dramas or read too many ghost stories, but the book seems familiar, but not in a bad way. Even the main character remarks about movies like "Ghost" and cinematic style haunts- so the humor isn't lost on the reader or the characters either.

     What we have is a not-quite-miserable-lowlife Pascha who steal cars. Expensive cars. And he runs with a shady crowd, but that really doesn't surprise anyone does it? He ends up stealing the creme de la creme of cars and peels out of the fancy parking lot only to stop some time later to discover there is a bound and dead woman in the trunk. Not really possessing the sense God gave geese, Pascha delivers the car to his contact anyway. A day or two later, while in the throng of people moving to and fro about the city, Pascha's whole world is turned upside down (literally) as he is catapulted/pushed/falling off the stairs to the subway platform and his life is ended in a rather unglamorous event.
     What follows are his attempts to get people to notice him, have the mousy and reserved morgue doctor, Martin, investigate his murder and find out what really happned to him. Martin is the only one who can communicate with Pascha. He can't see him, he can't feel him, but he can hear him- and it is this interaction that drives the story forward.
     The book is a translation, but the translator has done a good job of preserving the (I am hoping intended) humor, heart, and action. Martin is totally out of his element, he isn't a "street smart" person, and he finds himself interacting with people whom he would never associate with. Through it all, a mystery is solved, Martin finds his backbone, and Pascha find out who did him in. It a good little book, a quick diversion, and one that is worth reading. It doesn't take itself too seriously, has some good humor, and handles the interactions between its characters pretty

The Dummy Line: A Novel

2012-01-01T19:30:00.001-07:00

Ka-BOOM! Louder than a shotgun blast to the chest of a greasy crack-head, this book gets off to a rip roaring start. Cole has done a good job of writing a thrilling novel that ups the tension and races us to the conclusion. Cole handles a large amount of plot in this novel, and he handles it well. Balancing the novel between the POV of the protagonist, the killers, the police, and the accomplice is not an easy task, but he manages to do it and keep the story moving forward at a brisk and satisfying pace.
Taking place over the course of a few hours on a cold Alabama night, "The Dummy Line" takes us deep in the back woods and helps us look at what happens when ordinary people are put in extraordinary circumstances. We are given quite a bit of heart, suspense, action, and resolution in this novel. I would not judge this book as a debut as Cole seems to be quite entrenched in his chosen genre. A great read that keeps the tension well and at the end is wrapped up neatly and with a satisfyingly happy ending. I read it in one sitting and am sure that you will do the same. I am certain that Scott Cole has more stories to tell and I'm eagerly awaiting his second novel.

The Basement: A Novel

2012-01-01T19:28:00.002-07:00

     Leather has written quite a little novel. Quick, riveting, engrossing, and disturbing all at the same time. We have a story about a serial rapist/killer and a writer. Captured women are tortured, murdered, and then disposed of...all without any leads or evidence left behind. The police need to investigate the crime, and in a city the size of New York...the killer could be hiding anywhere. We get to peek behind the mask and enter the mind of the killer- half of the novel is written from the perspective the depraved criminal.

     We have a struggling writer (screen writer) who is trying to make it all happen and get his big break. Marvin is a nice enough guy, but he's a bit creepy, a bit off kilter, and very very well versed in his rights and the police limits in regards to investigations. The perfect foil for a couple of detectives who are sure they have a prime suspect.
     What ensues is a taught game of mental cat and mouse, and you- the dear reader are the mouse. Did he do it? Where is the woman being held? Whose psyche are getting a look into as we slip into the mind of the killer? What are the motivations? Where will it all end up? While this book is a quick read at under 200 pages, it will keep you up and turning them to the explosive and mind bending conclusion. Leather, who is from the UK and is making his foray into the American book market- has written on hell of a psychological thriller, its easy to see why he's so popular across the pond!

*Note to the squeamish- descriptive scenes of torture and sexual depravity are included- not for the faint of heart.

Once Bitten

2012-01-01T19:27:00.003-07:00

     Wow- a good bit of vampire storytelling where its not all about blood, sex, magic, and spooky castles. No sparkly things here. No bitter rivalry between competing factions of darkness. None of that "traditional" vampire stuff to water the book down. What we have is not a vampire novel, but rather a novel that has a vampire (or two) in it. That is what works in this case.

     Jamie Beaverbrook is a psychologist who works for the LAPD and is assigned all the "crazies" to inverview- using his own computer program to sift through those who are truly insane and those who are just looking to get off on as easy defense. His days are harried, and his nights are usually a never-ending parade of the strange, the homicidal, and the freakishly interesting. Then he gets thrown for a loop and meets Terry Ferriman. His insatiable curiosity gets the best of his as he tries to unravel her mysteries. Is she guilty of the horrific crime she has been accused of? Where does she live? How can she seem so strong yet so fragile at the same time?
     Leather has written a fast-paced novel that doesn't stretch the bounds of reality too terribly far by mucking it up with all the nonsense and glamour that one expects from a vampire novel. What we have instead is a fast read that pulls you in, makes sense in the universe in which its drawn, and has a protagonist that you can't help but feel a little bit sorry for. The ending is handled well, the plot moves quickly, and it gets wrapped up in nice flair and dramatic style. Quick read on a plane, at the beach, or just to kill some time. Brain candy...but you'll be glad you partook.

Making an Exit: From the Magnificent to the Macabre- How we Dignify the Dead

2012-01-01T19:26:00.001-07:00

The book "Stiff" by Mary Roach will be most often compared to this one...or this one compared to it. While the subject matter is simialr (read: death), the comparisons really aren't too fair to begin with. This book is less humorous and more introspective. I found it to be more a cultural examination of what happens to the dead, how were revere, mourn, and celebrate them- and how we look at our own passing from a cultural perspective.

I enjoyed the book and was pleased to read it. I enjoyed the author's writing style and found myself slowly meandering along, absorbing as much about the culture and environment as one can from pages and ink. Murray is a good narrator and describes things well, but with an almost clinical detachment. I think that the book is a good one and will find its way among the shelves of those who are drawn to the macabre, the odd, the mournful, and the fringe scientific. Its a pleasant departure and a curious look at an often taboo subject.

The Night Strangers: A Novel

2012-01-01T19:24:00.001-07:00

     I haven't previously read any books by Bohjalian before, but he comes highly recommended based on review and conversations pertaining to his other works. Needless to say, I had some pretty good expectations for this book based on that, but was dissapointed quickly. While the set-up seems to be creepy enough, the characters are one dimensional, the plot is strung out all over the place, and we are treated to an almost bait-and-switch tacting midway though reading the book.
     The characters first introduced are likeable enough, if somewhat paper thin. The house is creepy and its secrets are something we eagrly wish to uncover. Secluded doors in basements, riveted closed, dirt floors, the gloom is palpable...but then gets shattered by some odd choices on the part of Bohjalian. The town is a charicature of every Halloween/witch/New England chiche that one can think of. The start of this story is great with Mr. Linton trying to figure things out about himself, his family, his place, and his house.
     The middle of the story it where it feels all wrong. We shift focus to some ancient coven of practitioners of the dark arts and spend the majority of the book there with them and their lives. What happened to the first half? It feels as if two books had been written and then smashed together with a desperate attempt to bridge the gap- an attempt that really doesn't work and instead leaves the reader feeling bewildered and confused. I kept hoping for some resolution to the great first half ghost story...but none came and the book was highly unsatisfying.

The Maid: A Novel of Joan of Arc

2012-01-01T19:22:00.001-07:00

     Cutter has crafted an engrossing tale that sheds much needed light on one of the most famous women in history. Just about everyone knows who Joan of Arc was. What she did. What happened to her. How she was cleared and declared a saint. But one thing we will never know, it what it was really like, what really happened, who was there, how it all played out in her head and how many players were really involved in the game. Cutter has tried to give us a facet of the story from that perspective...and in this novel it works very well.
     Joan is presented as more human, more doubting in herself, and more conflicted than in previous literary and cinematic offerings. We are given a glimpse into what her world may have been like, what she may have felt, and how it may have affected those around her. Was she called of God? Was she just crazy? We will never know- and this book wisely steers clear of those opinions and instead gives us Joan in her entirety- taking into account the voices and her amazing ability to galvanize and command an army.
     The book is well crafted with great dialogue and wonderful imagery. The battles are appropriately gory, the language crude at times, and the outcomes thrilling to think about. We see a woman who is very much human, very much caught up in something bigger than herself, and very much alone. Told as more a series of memories and the like, the book works well and leads us firmly but gently to the somber ending we all know is coming. An absolutely wonderful read!

Bedbugs

2011-08-26T20:04:00.000-06:00

Oh, the set up was great...the tension was building really well, the creepy critters were feasting on flesh, invisible, unknowable, and they were driving Susan mad- and then? BAM! Ending like a two by four right between the eyes. Blunt. Awkward. Heavy.

Where did it go wrong? Winters had created a tale more of psychological suspense than anything. Creepy things were happening to Susan, but not her husband nor her daughter. She was being eaten and bitten and bled dry, driven to madness, seeing things, accusing those around her of heinous acts, acting bizarre, and jumping at all shadows. The paranoia ratcheted up nicely, the painting and the bonus room were creepy, the descriptions of flesh picking, sore scratching, and bug bite gouging were well done, the apartment described nicely in its charm, and the landlady was cute in an aloof odd sort of way.

While we were treated to the tale of a woman going insane by bugs that only she could see, the ending felt rushes and I felt as if the author decided that the supernatural really was more difficulty to write so he turned it into a tale of misguided revenge and festering evil with a supernatural element. I will say, however, that Winters brought back seemingly insignificant events (the "ping" sound in the apartment) and wrapped them into the narrative. While the end was intact and wrapped up the novel, it left me feeling puzzled and wanting more. A wonderful story of supernatural suspense was whipped up- baked at 350 degrees for the proper time, but what we got was a pancake instead of chocolate cake at the end. Something totally different than what it started out to be.

Winters is talented, I will give him that. He strung me along and kept me interested, but the last 20 pages just made the whole thing kind of fall apart. Great set up, good plot (until the end), and characters that were oddly fascinating but irritating at the same time- couple that with a setting that seems so serene on the outside, but is quite twisted and you have the makings of a great novel. This one was handled a bit poorly so instead of "great" we end up with a "good" novel. Not a bad one, just not one that I will recommend that you rush out and buy.

Back of Beyond

2011-08-26T06:29:00.004-06:00

I am a fan of C.J. Box and his Joe Pickett series. I really enjoy Box's descriptions of the wilderness and back country of the places he lives in, plays in, and writes about. The scenery of Wyoming and Montana described in this book is amazing, Yellowstone park is a wonderful place, and Box captures that majesty perfectly.

For fans of his Joe Pickett series, this book marks a well earned departure for Box. In this novel, he has the freedom to get grittier, dirtier, and more dark. His tragic, flawed, alcoholic hero, Cody, has demons hidden deep, a self destructive tendency, and the ability to latch onto an investigation with the tenacity that would make a pit bull proud.

A well written murder mystery, this book has everything we come to expect from Box, with a darker tint. Tragic hero, flawed systems of justice, shady characters, double crosses, twisted plot threads, and sinister motives all add up to make this a thriller that is a wonderfully satisfying read.

I won't fill the review up with plot points or spoilers, but I will tell you that C.J. Box is a tremendously talented writer who can bring light to subjects we often don't consider. In this book, Cody is a recovering alcoholic who struggles daily with the urge to plunge headlong off the cliff and right back into the drink. Box does a great job of humanizing and covering the demons who plague him, giving light to his violent tendencies and reasons for his tail spin into self-destruction.

The wilderness and scenery are treated with a reverence and beautiful writing style that make them almost become characters in and of themselves. Box has written a gripping and well plotted novel- great read for anyone, not just fans of the genre.

The Unremembered: Book One of The Vault of Heaven

2011-08-15T15:59:00.003-06:00

Oh, I really wanted to love this book. I really was hoping for something amazing, wonderful, new and gripping. From the opening scene of exile, I was sure I had stumbled onto something good- but was quickly let down, but the let down was gentle. I think the book started on such high notes that an eventual decline was sure to follow, and at least that decline wasn't swift and whiplash inducing.

I know that sounds harsh, but it really isn't meant to be. I think what works really well for Orullian here are his world-building skills. He can write well, he can describe lush landscapes and wicked gods with the best of them. He creates characters that are memorable and have personality traits that are good and bad- but his leading of them on the adventure gets in the way.

"The Unremembered" took too long to get going out of the gate- it took too long to have it all laid out and have our hero actually go on a quest- get to savin' the world, and get to the meat of the story. I love epic fantasy, Goodkind, Brooks, Jordan, and Eddings are all mainstays of my bookshelves, but they each have pluses and minuses to them. I liked this book- and I will read the sequels- but I was hoping for more of an opening salvo that screamed of excitement and adventure- what I got was a meandering story that took its time to set it all up right. Not that that was bad, but the opening scenes created such high hopes that this book (as it stands singularly) wasn't what it appeared to be. I am confident and hopeful that the next two in the trilogy will all work together to create the masterpiece that I am sure Orullian is capable of.

Shrink Wrap: Three Psychiatrists Explain Their Work

2011-08-15T15:58:00.001-06:00

As a psych nurse and someone who is going even deeper into the field of mental health care and psychiatry more specifically, I can honestly say this book is a wonderful peek at the inner workings of current psych practice.

Too often, we let the myths and horror stories consume our thoughts and come away with preconceived notions of what really goes on in the office, on the couch, or in the minds of clinicians as well. What we aren't told is that a systematic overview of symptomology is employed to help people. What we don't see is that many mental health problems are limited and not as "scary" or "strange" as is shown on TV, written about in thrillers, or reported on the news.

Everyday people, many millions of them, at some point will seek out a therapist or counselor for help with dealing with a variety of problems. This book will let you know what you are getting yourself into as you seek out this help. It is written well with illustrative examples and in a frank and easy to read style. The arrogance of doctors is stripped away, and reading this book is like having a conversation with a well educated, humble, and well-meaning individual.

I love this book and have quickly recommended it to my professional friends, as well as the psychiatrists with whom I work- each person has given it their seal of approval and high praise for its honesty, forthrightness, and willingness to "get it right". Great read!

The Help

2011-08-05T06:05:00.000-06:00

I have had this book on my radar for quite some time, it was always there, just on the periphery waiting to be read. Then I stumbled across the trailer for the soon to be movie and decided I had to read it before the movie dropped in theatres. I am so glad that I did- I can truly say that this book is a new American classic. It explores a time in history that is not talked about often, glossed over in classrooms (if ever talked about at all), and still deeply painful for entire generations of people, both black and white alike.

While the book is a fictionalized account of life in Jackson, Mississippi during the tumultuous years of the 60's, I suspect that a greater amount of the book is grounded in truth and fact. I am sure that there are several chunks of it that are glossed over and made gentler by the passing of time. While I have no experience growing up during that time frame, and have no experience being black or in the racial minority- it is a story that will resonate with all people for its themes of acceptance, bigotry, hatred, misguided self-importance, and social pressures to conform when dissent could be disastrous. It is a timely message that applies not only to racial relations and civil rights, but also to recent tensions with Muslims, immigrants, and any other "class" of people. It’s something to think about as we examine what separates us and what pressures are present in societal norms.

The book itself is an easy read that is told from the point of view of two main characters for the most part. Skeeter is a white woman who has recently returned from college, getting a degree when her social circle is more concerned with status and husbands. She is plain, earnest, and possessed with a self-assured sense of direction when it is improper for a woman to do so. She wants to interview the maids in Jackson and tell a story from their point of view. It’s a dangerous position, even for a white woman. Racial tensions are high and fraternizing with the "colored" folks is looked down upon, even as many families rely on them to raise their children and run their households.

Abiline is a maid for a white family in town, she has worries and pressures of her own, a family, church, and friends as well. She is honest, caring, deeply spiritual, and humble in her presentation. She is educated and wise beyond her years, having been steeped in the darkest of human nature and class separation, but also preciously close to what peace could mean. She is warm and gentle, but possessed of a deeply moral spirit that surprises even her.

The writing flows easily and the story unfolds layer after layer, doling out equal parts humor and heartbreak at a pace that keeps the pages turning and leaves you feeling oddly satisfied and sad when it is over. Several comments are made at the way the maids are portrayed at having a thick dialect and the white family members do not. I don't see this as racial or degrading in any way, but more as a way for the author to differentiate narrators and viewpoints by taking the reader out of the familiar and sterilized language of the white families and helping them shift focus to the maids and their separate, but just as deeply rich, culture.

I love this book. I wish everyone would read it and then read it again. I know it is one of my favorites will live on my bookshelf near some of the most powerful books ever written, it is truly our modern classic that deserves to be remembered with some of the best books ever written. Stockett has crafted a wonderfully lyric tale of both heartbreak and hope. What an amazing read.

The Sixes: A Novel

2011-07-26T08:52:00.000-06:00

I like this book. Let me get that out of the way first. Its a good book with a strong plot, great twists, and some well done characters. What damages it is the setting and the pack of antagonists...I swear every time I read about "The Sixes", I just see Paris Hilton cloned and glassy eyed as an evil sorority sister who doesn't care.

White has done a good job of thinking up a plot that will be all twisty like and take us on a few goose chases. She keeps us guessing until the end, and doles out the secrets nicely. I can forgive the heroine for being either amazingly dense or stunningly brilliant- depending on what the plot needs, but I really don't condemn the book for this. It works, it moves the plot, and helps us get to the end. Really, a girl is found dead after running from something on campus, dropping hints that something isn't right. The person tasked with finding out about the whole thing is a disgraced writer from New York who is teaching on campus at the request of her friend, the head of the college. She knows something isn't right, but wants to find out.

Set up is nice, and her back story is fleshed out well, but while White struggles to make her a three dimensional character, she also draws other as flat and lifeless, mere personas on a page. This causes the book to feel slightly off-kilter, but it is also forgivable. What works for this book is the good plotting, the mindless nature of the mystery, and the rush to the end. I would compare this to the book equivalent of a three musketeers bar- not a total loss, some good stuff all around, but still mainly fluff. Perfect beach read, plane read, or "I'm-taking-a-book-vacation-and-want-to-read-something-that-won't-make-me-think-too-hard" kind of read.

The Price: My Rise and Fall as Natalia, New York's #1 Escort

2011-07-20T18:24:00.002-06:00

Lets start off with the technical specs of this book first. It is surprisingly well written, easy to follow (not a surprise since the subject matter is relatively shallow), and for the first half- engaging and easily hooks you. "Natalia" goes from being broke, out of work, and in an abusive relationship to being the highest priced escort in New York within 5-6 months.

At first, her story seems to be surreal and you are left wondering why someone would do this for a living. Her original goal was to make some money to be on her own and then get out, but her competitive nature makes that impossible.

Along the way we learn about her cocaine binges, shopping sprees, evaluation of other escorts "nether regions" and skills in bed. The endless string of nameless clients who like to party, do drugs, collect art, and want to be worshipped gets tiresome long before the book is half done.

What started out as a read that could give you insight in to why a young Canadian national tap dance champion goes on to become a major player in the seedy underbelly of the New York sex scene degenerates into a romp through the sheets of her conquests and bragging rights.

To use a quote from her own book..."You can only sit around doing lines, listening to random, almost-strangers ramble on in never-ending coke-fueled diatribes so many times before it gets tiresome."

It begins as a good read, but soon just became tiresome. Too full of sexual fluff and not enough expose of the issues, the agency, and the "why" of it all. Its almost as if she is trying to do some PR work and clean up the opinion that we have of escorts and prostitution in general. Sadly, the attempt falls flat and just further reinforces the attitudes we all have toward the business, the pimps, the clients, and the girls who make it all happen.

Graceling

2011-07-18T09:09:00.001-06:00

Graceling is wonderful. Cashore has done a great job of building a believable world full of feuding Kings, powerful individuals blessed (or cursed) with Graces- the ability to have one skill honed beyond perfection, secrets, and lies. Katsa is one such girl, Graced with ability to kill with precision. She starts the novel off questioning her loyalty to her King and the honor in being used as his enforcer, his thug- sent to punish those who have fallen out of favor with him.

While Katsa speaks often of killing and death, there is surprisingly little of that contained in this book. She is instead tempered in the use of her Grace and chooses to be much milder than she is commanded to be.

Along the way, she and her band of friends uncover a plot that spans many miles and a couple of kingdoms. Adventuring with her is Po, also a Graced person from a far off kingdom near the sea. He is searching for someone special to him, and recruiting Katsa's help, they set off to find what he seeks.

The novel is written well with action scenes handled deftly. Cashore handles description nicely and her use of language is chosen with care. She writes well and the pace and plotting are moved along with a nice even flow. The relationship between Katsa and Po is handled discreetly, but the one or two "intimate" scenes, while handled with care, may be off putting to those that are looking for a novel for younger teens.
That said, I found that to be the only distraction in the novel. Its just a mild issue, one that doesn't really cause too much irritation.

The one thing that seemed slightly out of place to me was the final few chapters. It felt as if the ending was rushed and slightly off pace with the rest of the novel. The opening of the book was set up nicely with a lead in that got you used to the story and its trials...whereas the ending felt quick and sudden.

The Assassins of Tamurin

2011-07-18T09:05:00.001-06:00

If there were ever a book that had "movie adaptation" written all over it, this would be the one. It positively smacks of Hollywood and film rights...but that is a good thing. This book is very visual and you find yourself picturing the places and people represented within its pages with great detail. Not that the book gets overly descriptive, but the author has found a subtle balance between too much information and too little. Much is left to the imagination, and that is a good thing as well; it allows for a very personal feel to the novel. For me, I pictured the book taking place in a setting very much like the one represented in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

S.D. Tower has given us a remarkable, if predictable, debut novel. That would be the only place where the book falters...the plot twist will be seen in the early stages of the story, but I suppose that knowing what will happen is only half the fun...the other half is the journey to the end. And what a journey it is! We are treated to a lush and vivid world that mimics the very history of our own. Places seem to carry a somewhat familiar feel and the feeling of history is so real that at times I was tempted to look things up in an encyclopedia...only to remember that I was reading a work of fiction.

This novel is so visual and powerful that I really cannot praise it enough. When you immerse yourself in this book, you will be transported to a land of love, mystery, magic and political machinations. I am deeply impressed by the political jousting that goes on behind the scenes and the tantalizing bits of back-story that are thrown your way.

The novel meanders at a leisurely pace, seldom breaking into a run until the very end...and then BOOM! it takes off and you are left breathless with revelations and an awesomely, if predictable, handling of the end. The book opens with a quiet and unassuming beginning, and the close of the novel is handled just as wonderfully. Although this book is somewhat predictable and a little transparent, it is still a great effort and a worthy read.

Free Fire

2011-07-12T09:42:00.002-06:00

Reading this, the seventh Joe Pickett mystery, from Box was a treat- for a variety of reasons. We get to see Box flex his writing muscles and tackle a book with more characters in need of back story, more plot threads to wrap up, and more action, suspense, and murder to dish out appropriately. Box writes well and creates characters who each have a distinct voice and bring their own "style" to the book. What did seem to slow it down a bit was getting all those pieces set up on the playing field...but that is totally forgivable when the action really starts.

Joe is called to Yellowstone National Park to investigate the murder of 4 campers- but this is unlike anything anyone has investigated before. We know who the killer is, we know how he did it, we know he is guilty- but he can't be prosecuted thanks to a (then) real-life legal loophole that creates a "zone of death" within the park. It seems like the perfect crime- but is it?

Half the fun is getting to the bottom of the evil machinations that take place, the other half of the fun is seeing it all play out like a gun-blazing western showdown. The book is a wonderful example of how a writer continues to grow- it has it all- mystery, suspense, shady character, and anti-heroes that you just can't help but root for. And one of the best inclusions? Nate Romanowski. He has to be one of the most mysterious, dangerous, and compelling characters created in recent fiction- Box writes him well and really pulls us into his shady universe, in short- creating the perfect mirror for our almost too good to be true hero, Joe. The two of them work well together and have some of the best scenes in the book- ear ripping good scenes. (read the book to see what I mean)

While this book is one in a series, it could be read as a stand alone- Box does a good job of filling us in on the past and events from previous novels, but be warned- if you pick this one up out of order you will be promptly ordering the others in order to "catch up" with where this series is going. Full of twists, evil characters, gunshots, hot springs, and double crosses- C.J. Box's novels just keep getting better.

In Plain Sight

2011-07-07T16:43:00.002-06:00

Wow! I've been reading the "Joe Pickett" books as fast as I can get a hold of them...and this one, number 6, is by far my favorite. It has everything that smacks of a Hollywood blockbuster jammed into 250+ pages. Secrets? Check. Lies? Check. Danger? Check. Blazing fires, twisted motives, evil killers, and bigger than life heroes? Check, check, check, and check again.

Box has, once again, hit upon a formula that works- he has taken an every-man as a protagonist, given him definite flaws, and then turned him loose in the midst of personal tragedy, shifting alliances, and close calls with danger to see what happens. Moral fiber is amazing stuff- and Joe Pickett has it in spades- come hell or high water- he will get to the bottom of the issue and root out the truth- slimy ex-cons, flash floods, an a heady mix of hate be damned.

The book is written well, with a pace that doesn't let up from the get-go. The plot is solid, and the secrets are doled out at a pace that will have you eating out of Box's hand. Within the pages of this novel, old events come back to haunt Joe, new dangers are piling up faster than paperwork in the Cheyenne office of the Governor, and shifting alliances threaten an entire town. Deeply rooted family pride, fanatical devotion, greed, anger, rage, disappointment, and heartbreak all make this one a satisfying read. Now it's not just Joe's head on the chopping block, but someone has made it personal- they have come after his family and are hell-bent on taking Joe down where it hurts the most. Taught and riveting, this book delivers the goods with a deft touch. I burned though it faster that even I thought possible and felt like I was in a race to the ending. Well done Mr. Box! Keep 'em coming...the literary world needs more heroes like Joe Pickett.

The School of Night: A Novel

2011-07-03T21:08:00.004-06:00

The adage that there are always two sides to every story is true- and holds true for this novel. Bayard has written a wonderfully evocative historical novel that nails the challenge of modern and ancient to a "T". Told across two time periods, it would have been easy to lose the reader and cause much confusion, but with all the skill of a master artisan, Bayard weaves it all together and tells a tale that is a pure delight.

Actually, you get two tales- that are then seamlessly blended together to lead you to a satisfying conclusion. In the 1600's, we are treated to a secret society, The School of Night, composed of learned men who dare to challenge the supreme knowledge of the ever present Church. They meet in secret, discuss heretical topics, and gently flirt with disaster. There is adventure, intrigue, and a gentle love story within this portion of the novel.

Jumping forward, we are treated to a modern mash up of treasure/thrill seekers who are enchanted by the mystery of a fake document, professional falling from grace, hidden treasure, and the lust of riches untold. There is a recent trend in books to have a grand quest across the globe to find treasure of ancient, arcane origin, a final mystery that all involved get to solve. Bayard has picked up on this and the second thread of this novel deals with this current trend, but he does so in a way that isn't exploitative or cheesy at all.

Finally, the two threads are drawn tight, the garment is stitched and we allowed to sit back and look at the masterpiece that Bayard has created and led us through. I find his books to be languid, rich, descriptive, and perfectly paced to allow one to be lost within the prose. Bayard has conjured up history and mystery, woven it together into fiction (with just the right amount of fact thrown in for good measure) and written another modern literary masterpiece.

Rotters

2011-07-03T21:07:00.002-06:00

This book is incredible. It mixes up ingredients into something that is utterly captivating. We have grave robbing, growing up, secrets, lies, and buried pain. Within the pages of this novel, we are treated to elements of the macabre, dripping fluids, damp earth, rotted flesh, and the people who make it happen...the grave robbers.

Grave robbing has been resurrected as the subject of this book, and while a decidedly ancient and taboo subject, it has been pulled forth from the dust and given center stage in this novel. Knowing this- be prepared for exquisite descriptions of decay, slimy things, and dark corners of the psyche. While that may turn you off and make you want to leave, don't. Stay for the excellent character development, the scenes so vividly describes, the coming of age tale of Joey, and stay to satisfy your own curiosity. While not slammed full of pulse-pounding action or suspense, Kraus has created a story that will keep you flipping pages until the end.

The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady

2011-06-29T03:20:00.002-06:00

This book is great if you want to find that little dark place inside you and give in for a bit. Its a story with an interesting cast of characters and one protagonist who is bound an determined to have her revenge- come hell, high water, denture paste, or a little fuzzy dog be damned. Feeling wronged for some mad scientist experiments in years past, little grandma that could sets out to make the mad doctor pay.

Understanding her feelings for revenge, but with hilarious outcomes ensuing- the fun in reading this book is just how comically and darkly funny it unfolds. While the death of a child is no laughing matter- the death of Marylou's eight year old daughter some 50 years ago is the seed of bitterness that sprouts into this revenge tale.

Don't take it too seriously, don't take the subject matter too seriously, and suspend disbelief for the time you spend between its covers and you will find "The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady" to be a wonderful, easy, perfectly sweet and tart book just begging for inclusion on the summer list of must-have's.

Winterkill

2011-06-23T05:49:00.003-06:00

Box's hero, Joe Pickett, finds himself in the middle of the wilderness, dumbfounded, as he hears several shots during hunting season. (too many, too close together) Racing to the scene of the shooting, he finds an unlikely scenario playing out- one full of rage, brutality, and shocking revelations. From there, the story only ups the ante as the playing field is leveled and the big guns come to town in the form of federal employees, agency secrets, murder, past enemies, mayhem, and tragic consquences.

Box writes well, and the pace never lets up in this book. Suspense, guesses, and cruel twists abound, pulling us all to a final showdown between a man who has a deep conviction to to what is right and the twisted shadows of greed, hate, apathy, and ambition. A lone wolf, Pickett goes against the grain and follows his gut- which makes him the unlikliest of heroes. He can't shoot worth a damn. Has a job that pays peanuts. Is in a town ruled by a corrupt sheriff. But through it all, his unwavering conviction and knack for rooting out trouble see him through.

This book sees the introduction of an enigmatic ally for Joe, one that will test the limits of his moral code. As secrets and lies are uncovered and treachery is rooted out, an explosive, tragic ending for one character will galvanise Joe into action- and harden his resolve. Full of suspense, plot twists, shady characters, heart, and unexpected allies, "Winterkill" is set in the dead of winter- but blazes along faster than a brushfire on the open prairie.

Savage Run

2011-06-17T22:03:00.002-06:00

Box has done it again- crafted a fine mystery with believable characters in odd situations all wrapped in a moral tale. Intensity and suspense are doled out at even intervals, and the dual perspective set up in the novel is handled well and adds a different dimension to the writing. Once again, Joe Pickett, a Wyoming game warden finds himself in the middle of conspiracies, corruption, and crackpots.

Dual assassins, out for some sort of vengeance, are hot on the trail of leading environmental activists. Their mission is to systematically eliminate them in the most humiliating ways possible- thus making them less of a martyr, and more of a laughing stock. Everything goes according to plan until Stewie Woods and his new bride are blown up by an exploding cow. Yup. An. Exploding. Cow. (it is much more down the earth than it seems, trust me.) The explosion happens in Joe's district, so he is pulled into the investigation.

Again, Pickett is a believable character. He has doubts, fears, feelings, and an intensity that leaps off the page. Many will say that he isn't "real" and that his country boy charm is fake. It isn't. My dad is a true "cowboy" as are a large portion of my family. Box has pegged the western machismo and "quiet tough guy" attitude perfectly.

The writing is crisp, the plotting is handled well, and the wilderness is described perfectly. Although Box uses fictional locations in his novels, having grown up in Wyoming and traveled the state, he describes the wilderness with exacting detail- making it a character in its own right. I like Box's novels, his character of Pickett is well done and the other players are fleshed out as well. Corruption, crime, passion, ambition, secrets, lies, double-crosses, and exploding cows all add up to a satisfying read- and will leave you eagerly awaiting the next adventure that Box has in store for our resident game warden.

Open Season

2011-06-12T17:03:00.003-06:00

Being a Wyoming native, and having Cheyenne as my hometown, I decided it was time to give Box's books a try. (I mean, hell- you have to read a local author, right?) I don't read westerns- this one isn't. I don't usually read quaint stories of hunters and savage creatures- this one isn't. I do, however, like to read a good mystery and thriller- this one thankfully melds both of them together. Perhaps its the nostalgia, the crisp breath of morning, and gentle quite of the wilderness that I can imagine oh so clearly, but Box writes well and describes the landscape masterfully.

I won't comment on how a first time author is greeted with tepid expectations. I won't extol the virtues of finding that one good author out of the hundreds who are given a shot each year. I don't expect perfection out of a book. I expect entertainment, a good story, some great tension, and just the right amount of heart. Box has wrapped this tale up well with a good plot (who cares if you can see what its about early- the fun is gettin' it all figured out in the end), great characters (who aren't perfect, and don't pretend to be), a beautiful setting (that most people only think is in the movies), and one animal that causes a bunch of headaches. I've lived in Wyoming up until a few years ago- the "good ole' boy" club exists, shady company want land and mineral rights, the federal government is a bunch of whiny baby wackos (second only to the whiny baby wacko environmentalists), and people with character, heart, determination, and a "gut feeling" really to populate that amazing state. Box has taken the best and the worst and spun it all together.

Top it all off with a shady company, crazy locals, an ambitious young up-and-comer, one precocious little girl, and a pissed off game warden- and you have the recipe for a good read. Fast paced, with believable, fallible, real, honest characters, "Open Season" sights this one right down the barrel and delivers a one-shot kill.

Robopocalypse: A Novel

2011-05-18T16:11:00.000-06:00

I do not usually enjoy science-fiction. For some reason, the genre usually turns me off and leaves a terrible taste in my brain. I, too often, find the endless techno speak and hard science to be boring- longing for action and plot twists, I turn to fantasy and other genres. Every now and then, however, I step outside of my comfort zone and pick up a book that looks interesting...and one such book is Robopocalypse by Daniel Wilson.

Wilson has done a great job of creating our world just slightly (ok, majorly) out of control. It is full of real people, heartless machines, suspense, action, pain, sacrifice, and vivid imagery. It is action packed, brimming with war, suspense, and just the right amount of creepy factor to keep you turning the pages.

Told in jumpy, short, points of view- the book works well to tell a story from a variety of viewpoints and settings- allowing the reader to experience a multi-faceted novel without feeling disconnected. The machines in the book might look like us, help us, or even outnumber us- but at the end it is humanity that triumphs and wins the day.

Well written, good character development, tight plotting, and engaging situations all help this book straddle the horror/thriller/sci-fi fence and pull off a resounding success. I look forward to Wilson's second novel (whenever that may be) and applaud his ability to make me rethink my hardline stance of anti sci-fi. Great read!

Sorry I've been absent...

2011-05-06T20:04:00.000-06:00

I haven't blogged any books in a while, sorry about that. Its not that I haven't read any, but rather I wasn't sure anyone wanted to know what I was reading and what I thought about it. But I have been recommending books like mad to people who ask my opinion...and after reading a few more, I have decided to keep the blog going. As always, anyone who wants to post a guest review, please let me know and I would love to have you!

Happy reading...

The Hangman's Daughter

2011-02-15T18:14:00.002-07:00

What an amazing piece of historical fiction this novel is. The Hangman's Daughter is a great novel that pulls you in from the first page and keeps you hooked until the very last word has been devoured. Translated from German and finally available to English speakers, it is one that shouldn't be missed. An amazing tale of mystery, betrayal, torture, and an unwavering moral code- its a pleasure to read and full of interesting tidbits and facts that will have many a ready rushing to the internet and doing some research on their own.

The hangman is charged with keeping the streets clean, torturing prisoners, and executions (naturally). But what happens when one of his friends, an important woman to the entire village, is accused of witchcraft? Is he as superstitious and addle brained as his fellow citizens? To what lengths will he go to clear her name and avoid the execution that has been ordered? With so many questions floating around- the author has also included a gentle forbidden love story and a rivalry between father and son- all played out against the Bavarian forest and the simple life of the village Jakob inhabits.

While the characters' lives, situation, and storyline are fiction, the basis is in fact. The lives that people led, the location, aristocracy, magistrate, and village sense of justice are all rooted in the very real pieces of history that we know or the author has researched. I would like to believe that the picture of the sympathetic hangman that he has painted is based in reality as well. Torture is a job- but not one to be enjoyed. Jakob is shunned, in a way, by the villagers- who see him as a bad omen, or unlucky as a servant of Death himself. Through it all, Jakob has forged friendships in unlikely places- with the physicians son no less. The irony of "life" and "death" being friends is not lost on the reader.

Jakob must unravel a mystery and vile string of murders before he is forced to kill a friend, before the hatred in the village is ignited by ignorance, and before many innocent people lose their lives. Well written, amazingly plotted, and perfectly told- The Hangman's Daughter is one of my favorites- a true and absolute pleasure to read.

Hold me Closer, Necromancer

2011-02-15T14:23:00.002-07:00

What a treat this book was! Loved it- full of heart, dark humor, funny bits, and one creepy villain who just needs to be kicked in the throat. Through it all, McBride keeps the pacing top notch, the writing fresh, and the humor right at the forefront. Stellar job!

Sam is a necromancer- only he doesn't know it. Living in Seattle, Sam is wading thorough teenage angst, working at Plumpy's (think McDonal's reject) when he gets a visit from one of the most sinister necromancers of the modern era. Seems Sam has broken some rules made his dude more nervous than a hookr in a church. The catch- Sam is a threat and this dude wants him dead. Bigger catch? Sam has no idea how to use his powers, heck- just a few hours ago he had no idea he even had any- and now he has a week to figure it all out or he goes six feet under courtesy of evil dude and his insane quest for more power.

Sam is a smart-mouth who doesn't know when to keep quiet- full of wit and subtle humor that gets him into more trouble the more he runs it. He is confused, lost, and very much hunted by evil- but manages to keep his sense of humor intact, the head in the bowling bag, and all the ghosts in check. Throw in a talking head, a loyal and fiercely dedicated best friend, a couple of witches, some werewolves, and one funny ghost guide, and you have a recipe for suspense, fun, and one of the best novels in quite some time. I thought this book was amazing and am eagerly awaiting not only the sequel, but anything else McBride will write- the girl has talent and I see some amazing success for her in the future. I would liken her to Christopher Moore- but for the younger set.

Great book- great writing- great characters- and an even better set up for some wild adventures...et's hope this isn't the last we have seen of Sam, Ramon, Brid, and Ashley.

The Glass Castle: A Memoir

2010-12-29T00:18:00.000-07:00

This review comes courtesy of my friend, Clarissa. Enjoy!- C.E.

"The Glass Castle is one of those books that sticks with you. While it wasn't graphic or obscene it was shockingly eye opening and I'm a better person for reading it.

I admire Jeannette Walls (the author) very much. She did not drag her parent's name through the mud but factually told her story. She was not a victim, merely a character. Her life history was not told with bitterness or seeking sympathy. It was told with compassion, respect, a few lingering questions, but most of all, honesty.

It is often when someone explains certain life altering situations in a vague way that you are impacted the most (likethe situation her father set her up for when she was in high school). The story doesn't beat us over the head with anything yet it resonates with you and inspires you to be a better person and a much better parent.

Both of her parents have addictions. Her father's addiction is to alcohol and pride and her mother's addiction is in being the victim and adventure seeking. No one is parenting, the family is constantly moving, and the kids are left to care for themselves. Yet they learn, grow, have interests, move to the city, get an education, and get jobs. The "children" gain insight and character few of us have the opportunity to develop before reaching mid-adulthood.

Did the story scare me at times? Yes. Was I furious with her parents? Yes. Did the book inspire hope? YES! Hope that we are better than our circumstances. Hope that tomorrow can be a better day. We have food, we have love, and we have ourselves to work hard and improve our lives. Sometimes we just have to be reminded that we have hope..and having hope can change a lot..it can change a life."

Thanks for the excellent review Clarissa!

MetaGame

2010-11-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

I am not typically a fan of sci-fi books and stuff, but this book was great. At first it was off putting with all the name dropping and new terms, but soon- like the game D_Light is playing, you are immersed in a world that is both fantastic and frightening. Getting used to the lingo only takes a few pages and by then the story has wrapped its way into your brain and you are ready to see what happens next.

It feels like something pulled from "The Matrix", "Tron", "Ender's Game", and a whole bunch of other iconic universes all smashed together. With the amount of people today playing online games and the advent of such amazing advances in technology it isn't all that hard to suspend belief for a moment and think about how this could possibly happen. A universal game, God is replaced by technology, point systems, human genetic manipulation and the like- all for the promise of "immortality" if you play well enough.

D_Light and his house have been chosen to play in the next MetaGame- a real competition with far reaching consequences for both the winners and the losers. He is a good player, and as such has worked hard at building his score and being on the fast track to immortality. What happens, then, when he is selected for a game of even bigger proportions? The stakes are high, and the payoff is big- IF he can do it.

Along the way, we meet some interesting "nobles", a construct, the wrath of the divine authority, and a slew of other players- each with secrets, lies, agents, and agendas of their own. In a world where morality changes with the rules of the game, how does one person do what is right and push back against the awesome power of the Oversoul? D_Light has to do just that, and the way in which he does will surprise you.

The plotting and language were handled well, the suspense and pacing were done quite wonderfully. The characters of D_Light and Lily are engaging and interesting. The world is a myriad of colors, lights, sounds, and disorienting visions. But at the heart of it all the book is a great quest, a grand adventure that revolves around two people who develop deep feelings for each other in a world where feelings for another person leave you vulnerable.

I really liked this book, and am anxious for the sequel that is sure to come!

The Violin of Auschwitz: A Novel

2010-10-08T18:34:00.002-06:00

In all fairness, this book is doomed by its own subject matter. The holocaust is such a tragedy and depraved time in human history, it is almost as if to fictionalize it were to trivialize it. That isn't the case with this novel, by any means, but it just doesn't have the emotional impact that survivor tales have and first-hand accounts carry.

I know that it is a work of fiction, and I get this. The writing is clipped and sterile- but as another review pointed out- this novel is a translation, and so we are really only getting on persons interpretation of the original work. The novel is short and moved speedily thought the plot- played out agains the backdrop of the concentration camps and modern-day concert halls.

While the story is beautiful and mournful, it just did not resonate with me or have the powerful impact that one would expect out of a novel of this nature. That isn't to say that the book is bad- in fact, it is not. It is a good story that moves along fluidly and is easy to follow- but it could have been told anywhere and been titled as openly. It could have been the violin of Rwanda, or the Violin of Sarajevo. It could have been a book set in any locale, any backdrop, any city, and with any number of players.

I think that what makes it so difficult to grasp is the fictionalized account of the horrors visited upon the Jewish population during WW2. The holocaust holds a special, painful, sad, tragic, and revered place in human history- and as such it is very difficult to "get it right" when writing fiction. I felt as if the book used the holocaust as a backdrop- this caused it to fall flat and not resonate with me on an emotional level. The story is good, the overall structure is done well, the setting is what fails to resonate. It felt too neat, too sterile, and too "false" in order for it to have the punch I was desperately hoping it would.

Ghosts of Ascalon

2010-09-18T11:13:00.002-06:00

I am a GuildWars player- I follow the blog, play the game, and keep up with the lore. I am eagerly awaiting the release of GW2 sometime before the Mayan predicted apocalypse, and I have fond memories of traipsing around Tyria with my toons and guild mates.

I am also an avid reader and a fan of the fantasy genre in general. I like to read different takes on different universes and see what fresh and exciting things can be brought to life out of existing material. This novel is one such attempt to branch out and bridge the gap between the two games, add some flavor to the world, and give us information in a way that we don’t have to play for it.

It is a solid, middle of the road fantasy novel filled with all the required elements. A ragtag band of heroes. A double cross. Evil bad guys. Fantastic treasures. And even a world-wide conflict that rages in the background and serves as a backdrop to the whole thing. But it stumbles as well.

It feels as stiff and wooden as a middle school production of Romeo and Juliet. The characters are two dimensional with all the trimmings. Angry Charr, wounded hero, curious Sylvari, blustery Norn, and the arrogant Asura. The book felt too contrived, not full of any challenge, and the story was wrapped up too nicely. We have a great premise and a wonderful set-up only to be let down in the end by something that feels very "Choose-You-Own-Adventur-ish" in its simple prose.

More time was spent trying to introduce the new things about GuildWars than was spent telling the story. The book is aimed at fans and players- and as such much of the elementary introductions could have been done away with. We already know- and for those that don't...they won't be picking up the book anyway.

The story had so much potential but just seemed to fall flat. I hope the next outing will be better and more tightly written. Now that the universe has been introduced to us...again, perhaps we can get to the meat of the story and start exploring one of the best fantasy settings to come along in quite some time. I am choosing to see this book for what it is intended to be- a setup to introduce the world of GW2 and a new Tyria. I am hoping the next books in the trilogy really tell a good story- one that won't matter what game it’s based on.

Intuitive Parenting: Listening to the Wisdom of Your Heart

2010-09-13T20:16:00.003-06:00

I find it hard to quantify this book. On one hand we have a mother who has struggled with her own special-needs child and the difficult communication barries that presents. On the other hand we have a book that is trying to serve two masters by speaking to both crowds of parents. While the advice and the suggestions in this book are good and well placed, it felt as if it were trying too hard to get the point across in overly flowery and elegant prose.

I think that as a parent, listening to my children is the most important thing that anyone can do. If anything, this book has impressed upon me how little we as a modern society of parents actually listen to our children and try to communicate with them. While that lesson is a nice one to be reminded me of, I didn't really need this book in order to do it. I think that the marketing of this book is too broad and should be narrowed down to those parents of special needs children.

You can feel the author's dedication and deep conviction come through, but in a way that isnt' entirely necessary. While the book is good, it just didn't sit well with me. Its a mediocre book at best, but only because it tries to inlcude everyone in its touchy-feely universe.

The Reapers Are the Angels: A Novel

2010-09-12T17:39:00.000-06:00

This novel reads a bit like "The Forest of Hands and Teeth" on steroids. It isn't so much full of fast paced action, as it is full of beautiful prose and deep introspection on behalf of the main character, Temple. She is tough, resourceful, kind, guarded, hard-edged, and tender.

Temple lives in a world that is full of zombies, "meatskins" as she calls them, and has only known it as such. Gone are the days of idyllic summertime, kids playing in the streets, cars zipping by, busy cities, and a worldwide economy. Money is useless, modern conveniences are worthless, and the only thing that matters is survival and the ability to stay one step ahead. Our world is 25 years gone, and a lifetime away from Temple's 15 year old perspective- she knows nothing else but the bleak reality in which she finds herself.

She is a survivor who is roaming about a lost nation, paying penance for some horrible sins in her past that she feels the need to punish herself about. A loner in a lonely world, she touches the lives of those she meets- for good and for bad. I am not going to give away plot here because the book unfolds just wonderfuly and shouldn't be spoiled. It has a wonderful amount of atmosphere- both creepy and stark, yet beautiful all its own.

This tale comes to an explosive conclusion that is unexpected yet seems to fit none the less. The characters are well written, the action placed at just the right time so as not to get in the way of the tale. While I do not recommend this book to younger readers, it serves as a nice escape for the adult set. The scenes can be graphic at times, but with a gritty realism that fit the setting of the novel.

A well done book that was one of my favorites of the summer- its (again) well written, paced perfectly, and handled with just the right amount of action and deep insight.

***Note to readers: while not overly graphic, there is a sex scene that may leave some readers uncomfortable due to its situational context***

Cloud Application Architectures: Building Applications and Infrastructures in the Cloud

2010-08-08T10:14:00.000-06:00

Marc has graciously given me permission to post his book review here. I dont really understand all of it, but for those of you who do...it looks to be a pretty solid book.

Let’s start by getting the monkey off our back and just say that the book is heavily geared towards Amazon services but he mentions this in this in the very beginning saying that his experience “is mostly with the Amazon cloud, and the Amazon Web Services offering make up the bulk of the market today.” However, he also specifically mentions that representatives of Rackspace and GoGrid participated in the review process and even provided appendices to provide additional information about the services that each company offers.

Now that that is out in the open Cloud Application Architectures provides a good insight into what you must take into consideration when it comes to cloud computing. The first two chapters are basic and provide the groundwork for the remainder of the book. If you are already familiar with the basic concepts of cloud computing you can probably skip the first chapter and similarly with chapter 2 if you have knowledge about Amazon services.

The remaining chapters focus on questions and concerns that should be considered before making the move to cloud computing. Chapter 3 discusses software licenses, cost comparison, service availability, reliability, and performance, and finally disaster recovery. Chapter 4 provides a discussion on application design which could be very useful if you are just in the planning stages of your application. If your application already exists and you are looking to move the application over from an existing system some important questions are brought up:

· How will you manage the state of your application?

· What do you need to do for data security and integrity?

· How do you handle privacy issues?

The final question of privacy can be very important for an application and chapter 4 provides an introduction to designing an application with privacy in mind.

Chapter 5 gets into a much deeper discussion of security and privacy. The author provides a discussion on the importance of encrypting your data and backing up your data to a different location. These things can be very important to protect your customer’s information in case something ever happens. One sticky situation for applications is the variety of security and privacy standards (HIPAA, PCI, SOX, etc.) that applications are expected to meet. Depending on what your application does you may or may not have to comply with these different standards but if you do it is important to know that from the beginning and how the cloud affects each standard. In the end, the author candidly points out that when these standards were created cloud computing wasn’t taken into consideration; as a result, your application may meet the spirit of the law but you may have to make some adjustments to meet the letter of the law.

The final chapter discusses disaster recovery and scalability. The author discusses the need to have a monitoring system and provides a few examples of monitoring systems. One thing that has been introduced since the publication of this book is Amazon’s CloudWatch and AutoScaling. These two features enable you to scale an application by adjusting the number of servers for your application based on demand. This can obviously drain the bank if you are not careful but it can also save you if you have a sudden spike in demand for your application. In addition, the ability to use sticky sessions (maintain an existing session on a specific instance) with the Amazon Load Balancers has recently been released.

The appendices provide a reference to Amazon Web Services, a description of GoGrid, and a description of Rackspace hosting. The number of players in the cloud computing market has grown and it would be best to do some searching and find the pros and cons of each service according to actual users. In addition, as is the case with most technology the Amazon reference is outdated and doesn’t include information on CloudWatch, AutoScaling, Loadbalancing, RDS, etc.

Overall this book was a great overview of cloud computing. It would be great to see a new addition or online addendum that is less Amazon-centric and provides more information regarding other players. However, this is a great reference whether you are designing a new application or looking to convert an existing application. After working with cloud computing for over a year I can say that I wish I would have had this book before I started because many of the considerations and concepts that are discussed I have learned about through hard work and sometimes trial and error.

~Marc Carmen- *this review was originally published on ActionScriptHero.org

I am Number Four

2010-07-16T21:32:00.000-06:00

Lore has written a great book for the middle reader set that tackles quite a few issues and manages to hold your attention through what could have been a dreary journey of self pity and bleak possibility. Instead, we are treated to Number Four- who has escaped his home planet along with 9 other children to come to earth. Here, they hide and train and hope to develop their Legacies in order to survive long enough to make it back to their home planet and revive it again.
John is a seemingly typical high school kid- except that he is an alien, has amazing powers, and is being hunted by a terrible race of alien/albino/warriors called the Mogadorians. Having moved around all his life- he is done running and finally settles into a small town in Ohio. He goes to school, gets in fights, makes friends, and falls in love with a girl. Then it all comes crashing down once his alien trackers hunt him down.

The pacing is nice and the plot moves along at a nice speed- keeping the reader interested and doling out information and secrets at just the right time to hook you once again. I was snagged from the first page forward and couldn't put the book down once I started. Lore has done a wonderful job at telling a story that is full of action, adventure, mystery, heroics, and loss. "Number Four" was a pleasure to read and the ending was just tender enough to be bittersweet- but also sets us up for what is hopefully a rip-roaring sequel.

This book is a perfect entry into YA literature and will satisfy many readers- I don't even like SF and I was enthralled. Written well, great pacing, wonderful characters, and just the right amount of mystery make "I am Number Four" the perfect summer read- excellent.

The Left Hand of God

2010-07-16T21:30:00.000-06:00

"The Left Hand of God" is a subtle, dark fantasy novel. Hoffman has created a world of bleak possibility and intricate alliances. Reading this one takes a bit of getting used to (at least it did for me) but once inside, it is well worth the trip between its pages. While I find it hard to fit into one category, the book is one that is bleak and sterile, while at the same time being captivating.

The protagonist, Cale, is an enigma in and of himself- having been raised at the Sanctuary of Redeemers- a somewhat twisted order of monks and religious leaders who profess the love of their God thought torture and cruelty. Not sadistic or perverted, but a very strict upbringing that doesn't seem to make sense. Reading this novel was odd because the place names were off-kilter enough that it threw me off guard on more than one accasion. Was Hoffman writing a dystopian future novel, or a medieval inspired take on modern reality? While I never did really answer this question- I put it out of my mind and that is where the fun begins.

The book is well written, of a little sterile, contrived, and predictable. The character of Cale is puzzling and mysterious, heroic, and jaded all in his own light- which is quite a pill to swallow for one so young. At 15 he displays a grizzled, grim grasp on reality that would give anyone pause. I suppose that Hoffman wrote him this way in order to string us along for the next two books- I want to read them to learn more about Cale as I don't really have any sort of attachment to the world itself.

So, I suppose at its heart this novel is more character study than fantasy journey. And that works here- surprisingly well. Off to an injured start, the novel picks up speed and comes to a satisfying conclusion- with just enough stuff in between to keep you wanting more once you turn the last page. Definetly not the book for everyone- but one that deserves a chance none the less.

Keep Sweet

2010-06-25T10:43:00.003-06:00

Keep Sweet has done a good job of blurring the line between fact and fiction. If you have read any new articles or magazine write ups on the FLDS church in Colorado City, the book will feel very familiar to you. While it is based on clippings, reports, and other books that escapees have written, it is important to note that this book is fiction- no matter how much it reads like fact.

Alva is trapped in the FLDS church, oppressed and soon to be married to a man who is old enough to be her grandfather. She is given the advice to "keep sweet" and just smile and nod as life runs its course. Alva has bigger plans, and they don't include being married to an abusive, perverted man at the whims of a self appointed "prophet." And so she plots an escape.

The writing is taught and well paced, with the tension level being consistent- and there was hardly a dull moment. Reading this book makes me feel so much anguish for the young men and women who are caught in this alternative universe that is called the FLDS religion. As a member of the mainstream LDS (Mormon) church, I cannot fathom the thought process that goes into this perverted vision of religion.

Again, this book is fiction, but based so closely on fact that it was at times hard to separate the truth. Warren Jeffs and the prophet in this book are similar. The plight of the "lost boys" and the young men kicked out of the compound in this book are closely tied- in fact they are referenced in the text. While this book is written for the YA crowd and will take a most a couple of hours to slam through, I can say it had a profound effect on my, the reader. I see now why there are so many ex-FLDS objectors who will go to great lengths to save these underage girls from such terribly circumstances. Alva is written with an amazing amount of heart, determination, and resourcefulness.

I applaud the author for tackling a sensitive subject, and applaud her even more so for trying to treat it will the respect, suspicion, and criticism that it do rightly deserves. While not an expose into the FLDS cult, it is a quick read that will serve as a jumping-off point for anyone interested in this startlingly odd religious movement.

The Secret Lives of Bab Segi's Wives: A Novel

2010-06-09T09:16:00.003-06:00

I laud this book for its storytelling and its ability to keep the big secret for quite some time. I laud it for its characters who are engaging and full of humor, wit, malice, spite, and utter charm as well. I laud it for the subject matter and the way it tries to deftly weave it all together- but thats where the praise has to stop.

The book was written from the POV of the four wives of Baba Segi. The trouble is, you dont know which wife is speaking in which chapter until you are about halfway though it. It lends an uneasy, uneven, and confusing tone to the story that would have been charming and humorous otherwise. Make no mistake, this book is a lighthearted one that deals with power and control over the household and the pecking order that come from a polygamous marriage arrangement.

With the introduction of the 4th wife for Baba Segi, the other three are all upset- to certain degrees. Upset that she comes in with her education and by the very nature of the fact that she is indeed educated- she poses a threat to the rest of the household. How so? She has no job. She has no money. She has no children. And therin lies the problem. With the barren nature of her womb taking center stage here, everything the other wives have worked for is in danger of coming undone.

The premise was good, the setup was nice, and the characters we well written- the writing style was just too choppy and too disjointed to make this a pleasing read.

Firefly Rain

2010-05-21T19:52:00.002-06:00

Richard Dansky has spent his career writing for video games, and it shows here. The pacing, the detail, the dialogue were all handled well, and the atmosphere was done beautifully. Reading horror has some inherent challenges- do you go for creepy factor in order to up the tension, or do you go for gore to make the reader squeamish? Danksy goes for creepy- and builds it layer by subtle layer to a wonderful effect.

Jacob Logan left his life in Maryfield behind when he went to college, moved to Boston, and became a hotshot professional. Then it all came crashing down- a funeral, a failed business, and promises that need to be kept all are pulling Jacob back to his family farm in Carolina. But things aren’t really as they seem for Mr. Logan. His car is stolen, and then reappears driving all around town. His house is starting to feel menacing, and strange noises are prowling the night as well...a night made all the more dark by the complete absence of fireflies. They light up the night around his home, but never come onto his property.

In a novel that reads like a video game, Dansky explores the bonds of family, the price of promises, and the creepy way that was we say will come back to haunt us- and he does it well. The book doesn’t lag, the characters are handled well, and the secrets doled out at a satisfying pace. Each piece of the puzzle builds on the previous one until Dansky has build a beautiful tapestry- then pulls the threads taught with a thrilling and fitting conclusion.

Dansky has done a great job of building a little community- full of eccentric characters. We have Carl: the caretaker of the Logan estate, mysterious and acerbic, gruff and terse. Officer Hanratty: brass, power hungry, and rude. Sam: the friendly neighbor with a terribly unfriendly dog. Jess: Jacob’s no-nonsense friend in Boston who can help him make sense of everything. And Adrianne: the cute librarian who is just the kind of distraction Jacob needs…or is she?

Maryfiled keeps it secrets close, and its native sons and daughters even closer- the pull of promises made, kept, and broken hold this novel together well and serves as a captivating mystery that readers are sure to love. Firefly Rain is a marvelous first novel for the author and the start of a promising career as a prose writer. After reading this one I am convinced that Dansky needs to be working on a follow up, and quickly.

The Bone Thief

2010-05-17T23:52:00.001-06:00

The duo writing this book has quite a bit of research in making this piece of fiction "pop". Heck, Bill Bass runs the Body Farm in real life. If you have read any forensic police procedural over the last 10 years, you have heard of this amazing anthropological playground in the south. It would make sense then, that the technical details of this novel are spot on- and they are. Sometimes painfully so. The research done here takes center stage, as it is the stomping ground of the main protagonist- and a setting (presuming by the series tagline) for most of their novels.

I haven't had the pleasure of reading any of the other novels in this duo's catalog- but after finishing this one, I am headed off to my local bookstore to snag a few more. They remind me of Cornwell and Slaughter (without the over-the-top violence of Slaughter). I did find that there were quite a few references to previous novels, but no so many to make this one unreadable. Its almost as if you are coming into the middle of a conversation, but you know enough to fill in the back story on your own.

While the dialogue gets painful and somewhat forced in some places, the plotting is good- the details add to the story, and the subject matter of stolen body parts and illegal organ trade is interesting. The character of Brockton seems to be based more on Bass than Jefferson, but thats ok- its just a slight observation. The puzzle pieces fit together well in this novel and the ending is just right. Altogether, a good novel and one that fans of the genre will love, and newbies are sure to like as well. I'm happy that I was introduced to this talent team of writers/researchers and am sure to add them to my ever burgeoning bookshelves.

Double Bound

2010-05-16T12:58:00.002-06:00

In this, the follow up to Nolan's "Strings Attached", we have Jeremy and his lover, Carlo jetting off to Brazil to check on a hotel/resort complex that has a large amount of Tyler Inc. money invested. His aunt Katherine, ever the nosy and controlling one, has insisted that Arthur, their ex-Marine, ex-FBI agent, butler/bodyguard go along with them to ensure their safety- and they are sure to need it.

While "Strings Attached" was tamer and more mild, this new novel, "Double Bound" raises the bar considerably. Jeremy and Carlo make no hiding their feelings for each other, and Arthur is tortured because of his like for Jeremy as well- despite the 14 year age difference. Along the way, we meet a rather unsavory cast of characters and deep, dark plot that whips the city of Rio de Janerio into a frenzy each September- and it isn't Carnival.

Tightly plotted, with a great amount of suspense- this novel deserves to be pushed to the mainstream, but its subject matter and frank treatment of homosexuality keeps it forever pushed to the background and a piece of "gay" fiction. Its too say, really because Nolan is a talent writer who can write believable characters, great dialogue, and come up with some of the best villains, plots, lies, and double-crosses.

Jeremy, as a character, has matured and is more three dimensional this time- not just the riff-raff plucked from the slums an set atop a seaside cliff in an opulent palace. We learn more about Arthur and his past, his heartbreak, and his conflicting desires of keeping Jeremy at arm length and wanting him close. We see deeper into the twisted psyche of Katherine and realize just how unscrupulous and depraved she really is.

All in all, this book is a great read- the subject matter and treatment of sexuality and sexual situations will be a turn-off for some- that's for sure. If so, then just stay away. If you can get past that- (as a straight man, I did.) then the book is a good read with a wonderful plot and a tightly controlled climax. I have a feeling this is a trilogy and I will gladly be picking up the next installment in the series.

"Double Bound" is not the type of book I usually read- for a variety of reasons- but I am pleased that I took a chance on this series and found a wonderfully talented writer who has skirted the literary fringes for too long.

The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival

2010-05-13T09:14:00.002-06:00

THE TIGER is a wonderful book that reads like a good mystery novel, but has the added punch of being true. While the old addage that truth is stranger than fiction is readily apparent in this book- it takes on a deeper meaning. In the frozen tiaga of eastern Russia there lives an animal that is both revered, feared, and reviled all at the same time. Tiger. Mention of the word brings forth powerful images of death, power, beauty, savagery, cunning, sex, and secrecy.

All of those words are perfectly suited to the tiger. When two hunters are killed and eaten by a wounded tiger in the tiaga, Trush and his team of tiger hunters/conservationists are called in to stalk and kill the beast. In doing do- they find much more information about this creature than many of us have previously known. The tiger seems to have hunted these men, in the same way they were hunting him. Trush's team learns more about the tiger culture, the way people life, and the fine edge that both man and beast are forced to walk in this harsh and unforgiving wilderness.

The story is compelling and interesting- making a balanced plea for the survival of this terribly beautiful creatures. Through the writing, we learn amazing things about tigers, and the savage way they live. We learn of man's unending push to subject nature to our vision, and the suffering it causes to ecology and the environment. While not a preachy call for tree hugging, it is a helpful reminder of just how precious our natural resources are and how much we need them...and how quickly we are to destroying them completely.

The writing of the book is good, and only veers off occasionally and gets dry. I attribute this more to the fact that Russian and English are languages that have a hard time gelling together well. The author has relied on translators, a personl trip to russia, and taped interviews- this is why the writing can seem disjointed and choppy at times- but still viscerally real. I enjoyed this book for it frank and honest portrayal of man and beast both fighting to survive amid frozen forestes and -40 F temperatures. After reading this book, I am more committed to saving these creatures now more than ever. The alarming rate at which threatened species are extinguished is amazing. Soon, if we dont act, this magnificent lord of the jungle will be gone forever as well. So that begs the question- did the Tiger murder the hunters? Or was it more interested in self-preservation? I'll let you decide- but it is safe to say once you read this book you wont look at tigers the same way ever again.

Winging it: A Memoir of Caring for a Vengeful Parrot Who's Determined to Kill me

2010-05-12T11:41:00.003-06:00

I will commend the author of this memioir for her and her family's commitment to raising Gracie as best they can. I will give her kudos for trying to do the right thing with the bird she was given as a gift. I will overlook her niavete in regards to the care and feeding of an African Grey Parrot. But after all of that- the book is absolutely heartbreaking. (Gracies owners do the best they can, but my heart breaks for the bird- that is not to say she is abused, as the first posting of this review seems to have suggested) *see comment below*

While I do not doubt that Gracie was taken from her home without the knowledge of Gardiner, I am apalled at the way this stressed out, miserable, and angry bird must now spend the rest of her days. She lives in a cage, desperate for freedom and attention and intellectually stimulating activities, but can find none. What she was given instead was a busy house with many stressors already in place. A cage(which in later years she is no longer confined to- but roams the house instead), new children, a sick dog, and busy "parents" who lacked the skill and knowledge to take care of her.

I commend them for seeking out a vet when the internet age didn't exist, and I commend them for sticking by Gracie through thick and thin, but I am curious as to what point the light dawned and they realized that they were in over their heads with this creature that will most likely outlive them by several decades. Gracie is a prime example of the trust, dedication, and skill necessary for a family to have a pet. She shows us the worst things that can happen when we are given a "gift" that we are totally unprepared to receive.

Through it all, Jenny and her family have committed to keeping Gracie- a decision that speaks volumes. Many owners would just dump her off at a shelter, or in the middle of nowhere. I give them points for not giving up- but also do not envy them with the lifetime burden of caring for Gracie. The memoir was supposed to be light enough to provide humor- but looking underneath the surface has reveled a horror all its own. Gracie is trapped (perhaps not in the literal sense)- in fact the only creature in this novel that appears to be "winging it" is the flightless prisoner herself. While to book attempted to be a funny look back at a road less traveled, it did not find it as humorous as I ecpected. The author and her family have taken in this bird and it seems have found some common ground- for that I admire them.

Strings Attached

2010-05-11T20:12:00.002-06:00

Lets get this out of the way first- its "gay" fiction- or at least, billed as so. That might come as a surprise to some readers- so I figure we'll get that out of the war right now. So- now that all the prudes and righteouly indignant can hit the door and not sully their ears any further, we can proceed with a review of a book that straddles the fence of two genres and manages to pull it off pretty well.

At its heart, "Strings Attached" is a novel about growing up, maturity, and the toxic bonds that bind families, step-families, and all the other odd combinations together for better or worse. Nothing is without a price, and there is no such thing as a free lunch- as Jeremy is soon to learn. As many other readers have mentioned, the Pinocchio themes and overall story arc are present here- updated and changed to fit a modern adaptation. Jeremy has to "become a real boy" in many ways as he moves out of his former life and comfort zone into the new role he finds himself quickly thrust into. The colorful characters of a sadistic and vile aunt, alcoholic mother, and a pack of new friends all fit within the mythos well as characterizations of the typecast players we know so well.

Addressing the other side of the fence here- we have the whole "gay" fiction part of the book to speak to. Why? Well because the main character is gay. So that automatically makes the novel a gay one and relegates it to a different section of the bookstore, website, or catalog. Thats sad, really. See the sexuality of the character does define who he is, but does not define the book itself. Jeremy engages in some questionable practices and there are some scenes and verbage that might turn some readers off...or on, I suppose. As a straight man, I didn't have any problems with those parts, but as a parent, I would not let my younger kids or even early teens read them as I felt they were a bit "too much."

Noting the author's comments on the subject, it was interesting to hear that the book had been planned as a YA novel, but the inlcusion of some scense and graphic descriptions moved the focus to an adult novel. This makes sense- as the book reads for the most part like a young adult piece, but throws in more adult passages that would be allowed. As such, the book does a good job of walking the line between both worlds. As a slice of genre fiction, it works well as a coming-of-age story and transformation of the central character- as a "gay" piece of fiction, I think it does a good job of fitting there too. In the same thinking, it also straddles the fine line between YA and adult fiction, with a bit to much of it falling on the more mature side.

BOOM!

2010-05-11T20:10:00.002-06:00

Mark Haddon has written a wonderful tale of adventure and zany action. It seems to be a cross between "The Last Mimzy" and the "Witch Mountain" movies.

Its an easy read that is written for the 12 year old crowd, but also grants us adults a great escape. Its a good book to read aloud to your kids as a bedtime story and captures the wild sense of danger and wonder and crazy all at the same time.

A quick read, BOOM! is slick and fast and full of great moments that translate them well to the comic book crowd and those of us who love Toy Story, Meet the Robinsons and Chicken Little. Its a great book that reads like a slick CGI film and has all the trappings of the perfect escape. Well done! A rioutus hoot and full of fun- sure to bring a smile to your face and brighten your day- no matter what you usually read.

The Outstretched Shadow

2010-04-23T08:18:00.002-06:00

I havent read any books previously written by Mercedes Lackey, and I havent read the Merlin books penned my Mallory. I might have been living under a rock, but for some reason the two authors never registered on my radar. This book was recommended to me by a coworker after we discussed the novels that we both like to read.

This book is the start of a high-fantasy trilogy, and I must say that it fits the vein very well. It is a serious book, filled with the elements that make this subgenre so prominent. In this novel you will find wizards, elves, centaurs, other fey folk, and a great struggle against a very powerful enemy.

The book starts off a little slower paced for my liking, but by sticking with it, you are filled in on some great backstory and little pieces that make the world that Lackey and Mallory have conjured seems just outside the realm of reality.

I enjoyed this book and was pleased with its conclusion. The book, as mentioned earlier, started slow, but then rushed headlong into a fitting climax and conclusion. I have promptly picked up the second novel in the series and am happily devouring it as we speak.

I would suggest this novel to lovers of fantasy fiction, readers of Salvatore, Greenwood, Lewis, and others who have populated the genre with memorable characters and great stories. Its a good read, just hunker down for the first 200 or so pages and let the story develop at its own satisfying pace.

The Serialist: A Novel

2010-04-23T08:16:00.002-06:00

I wasn't sure about this book at first. I picked it up and read a few pages, set it down, and then came back to it a week or so later. I am glad that I did. Its a good book with an engaging plot, once you decide to get right into it.

The main protagonist of the book is a writer who has written some populare serial novels, a little S&M porn, a few romances, and a whole series of sci-fi sex-slave-from-another-galaxy type books. All that pales in comparison to the biggest book of his life- a serial killer has chosen him to write his memoirs.

Thus starts off the quirky, dark, psychotic adventure of a struggling writer, his 15 year old manager, the odd characters and self-depreciating humor that make up his wierdly popular novels. Throw into the mix a stripper, one creepy lawyer, a snotty paralegal, and the fact that our hero dresses up as his mother to take "author" photos for his cheesy vampire series...and you get a great melting pot of literary wonder.

I am sure that parts of this novel are autobiographical- but the rest of it just smacks of wonderful imagination and rip-roaring pacing that it really are the hallmarks of a great book- sure to be popular and the perfect stepping stone for a wildly successful career. (I'm looking forward to the future books Gordon will write)

David Gordon has written a good novel that is full of humor, grit, wit, and gore. Its a perfect entry into the hard-boiled-pull-no-punches look at modern life, writing, and pop culture. What a delight to read and the perfect escape. Im not sure why it didnt grab me from the start- perhaps its the way in which it feels oddly disjointed at first- but luckily the author does a quick fix to get it right on track and then leads us to a fitting conclusion. A great read for sure!

***Note- the subject matter- while not terribly offensive or crude, might turn off the prude, the devoutly virginal, or the weak stomached among the reading populace***

Think of a Number

2010-04-23T08:15:00.000-06:00

At first, I thought this book was incredibly painful to get through. Then I decided to look at it differently, much the same was as the former detective in the story is forced to do with the crime. Its a mixed bag that is full of wonderful elements, and also blasted by detracting areas as well.

John Verdon is a first time novelist, and I give him props for that- it takes hard work, blood, sweat, and tears to write a novel. Its not easy taks, and just doing it should be an accomplishment. That being said- there are a few things in this book that hold it up and prevent it from being completely absorbing.

First is the treatment of the characters and the dialogue. Gurney is fleshed out, a former detective with a haunted past and some deeply rooted priority issues. Good so far. Thats really where it ends. We are then treated to characters who are either phantoms or parodies of their archetypes. Gurney's wife, Madeline is presented as a shadowy presence who moves through the novel at odd moments- offering advice and counsel, sense and stability. But really- we never get to know her- we never really get inside her head and undersand her motives and her passions. She is the yin to Gurney's yang- and is left off the pages. The failing marriage between the two of them is a big point of tension in the book, but for some reason it isn't explored and as fleshed out as it could be.

Gurney meets some other characters who are forgettable and really not worth the notice of putting a name to them. We meet the DA, slick, calculating, and pretty-boy like. Some head detetective-cop-police-chief guy who is a butt-kisser and just wants to be in control. There are forgettable detetective from neighboring precincts who soon get lost in the shuffle as well. While these other characters are not the meat of the book, they should have been important enough to develop and flesh out a bit more.

Dialogue is laughably bad at times and feels as if it has been ripped straight out of a cheesy TV movie. While the author does delve into some meaningful conversations and hints at the great pain behind Gurney, he soon slips back into painting him as a cynical, no-patience-having, ex cop. The sad part is that this takes away from the book and sinks it back into the realm of pulpy and campy instead of suspenseful and riveting.

The plot is handled well with this one. The killer is set up as smart, intelligent, witty, and the clues are dropped at the right pace- at first. After that, Verdon is careful and deliberate to reiterate the clues and lead us by the hand to get to the ending of the novel. It is almost as if he (John Verdon) wanted to make sure he hit all the right notes and laid the proper groundwork- this I can applaud, but it was done a bit too carefully. As it has been mentioned earlier- the set up takes almost 25% of the book- we need to wade 100 pages in before the killer makes his move.

From there, the book starts to pick up speed and come to its conclusion, but it is still a slow and steady climb to get up the hill before we can come racing down from the climax of the story. Then ending 1/3 of the book was handled well and really showed a great amount of promise for Verdon- I am sure he will tighten his style and really make the next book he writes "gel" just like it is supposed to.

I am giving this book a solid- well deserved 3 star rating. While it takes some time to get into and really hook you, it is worth the effort. We see Verdon grow and change as an author all within the 300+ pages he has written here. While I cannot call myself a die-hard fan of his work, I will be sure to keep and eye out for his next offering- as I am sure it will have improved on the weakness herein, but also have built upon the strengths we are just disovering in this one.

The War to End all Wars: World War I

2010-04-23T08:14:00.000-06:00

I absolutely loved this book! As a homeschooling parent, I am usually on the look-out for good quality materials and books for my kids. This one fit the bill perfectly. With a wonderful amount of photos that capture an era to writing that is easy to digest, this book hits all the high notes.

While I am no stellar student of history, I knew a little bit about WWI, but not a whole lot. Thankfully this book does a great job of distilling all the information down into a readable format. Not boring, not preachy, and not by any means, terribly juvenile- this book strikes the perfect balance of information and action.

The captions that go with the plentiful photographs are just as informative as the text, and really add to the understanding. While modern warfare is fast-paced and big explosions, the soldiers who were on the front lines of WWI were unprepared for the horrors and power of their "new" war machines. Fledgling technology is seen here, and a total change to the way war was waged is explored- while also giving us glimpses behind the scenes with information that led to the war and how it affected every day people.

The conclusion was handled well and gave hints as the the events that would eventually lead up into WWII, and seeing how the two wars were related was an eye-opening and sobering bit of information. I reall think the author did an amazing job with this book and it should be read by all people- not just the juvenile market. I hope that he goes further and writes a companion book for WWII, as his style, delivery, and approach are right on target.

This is a great book, a wonderful photo-essay, and a stellar brush-up on history. A wonderful resource and great way to introduce students and teachers alike to a war that has faded from memory and lives on almost entirely through print media alone.

A few things...

2010-04-23T08:12:00.000-06:00

If anyone is following the blog, you might have noticed that I havent posted much this month. Rest assured that I am reading like a fiend, but also balancing two jobs, and a Master's Degree program for school. With all the work and reading required with those, I still set aside time to read things I want to and not things that I "have" to. So, here come a slew of book reviews for what I've been reading this past month.
Clint

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan's Curse

2010-04-01T21:44:00.000-06:00

We find Percy in the middle of his third adventure- and he is knee deep in trouble. The Titans are massing to attack Olympus- his friends are in trouble. One has been captured, possibly dead- and a former friend is becoming even more dangerous.

Add to the mix a couple gods and goddesses- namely Artemis and Apollo- and you have the recipe for a wonderful tale.

Riordan is getting better and better with each book- spilling little mytholigical clues that the well-read will have no trouble picking up. Tense battles, deep conversations, and an overwhelming sense of urgency permeate this novel. As we get closer and closer to a final confrontation, Percy and his friends are facing darker dangers than ever before.

The appearance of a mysterious sea creature has the gods of Olympus up in arms because it has the power to spell their doom. Two new demi-gods (Nico and Bianca) make an appearance, and a wicked nearly unstoppable enemy is chasing Percy, Zoe, and Thalia relentlessly.

This book takes a more dramatic turn with some truly painful moments for our characters and proves that the older Percy gets- the more dangerous his world becomes. The setup is great, the writing is tight, and the plotting excellent. We are strung along at a wonderful pace and treated to a fitting- if somber- conclusion, while also left eager to start book 4.

The Blue Star: A Novel

2010-03-31T10:21:00.000-06:00

I started this novel immediatley after finishing JIM THE BOY. While there is a time shift between the two books...about 6 years or so, its not really noticeable nor important. Jim has grown and is about to graduate school. Life is changing and he has fallen in love with a girl. But there are complications to go along with it.

The familiar cast of characters returns, and some of their backstory is told. Some items in the first book are referenced, others are left alone. But through it all, Earley stays true to the characters and the town of Aliceville that he as so wonderfuly spun out of imagination, history and memory.

This book is just as enchanting and charming as the first one, and I sincerely hope that he writes one more. Its tough to leave Aliceville behind when you have finished the last page. Another well crafted small-town tale.

Jim the Boy: A Novel

2010-03-31T10:20:00.002-06:00

Tony Earley has crafted a novel that is simple, yet complex at the same time. Its not written in overly descriptive, flowery language that seems to plague so many novels that are currently being produced.

It hearkens back to a time that was more idyllic and colorful.

I havent lived in the south, heck- I havent even visited. So, I couldn't tell you how the novel takes on that particular region and culture, and whether or not it is authentic and all that jazz.

But I can tell you this: Reading this book (and the sequel, THE BLUE STAR) reminds me a great deal of the stage production "Our Town."

For me, it captures brief moments in time that are frozen and almost crystalized. Moments that are written with humanity and that have an underlying sadness to them, but still make you want more.

I felt that this book was brilliantly written, the style was easy to get in touch with, I liked the characters and had in my mind pictures of them and the little town of Aliceville. A great read and I am so happy that I was able to stumble across this little gem. Wonderful, simply amazing.

The Serialist: A Novel

2010-03-25T01:07:00.000-06:00

Tattoo Machine: Tall Tales, True Stories, and My Life in Ink

2010-03-20T11:16:00.002-06:00

Jeff Johnson has written a fast paced, interesting look into the world of the tattoo shop. (I dont know if parlor is the right word anymore) He has included the token crazy dude, the drunk drude, the quiet one, and the blasted-keep-the-caffeine-flowing-till-dawn hardcore artist.

Along the way, we are treated to the working behind the tip counter, the countless hours of drawing flash, mixing pigments, a short history lesson, and a few odd encounters. Fresh and entertaining to read, this book gives you a glimpse at the people behind the tattoo machine. While many from society will be quick to cast them off as losers who couldn't get into art school- we see that the reality is different.

We are treated to mini lessons on management, how to balance books, emergeny customer interaction, humanity, and the Fear that every artist seems to face. While dealing with people, diseases, pimps, gangsters, power attorneys, and even police, Jeff seems to handle the situation with a no-holds-barred painful honesty. It is refreshing to read a book in which the author doesnt spend the whole novel telling us how awesome he is. Equal parts ego and humility are what sets Johnson apart from the rest of the crowd.

After reading this novel, I have a newfound respect for those who choose to do this as a career, and even more for those who manage to do it well. Sometime I need to take a plane trip to Oregon and visit the Sea Tramp tattoo shop. I might not get one (kinda not all into the pain thing) but it sure would be cool to see the place so well described in this novel that manages to entertain, repulse, and inspire all at the same time.

Art by Tattoists: Beyond Flash

2010-03-20T11:14:00.001-06:00

How does one review art? What I like, you hate...and vica versa. I liked this book. My fascination with tattooing began at a young age when I first learned to draw. Although I dont have a tattoo, I still enjoy seeing them and seeing the wonderful shapes, colors and amazing sense of fantasy associated with them.

This book is no different. Although a different canvas is used, you can still see the rebel, the sinner, and the saint all come through in the art. Its wonderful, creepy, solemn, beautiful, and amazing all at the same time. I suppose more than anything, this book is a solid representation that tattoo artists are artists first, tattooists second. The group of individuals showcased in this book come from a variety of backgrounds, each makes his/her art for different reasons, but they all add up to the same conclusion: beautiful. This is cool book filled with even cooler images by some of the most talented, underrated artists on the planet.

Mockingjay

2010-03-09T23:46:00.000-07:00

I dont really do this- in fact, rarely on this blog will you see a plug for a preorder- but this book series is amazing! The final book in the trilogy will be released on August 24th, 2010. Click the link now to get your copy from Amazon.com for a great price!
I am excited for this book to come out so that I can finish this amazing story.

One More Theory About Happiness: A Memoir

2010-02-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

If there ever was a person who is the embodiment of the trials of the refiner's fire, it would have to be Paul Guest. This memoir only cements my opinion that his is an incredible person blessed with a wonderful gift, and some would say cursed with the most terrible of curses.

At the age of 12, Paul was involved in a foolish childhood accident that led to a broken neck. From then on, his life was spent in hospitals and rehab centers, home, colleges, and away on his own. Whild many of us would curl into our minds and lock ourselves away, Paul has managed to take his imprisonment in a quadriplegics body and turn it into an amazing journey of freedom. After reading this memoir, I am convinced there are few people more sure of themselves, their abilities, and their potential than Paul Guest.

The book starts off as a depressing, heart-wrenching journey from a 12 year old whose life is changed once blazing summer afternoon, and ends with a man who has matured and is wiser by far that many of us on this planet. Along the way, we are taken from the highest of highs (love and fumbled attempts at intimacy) to the lowest of lows (being mugged in an elevator).

Through it all, Paul retains his sense of self- his humor, his heart, his pain, his anguish, rage, and resignation. I can't really describe this short memoir more than this. On a page within, Paul is having an emotion conversation with his father- in which his father references the biblical verse of Job 23:10 - "When He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

Paul Guest is gold indeed- a wonderful example of strength in adversity and victory of spirit amongst the most crushing defeat of the body.

Spooky Little Girl: A Novel

2010-02-26T14:01:00.002-07:00

Spooky Little Girl is a light-hearted novel full of humor and wit. Its the story of Lucy, who just happens to have the worst luck in the world- she has a terrible time in Hawaii, her fiancee throws her out, and she loses her job-and to top it all off- she gets flattened by a city bus. Dead. Roadkill. Lucy-pancake in the middle of rush hour. Waking up in the land of the dead, she finds that she now has to attend class and learn how to haunt properly in order to complete her mission and make it to the next level, The State. Suddenly Dead 101 is full of lessons on chair kicking, energy draining, and mischief making.

Told with a great sense of style and a wonderful pace, this novel is easy to read and will just fit the bill for the perfect escape. Its funny, sad, endearing, and noteworthy all at the same time. I like how the characters are portrated, and the plotting is kept up nicely without any lags in the story to cause our attention to lapse.

Within its pages, you will meet a colorful cast of players, from the outrageous Nola (who for some reason has me picturing MiMi from The Drew Carey Show), to the mild-mannered, always predictable Martin. Throw in a great teacher for Lucy named Ruby, one spitfire of a granny, a wonderfully written little dog named Tulip- and you have yourself a recipe for an enjoyable read.

Lucy's life...and more importantly, her death are told with a whimsical style and is sure to appeal to those readers who are looking for something fun, breezy, and with just enough edge to keep it captivating. This is one of my new favorites.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters

2010-02-15T22:46:00.001-07:00

As soon as we finished reading the first book in the series, my daughters were begging me to start reading them the second one. I relented after only a few moments of pleading, as I too wanted to know what would happen to Percy, Annabeth, and Grover in the next adventure.

Boy, were we not dissapointed. Percy's next adventure is just as full of action, adventure, humor, and heart as the last one. Riordan has once again done a great job of weaving mythology into mondern-day and the end result is captivating.

Although this book is shorter than the first one, it does a great job of grabbing your attention and doling out the secrets in just the right way. We learn more about Annabeth, Percy, and Grover in this book. Things mentioned in the earlier novel come to light here and a nice explanation is given as to why satyrs dont come back from their quests to search for Pan. Wonder where the Sea of Monsters is? You'll find out.

The ending is handled well, with wonderful plot twists that only serve to leave us hungry for more adventures of Percy and his friends who reside just over Half-Blood Hill. Dastardly villans, evil witches, and even a tenderhearted monster all wait within the pages of this incredibly well done novel. On to book 3!

Lost Girls

2010-02-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

I havent read any other books by Shuman, but I am going to pick up the other two as soon as my fingers can order them from Amazon. This book was amazing! Big punch packed into a small package.

The plot and characters were surprisingly real, and I was constantly reminded of the sad case of Natalie Holloway from a few years back. Tropical islands, human trafficking, corrupt governments, and brave souls all come together in this novel with stunning effect.

I found the plotting to be wonderful, the pace was break-neck, and the ending satisfying. There were a few characters that I wanted to see more of their afterstory, however, this didnt detract from the overall experience in any way- that and I think we might see them in later novels (Aleksandra was a superbly written character). And as a side note- again, this novel is book 3 in the series, so I do need to go back and grab the first two.

Sherry Moore, the blind "dead talker" or psychic is well written and portrayed as a strong willed, physically able, smart, intiutive heroine. Brigham brings to mind a retired senator who is mentoring and befriending someone for a cause, who still has connections that can be used for good.

I wont give away the plot, but I highly suggest this novel to anyone who likes mysteries, thrillers, or something similar. I loved it! As I said earilier, I am getting the previous two novels the author has written...I think I just found a new must-read!

Great book, wonderful plotting, chilling set-up, and satisfying ending all lead to a solid read.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

2010-02-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading this book out loud to the girls. What a great tale of adventure for kids and adults alike.

The Greek gods of mythology are alive and well...Olympus is actually in New York City, and all the monsters of horrid nightmares prowl around the countryside looking for the children of the gods. Hunting them, killing them, and making no place a safe haven.

Percy Jackson attends a private school that is his last chance. He's been kicked out of every school he's ever attended for fights, disruption, and odd things that seem to follow him wherever he goes.

When Zeus' master bolt is stolen, all the sign point to Percy, and the gods of Olympus are none to pleased with his apparent theft. Along with this two friends, he is given a quest to return the bolt and stave off World War III- and he has 10 days or so to do it. So, he needs to travel to the Underworld, contend with catty gods, foolish mortals, and a plethora of mythological beasts, just to clear his name.

Along the way, he will learn about true friendship- the price of loyalty, and the petty, dirty, paranoid tactics of the gods. Saving the world was never easy, as Percy is finding out.

Riordan has written a wonderfully crafted tale of action, humor, suspense, and just the right amount of fantasy to make it a stellar read. Like I said, I read this one out loud to my girls, ages 6 and 4- and they loved it. We have since picked up the boxed set and are happily devouring book 2 now. A great read and a perfect entry into YA fiction that snares adults and kids alike in its spell.

The Husband

2010-01-26T22:32:00.002-07:00

This book has no monsters. No scary, scaly things living under the stairs. No evil vortex, psycho monkeys, or bad mojo. If you want that in a Koontz novel...look elsewhere and at his earlier works. For those who dont like the "new" Koontz, you will hate this book. Plain and simple.

But I like "New" Koontz. I like the look at good and evil on a different plane. I like the short chapters, the engaging characters, the plot twists, the heartfelt despair, and the cold calculated evil. I like the heroics at the endings, the peaceful wrap-up and the wonderful pseudo-epilogue. I like the situations, the inclusion of a golden retreiver, the connections that go way back with the characters, the love factor and the dialogue. I like thinking one of the good guys is a bad guy, then being wrong. I like thinking something will go right for our hero (knowing that it wont) and then being wrong.

This is a good book if you like those things. A fast read that can be completed in an afternoon. Its straightforward, has good characters, a good plot and moves along at a great pace.

As mentioned previously, if you are a fan of the new Koontz, you will love it. If you want creepy and oozy and mysterious whispered shadowy figures...you will hate it. I for one, loved it and hope Dean continues to write more novels in this vein. Evil isnt just the creature from your nightmares...evil can be the unknown kidnappers that have your wife and want 2 million dollars by Wednesday evening.

The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance: A Memoir

2010-01-21T11:00:00.002-07:00

This book is funny, and you dont have to be Mormon to "get it". Sure, it helps to get some of the subtle nuances contained within, but it isnt necessary to see the humor, heart, and honesty with which Baker tells her story.

Questioning her faith, her life, and her body image, Elna sets out on a quest of sorts to find out what she really believes. Will she find true love? Will she be at peace with her body? Will her beliefs hold her back, or give her the strength to endure?

Written in a fresh and familiar voice, this is a story that will have you laughing as you feel for the character at the same time. Using her life as a model, Elna Baker has dispelled many of the myths and preconceived notions about members of the LDS faith. She reveals that we are human, that we make mistakes, and that we doubt just like everyone else.

The difference here is that the she doesnt place herself on a pedestal for everyone to look up to- but rather pokes fun of herself, and in the process uncovers some very interesting insights into what makes Elna Baker...Elna Baker.

A funny take on life and the happenings that come along, this novel is a quick read full of heart and humor- just the right amount of light reading to make you giggle.

The Child Thief

2010-01-12T20:37:00.002-07:00

Brom has taken the Peter Pan mythos, turned it on its head, and in the process given us a wonderful alternative to the sterilized version we all think we know. Collecting the abused, forgotten, outcast, and runaway children of the world, Peter is a Child Thief...spiriting them away to Neverland. Drafting them as young warriors on his quest to protect the only home he has ever known, pitching them into an age-old battle that seems hopeless.

While this tale of betrayal, violence, abuse and dark fantasy is billed as a YA novel, I really dont think it is appropriate to be shelved in that section of the bookstore. Adult themes such as rape, child abuse, and other depravities abound, adding depth and subtle layers to the personality of Peter and give us a look at his motivations and need to "rescue" the children that he does.

Peter's origin is explored through the use of flashbacks and retellings, but instead of being distracting- they break up the pace of the book enough to provide a welcome alternative, pulling our mind away from the action just long enough to refresh us and leave us hungry for more- before being hurled back into the action with elves, forgotten gods, flesheaters, the hook-handed Captain, and other dark beasts.

I really enjoyed this take on Neverland and the sterile fantasy world that most children associate with the "Disney-ized" version we are so familiar with. I havent read Barrie's original version of the tale, but after this one, I happily have gone out and purchased it- who knew a story about a boy who never wanted to grow up could be so much more. Brom does a great job of weaving myth and fiction, modern horror, and cold vengance into a package worth unwrapping.

Great novel, wonderful characters, excellent plotting/pacing all add up to make this a wonderful dark gem. A word of caution however- not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach- as mentioned earlier, language and adult themes aboud in this novel and they arent suited for those of weak constitutions.

Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10

2010-01-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

What an absolutely powerful book. Marcus starts the book with bravado and arrogance, then explains the intense training that built him and his buddies into the warriors that they were. He explains the hellish conditions of SEAL training, the need for determination, teamwork, and perseverence. He then takes us to that fateful day when he lost 3 of his closest friends in a firefight that saw them badly outnumbered, and sorely outgunned.

Through it all, Marcus never lost his faith in God and never gave in. He was resuced and protected by a village elder, at great cost to his own life. He was rescued and nursed back to health- only to return to the front lines- at his own request. Marcus has done an amazong job of recounting events that many of us find to terrible to even think about- he has done it with honesty, candor, and his own fair share of self-depreciation.

What a remarkable man and an even more remarkable soldier. He is the reason we should support our troops and realize the "left wing media" has the story all wrong. This book is a true testament of the horrors of war, the toll it takes, and the fact that anyone who experiences it is never the same. I wish Marcus well in all that he does and hope that he can find the peace and solace he so desperately deserves.

A tough read- but one that will change your entire perspective if you can make it through.

Blacklands

2010-01-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

I really liked the last third of this book- unfortunately the preceeding two thirds seemed to drag it down a bit. The character of Steven is a complicated, driven, focused, haunted, and torn. For a 12 year old- thats quite a bit of baggage to carry around.

Top it off with the fact that he is trying to find his 11 year old uncle's body- who happened to dissapear 18 years prior. See, Steven thinks that if he can find Uncle Billy, then everything will be right as rain and his life will magically turn out the way he wishes it would.

While quite a bit of the hype for this book is the relationship between Steven and Avery, it actually doesn't take center stage so much as the sad state of Steven's home life more than anything.

The tension in this book was well done, when near the end, there was actually a point where my stomach did flip flops...that was handled well. What I wish was that this book had the same level of tension throughout the whole thing instead of just running up to the end.

Steven was well developed as a character, but the others were a bit too two dimensional. Letti, Nan, Davey, and even Lewis were mere phantoms on the periphery- I am not sure if this was done on purpose to allow Steven his isolation, or if it was just something that escaped the author's notice.

All in all, Blacklands was a good read- it just took a little digging to unearth the gem that this could have been.

Note to gentle readers: some strong language in this one- and the subject matter- child serial killers- might be a subject best left avoided for some.

The Message

2010-01-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

Lance Richardson died in 1998. And then again in 2004. In '98, Richardson died and was taken to the spirit world, where he met dead relatives, learned important lessons, and was sent back to our world with a message from beyond the grave.

Much as this can be touted as fiction, it isnt. Not to Mr. Richardson and his family, least of all his widow. Near Death Experiences are some of the most fascinating, intriguing, and often searched for accounts of the unexplained in modern history. At some point, we all ask ourselves what is beyond the veil. What happens when we die? What will it be like? Lance takes care to point out that he didnt go to Heaven, but rather the Spirit World, a pace where we reside before Heaven. Did he see the spirit world? Did he meet his dead relatives and brothers he knew in the pre-existence? Thats up to you to decide- but from this book it is clear that he had an experiece that was life-changing and he felt compelled to share it with us here.

With a decidedly LDS perspective (although his religion is never stated, if you are LDS, you'll pick up quite quickly on the some of the things he has to say) this book is something that members of all faiths can enjoy. I wont tell you its all true- thats something you will need to decide for yourselves, but the message that Lance was sent back to share is powerful and resonates deeply with truth.

This one is a quick read, a nice change of pace from explosions, spies, hidden clues, dragon-slaying, and dystopian futures. It is a nice little diversion that causes you to slow down and think a bit about your life, your family, and just how much we still dont know about the greatest mystery of them all.

Kiki's Hats

2010-01-04T19:03:00.001-07:00

One thing about this blog- I'll read and review just about anything. Children's books are no exception. I think that too often we pass them up as juvenile, but forget that they can be rife with lessons and morals that children need to know.

Kiki's Hats is one such book. Told in wonderful rhyme, it is the story of a woman who knits a had- to give away. And then she knits more. And more. And even more. Soon, the hats are for kids with cancer, prisoners in the slammer, AIDS patients, and the homeless.

Along the way, the children that she inspires to think of others set off a chain reaction and soon the adults are clamoring for hats to give away and bless the lives of others. Soon, Kiki has knitted so many hats that she sits atop the pile and has knitted herself all the way above the clouds and into heaven. A wonderful ending for this story.

For children, this book sets the example that when we do things for others, we are serving something bigger than ourselves. It shows that giving of our things, time, and talents is fun, rewarding and can bless the lives of so many...even if it starts out with just one knitted hat.

For parents: this book is inspired by a real person, and if you go to Warren Hanson's website (http://www.warrenhanson.com/KKH.html) you can get a pattern for making one of your own "Kiki Hat."

Never Tell a Lie

2010-01-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

I finished this novel in one sitting. It was a nice afternoon where I was pleased to find myself with nothing else to do but read. Afternoons like that come along very infrequently, and when they do- they are a welcomed gift. My glowing review may in some ways be colored by that, but I dont think it has been influenced too much :)

This novel is a quick read that is well plotted and mastefully crafted. I was sucked in after the first page, looking at the Rose's perfect life as it gets shattered by a terrible missing persons case.

Ephron does a great job of bringing the reader into the couple's, Ivy and David, world. Peeling back layers of the past as things get more and more mysterious about the missing Melinda is a great way to tell the story.

Reading this book was a treat, and I didnt want to put it down until I found out what happened and how the story ended. It reads in a very visual style, and I have no problem imagining this book turned into a movie very soon. It fits well into the vein of "Single White Female", "What lies Beneath", and "Basic Instinct." Mash all that up together and you get a hint of what is in store.

I am really impressed with this book and look forward to other things that Ephron writes. She infuses her characters with flaws, tainted morality, and questionable decisions. But to top it all off, they are also given humanity and written in such a way as to be the couple that lives next door. Well written, well plotted, and above all else...the suspense is doled out in just the right dosage. Enough to keep the adrenaline high and then BANG! a wonderful conclusion that still leaves you turning the story around in your head after the book is closed.

The Unit

2010-01-03T21:28:00.001-07:00

After putting this novel down, I just sat for a moment and pondered its implications, inferences, and startling vision. I was taken aback and actually emotionally impacted by this novel. Now, that is saying quite a bit. I fell in love with this book and have recommended it to everyone, and I mean- everyone, that I have spoken with. I cannot praise it enough, it is powerful, moving, funny, sad, and deeply imagined at its core.

I cannot praise this book enough. Well written and with a perfect sense of pacing that makes the story unfold like a flower in a winter garden, it is hauntingly alien and eerily familiar at the same time.

It is not too far a stretch of the imagination for society to progress to the point where those deemed "dispensable" are taken away, given good living conditions and turned into human lab rats. Although I hope that this will never happen, it isnt difficult to imagine it could. That sense is used acutely in this novel, something that could happen, that might take place, and it is handled so well that it doesnt even require a large suspension of belief to make it plausible. It all works to excellent effect within these pages.

The author, Holmqvist, has penned a tale that will stick with the reader long after the book is finished and the last page it turned. She has written a story that pulls at the heart, challenges the head, and flows like a river of sad tidings that you cannot pull yourself away from. I have nothing but the highest praise for this novel and certainly believe that it is destined to be one of the greats. Highly pleasureable read, excellently plotted, sympathetic characters, and a riveting storyline make this book a pure delight. One of the best that I have read in quite a long time. This one is a definite "must-read" by all means.

The Graveyard Book

2010-01-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

Bod (short for Nobody) Owens lives in a graveyard. His mother and father are ghosts...his best friends are ghosts...his teachers are ghosts...and yet he is alive, very much alive.

As a toddler, Bod's family met with an untimely end and his mother's ghost pleaded with the folk of the graveyard near his home to take him in and raise him. I dont want to give any plot points away or reveal any secrets, but suffice it to say Bod has an amazing cast of caretakers who educate him, love him, and keep him safe.

Is it enough? What does a boy who spends all his time in a graveyard yearn for? Other people? Experiences? Is it really dangerous in the outside world for one such as Bod? Just what can a boy who lives in a graveyard possibly know about life, loyalty, friendship, and family? Quite a bit in fact.

Gaiman has written a captivating and gentle novel that is easy to read but so full of heart its hard to fathom. I am going to stop there- you need to pick this one up and find yourself under its spell- a pure joy to read.

In the Sanctuary of Outcasts: A Memoir

2010-01-01T13:45:00.001-07:00

Did you know that the USA had a leper colony? You didn't? What if I told you it was called Carville, and that there were patients there as recently as the early 90's? Even more intrigued? Now heres this: it was also a federal prison and this book was written by one of its inamates.

White did a good job of describing his surroundings and his feelings about his incarceration. What I haven't been able to figure out is how the idea of mixing inmates in with civilians ever got started. Nor do I understand how the "patients" would have agreed, in speaking with quite a few of them, their feelings were made known plainly about how they didn't like the living situation and how they wished the author and the other prisoners were elsewhere. It motivates me to do some research on my own.

While not really a journal of his time there, this book serves more as an insightful journey in just what it means to be comfortable in your own skin, what is important, and why we care so much about what others think about us in return. White met some interesting characters and even more interesting prisoners in his stay at Carville some 10+ years ago.

If you are looking for an expose of the penal system and judicial misdoings, move along. This book isn't written that way. If you happen to be looking for a moral tale, a book about friendship, redemption, and forgiveness, then this one will work for you. I have half a mind to head out to Carville for a vacation to see this historic property (it is now a museum) and a great sadness at not having had the pleasure of ever getting to meet Ella, a wonderful character and if half as interesting in real life as she was on paper, a remarkable human being as well.

Not a stellar entry into literature, but not a waste of time either, this book is charming, easy to read, and intriguing. I would have liked to see more from the aspect of the patients that live there, but since White was an inmate, I can understand the heavy emphasis placed upon that aspect of the novel.

Catching Fire

2009-12-29T13:58:00.000-07:00

8 hours. Thats how long it took me to finish this book. Kids, parenthood, and other stuff got in the way, or I would have hammered it out faster. Its that compelling.

Picking up right where The Hunger Games leaves off, Catching Fire finds Katniss and Peeta preparing for their victory tour after having won the Hunger Games just a short time ago. Everything is changing. The districts are full of unrest, Peeta and Gale are conflicting interests in her life, Katniss is shouldered with an impossible task by the man she hates the most. And to top it all off...the Hunger Games must continue.

Only this time, the Capitol has upped the ante considerably.

Once again exploring topics that are rife with violence, loyalty, betrayal, and love- Suzanne Collins deftly weaves a compelling story and moral tale all into one. The future she has created for the world in her novel is a chilling reminder of humanity's past transgressions. Prison camps, barbed wire, socialist police, and public killings. Sounds like a scary time in our past...or a coming time in our future.

With many second novels in a series, there is a propensity for the action to lag, the characters to stew, and the plot to just kind of "bridge the gap" between the first and third books. That is not the case with Catching Fire. It is just as compelling, heartbreaking, and addictive as the first one. With its race to the conclusion, you will be just as eager as I am for book 3 in 2010.

The Hunger Games

2009-12-28T15:00:00.001-07:00

Wow. Seldom is it that a book is so perfectly written, so full of heart, suspense, drama, and chilling threads of reality that it will actually keep you up at night thinking about it. This book does just that. What an amazing read!

Suzanne Collins has created a dystopian future where an all powerful government reminds its citizens of their dependence through a yearly competetion called "The Hunger Games." Gladiatorial style combat between contestants that crowns a brutal winner to remind all the districts of how powerful the government really is.

Katniss Everdeen is a street smart, resourceful, and tough sixteen year old girl from District 12. One of the poorer districts, she is used to surviving on very little and knows enough to not trust in luck or chance. A twist of fate puts her smack in the middle of The Hunger Games, can she survive? How far does she lose herself to save her own life? Can she kill? Can she be ruthless and as hard as she needs to be to survive the perils of the arena?

Very rarely is there a book that screams for movie treatment- The Hunger Games is equal parts "Mad Max", "Blade Runner," and "Lord of the Flies." Every bit as violent, heartbreaking, and thought provoking as stated. I highly recommend this book and am eagerly reading the second in the series. Suzanne Collins has written one of best books I have read in quite some time.

The Gunslinger- The Dark Tower #1

2009-12-25T23:26:00.000-07:00

Stephen King is one of the most recognizable and most read authors of our modern era. While I dont usually care for his works, I have been told that The Dark Tower series is one of his best. I have attempted to read this book before, but just couldn't get into it. Someone suggested that I try it again and just slog through the first 100 pages before I came to a decision. I am glad that I did.

It helps that in this new edition, Mr. King has written a forward expalining why he has written this series and who his influences were. This series (7 books in all) is Stephen King's fantasy epic- influenced by Tolkein, Spaghetti Westers, Clint Eastwood, and a whole other smattering of genres.

The book itself is just odd- to say the least. It leave quite a few holes in the plot- things unexplained and the like. It also doesn't have a traditional "flow" like most of the books that we are accustomed to reading. It seems to be told as a series of vignettes rather than a full-on novel like plot structure. That isn't to say the book is bad- its just something that is different that what most of us are used to reading.

The story of the lone gunslinger, Roland, is interesting- he is chasing the "man in black" to the Tower. While his objective for pursuing the man in black is not readily made known, we are shown that he is a complicated man that inhabits a world so very like our own, but totally different as well.

The book is worth a read- if even just to get a hint of the literary stylings that Stephen King is capable of. That, and the entire saga has taken him almost 2 decades to finish. Good golly...thats a ton of commitment. I will be reading the other books in the series, hoping that I get more answers about Roland, Jake, the man in black, the Tower, and what exactly it is that the gunslinger is after.

Seeking Spirits

2009-12-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

This book is a follow-up to Jason and Grant's previous novel "Ghost Hunting" (a review can be found below).

This one cleared up quite a few of the questions left by the first book and the show, and thankfully is full of unpublished, unseen, unheard cases from their files. It spans a time frame between the mid 90's to roughly 2003 or so. It is full of cases, stories, and some pretty fantastical claims.

I am also pleased that it includes Grant's brush with the paranormal and what got him into the field in the first place. Its nice to hear and lends a a note of full disclosure to the whole thing. The stories contained within are creepy, some funny, some just hoaxes- and others that just leave you will a chill.

While I am not going to run out and start hunting ghosts on my own, it does give one pause to consider whats out there and just how much we do not know based on our small understanding of our world. I am not going to debate the "real-ness" of the encounters, but rather take them for face value and let each person who reads them come to their own conclusion(s).

Included are a few pages of photos that are interesting to look at and a little creepy, but really nothing horror inducing. This is a much better book than the first one and it looks as if the requests and suggestions were taken to heart. We get more from both Jason and Grant in this book and it feel much more balanced. A good one to add if you like creepy stories and want to enhance your collection.

Ghost Hunting

2009-12-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

I like "GhostHunters" on the SyFy channel, and because of that, I picked this book up. Let me start off by saying that this book isn't a how-to manual or anything like that, it primarialy serves as a recap of episodes and encounters. Its nice because it serves to fill in some of the "holes" and explain some of the cases that are more involved that we see on TV.

I am a fan of Jason and Grant, and their personalities really play off of each other and they form a balanced team. While reading the book, I was dissapointed that we only heard from Jason. Grant writes a little "blurb" at the end of each recap, giving his insight and impression, but its a little "blurb"- under a paragraph at best.

What I would have liked to see in this book is a deeper expose of TAPS. Jason talks about his experience with getting involved, but Grant keeps his guarded. I realize its probably a bit personal, but it would be nice to know why he got into the field..other than to be told he had "an experience." Slightly frustrating.

It would also be nice to see how TAPS works from the inside. How often are they on the road? Who pays for travel? Do they get any funding from outside sources? How often are they away from families? Things that we wonder about when we watch the show. (Jason and Grant- if you read this, take those things into consideration for a future book *hint* *hint*)

All in all, it was a good book that gave more insight to the show and episodes that we have seen, but it wasn't meaty enough to really explain things about TAPS. A good book for fans of the show and for those looking for short, easily readable ghost stories and paranormal encounters.

Through the Window of Life

2009-12-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

Suzanne Freeman died. She floated up, saw herself, and then was taken on a journey into the spirit world. Whether she was actually there or not remains to be seen, but I do believe that she believes that she was. This short book is her story.

She was taken to the spirit world, met the Savior, and was shown a life review of all that she had done up until that point.

Next, she was allowed to see what will be coming for us in the future. What the world will be like, what people will be like, and what trials and challenges we may face. I do not know if this is absolute truth or not, but her starkly written account is powerful none the less.

I collect near death experience stories...I think on some level every person is fascinated by them. We want to know what is out there- what happens when we die, and we want to know that there is an "other side."

It is interesting to note that this book is mainly marketed to LDS members, but there was actually very little mormonology included within it. Instead, it is an honest account of a woman who died, had some sort of experience, and is now telling others about it. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, this read is quite thought provoking to say the least. Its worth a read, even if it is just to get a different perspective and hear someones experience with the most mysterious question ever posed by mankind. What happens when we die?

One Door Away from Heaven

2009-12-22T00:02:00.000-07:00

This book is what really got me hooked on Dean Koontz. Prior to this novel, I was not a fan of his, and really didnt pay much attention to his books.

That changed with the reading of this novel, however. It ranks up there as one of my favorites and from the opening word to the closing page it proves to be an entertaining, heartwarming, and eye-opening read. Mr. Koontz had done an excellent job with both his characters and his fantastical plots.

Deep at its heart, this book is a moral tale, different from his whispered shadowy evil monster books, and more along the lines of what could happen if we go too far. We are taken on a journey to discover the worth of a human soul, what is the body worth to society of the flesh is not perfect?

Lelani is a wonderfully written, plucky, humorous, sad, and absolutely real character- she ranks up there in the pantheon of beloved characters. Along her journey, she contends with possible aliens, one incredibly intelligent dog, and a charasmatic father who wants nothing more than to put her six feet under. Sounds charming.

I suggest this book to those who aren't normally a fan of Dean Koontz or the horror genre. As I said, I read this novel some time ago and it was the turning point for me. Koontz has done a great job of writing a novel that is a moral tale at its heart- in a way that isnt preachy and is steeped in just enough fantastic imagination to make it one of Koontz's best.

The Fifth Angel

2009-12-21T18:49:00.001-07:00

A man's life has fallen apart. His wife has left him, his daughter is in a mental hospital- unable to speak or function anywhere close to a normal level. Life is passing him by, and he is still confronted with daily reminders of the tragedy that took everything from him. He feels responsible. The legal system doesnt work, so he decides to take matters into his own hands.

Tim Green has crafted a novel that will make the reader ask some serious questions. What would you do if your child were abducted, molested and then left catatonic in a mental hospital? What would you do if you knew that the man responsible was getting out of prison early? What would you do if you had the means and the knowledge to stop some of the twisted predators that stalk the streets looking for children to torture and destroy?

Jack Ruskin, the main charachter in this new novel, has decided upon a course of action in order to atone for his failings (he feels) as a father and his inability to prevent the abduction and molestation if his own daughter. He is a high priced attorney who deals with criminals everyday. He knows the mistakes that they make when a crime is committed. He knows how the police conduct an investigation, what they look for, how they find it and who is called in.

Is it murder? Is he an avenging angel of death come to deal out destruction to those that would prey upon the innocent? Is he a saint? or a sinner? Sane, or is he just as unstable and guilty as those that he punishes? Thats for the reader to decide.

Either way, this book will make to look into the helplessness of a father and the galvanizing power of guilt. Vengance is a funny concept, really. At what point does murder become justified? How far will one father go to get his girl back and escape the spectres that continue to haunt his life?

The Fifth Angel is a well written, quick-paced book with plenty of action and suspense. Although the characters in the book seem a bit two-dimensional, it is still worth reading and pondering. What would you do? We get a sense of how the world can continue to fly by and yet, for those dealing with greif, seem to come to a complete standstill. Unable to focus on anything other than revenge, how far will Jack go in order to see that justice is dealt? He becomes a man obsessed, determined to destroy the man who shattered his little girl.

Tim Green has written an engaging piece of fiction that will pull that the heartstrings of those that read it. As the pages fly by, we get a sense of Jacks determination, desperation and cycle of self destruction as it teeters on the brink. Read this book and then ask youself the same question... What would you do?

Gentlemen

2009-12-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

Michael Northrop has written a wonderful first novel that is fast paced, gritty, and perfectly plotted.

The main protagonists, Mixer, Tommy, Bones, and Micheal are well written, they are rough kids from difficult circumstances- at times you feel sorry for them, and at times you are repulsed by them. Through it all, Micheal is the narrator and he does the job with an authentic voice that isnt afraid to tell things like they are.

Tommy goes missing. Mr. Haberman, their english teacher, is suspect number one, but who else had a motive? Did Tommy just leave? Was he killed? Did he have an "accident"? All of these questions and more are probed within this novel that sucks you in and takes you on a wild ride to find the truth.

How strong are the bonds of friendship? What tests these bonds, strengthens them, and in some cases- breaks them? When does suspicion carry over into guilt, conviction, and action?

A well written novel that probes these questions and isnt shy about the realities that surround them. If you are looking for a good book, a quick read, and a fast-paced, suspenseful plot then pick this one up. A great start, strong middle and a conclusion that is just as powerful all stack up to make this book a keeper.

***Disclaimer for parents and readers alike- some strong language, graphic scenes, and alcohol use in this book.***

The Kind Diet

2009-12-21T16:55:00.001-07:00

Not everything I read happens to be blockbuster fiction. I like non-fiction, a humble biography, and on occasion a cookbook or two. For this one, I snagged a copy of The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone.

While she is most famous for her role in "Clueless"(a classic, if you ask me), she is anything but in this book. Most would dismiss the book as yet another attempt by celebrity to get us to "buy in" to whatever it happens to be that they are selling, this book is decidedly different.

Alicia has compiled a list of foods that are good for you, and good for the planet. While she advocates a vegan lifestyle for herself, she knows that we mere mortals cannot hope to live up to the superhuman task...at least not right away.

Her plan recommends not partaking of meat or dairy, and then goes into detail citing the reasons why these foods aren't the best for us to eat. While most of the ingredients might seem to be exotic or esotheric, the opposite is true. I found the vast majority of them at my local supermarket- and others can be found at a health foods or natural foods store. The recipes are easy to follow and the photos in the book look absolutely delicious.

Since most people cant go hardcore vegan right out of the gate, there are suggestions for those just dippingtheir toes in the water, as well as suggestions for whom she calls "super-heroes." Intersped are profiles of people who have changed their lives and their food choices, many notes from celebrated food studies (the China study...its awesome, I suggest you look at it fully), and suggestions on how to change what you eat so that you dont feel deprived.

Backed with sources, education, and pointed sites for further information, The Kind Diet is a wonderful resource and a great starting point for anyone looking to eat a more plant based diet. While I may not be able to go cold turkey (not pun inteded) from meat and dairy, this book makes an excellent case for doing just that.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

2009-12-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

Very rarely is there a novel that gets under your skin and is so permeated with atmosphere you feel as if you can hear the nails scratching on wood and smell the fetid breath of death right behind you.

"The Forest of Hands and Teeth" is such a novel that pulls it off with amazing effect and aplomb.

The setting of this novel is a secluded village surrounded by the forest and the Unconsecrated who seek to infect and destroy the living above all else. Ravenously hungry, unrelentingly persistent, they are a constant threat. Is there anything outside the village? Do others exist? Is this last scraggly band of survivors all that is left of humanity? What is the Sisterhood hiding?

These questions are probed by Mary, a young woman at the heart of this story. Her quest to find answers brings pain, loss, longing, and unltimately redemption. Struggling to find her truth and her own path she must confront the Unconsecrated hordes, navigate the Forest of Hands and Teeth, and defy the Sisterhood.

Written in a stark and graphic style, this novel pulls you in from the first page and has you thinking it over long after the last. With a creepy factor that sinks in and wont let go- this novel is a breakneck race to freedom and a white-knuckled ride through the forest, dark and foreboding- instersped with flashes of light and brilliance.

At its core, this novel is one about love. The love of family, of home, and dreams. It is about stark realities and how we bring survival into the same circle as hope and faith. This book (to me at least) seemed to be the perfect blending of the film "The Village" and the creepy atmospheric "Resident Evil 4" video game(s). While the pairing might seem odd at first, if you have seen or played either you will get the connection very quickly.

This book is an excellent read and a wonderful first for the author. I assure you- this book is great! Pick it up, soak in its chilly and musty atmosphere, hear the crunch of leaves and the shuffling steps of the Unconsecrated. Be brave. Venture into "The Forest of Hands and Teeth."

Running from the Devil

2009-12-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

Jamie Freveletti gives us a first novel that starts off with a bang and doesn't let up on the pace until the final page. She had clearly done her homework and hit all the right notes to make this book a wonderful one. From the first page to the last, this book is a rip-snorting, gas-guzzling, stomp-though-the-jungle-with-guns-blazing kind of read.

We are treated to the opening scene of a plane crashing into the Columbian Jungle, our protagonist being thrown free from the wreckage, her relative safety on the fringes of the crash site, and her harrowing journey to bring the captured survivors to safety. Thats it in a nutshell, but the way we get from point A to point B is so much fun.

Along the way, she meets a fellow survivor who is resourceful, deadly, and just as big an enigma as she herself is. Add to the mix a slightly insane villain, a temptress that would make Circe look tame, turncoat executives and one tough private security firm operative. For good measure (since the story can hold more) chuck in a few Blackhawk helicopters, land mines, AK-47's, wild pigs, cocaine plantations, and one hell of pipeline for oil. Intrigued yet?

Let me lay it all on the line for you here: Read. This. Book. It's a wild ride from start to finish, grounded in science and blended well with politics, fiction, and the right amount of violence to please even the most discerning of literary palates.

Again, Jamie Freveletti has done a stunning job of dropping a debut novel that has all the markings of a major talent in the genre. She writes well, plots well, and concludes the story on just the right note to leave us hungry for more. I am anxiously awaiting her next novel and predict that she will become a major voice in publishing. Great start! Don't miss this one- its one of the best I have read in a long time.

The Lost Symbol

2009-12-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

Dan Brown is the master of weaving fact and fiction together to make something utterly captivating. Once again, he has penned a novel that is full of mystery, action, intrigue, and just the right amount of plot twists to keep you guessing. I don't take his stuff too seriously, its much more fun that way. Sure, Brown writes the literature equivalent of high fructose corn syrup. Its brain candy...an easy read...a Hollywood action flick crammed between two covers. Its not out to win any awards, convert any followers, or be a paragon of American literature. Its just fun, and Dan Brown writes fun, fast, and enjoyable books.

Again, Robert Langdon is caught up in an epic conspiracy, friends turn out to be foes, mysterious agents work in shadow, and the answers (as always) lie in some deeply hidden facts, figures, and forgotten basement rooms. I am intrigued by the amount of research that goes into Brown's novels, and whether its fact or fiction, it makes for an entertaining read.

The Lost Symbol explores the way in which science and faith can come together to mean the same things, but go about it in two completely different ways. The Masonic order is the central plot point in this book, and Brown uses the order, its mysteries, and its rituals to great effect. One of the best points in the novel is when the author states that many rituals, when taken out of context, can seem scary, creepy, or downright wierd. It is a gentle reminder to us that to the uninitiated, symbolism is lost and the deep meaning of symbols is there for a reason. Its the reason Jesus taught in parables, and the same reason there are so many layers to a simple psalm.

A good book and one that I am glad to own...lets just hope that Brown won't make us wait another 6 years for the next one. :) The best part? Reading this novel makes me want to do a little research of my own....they always do that.

Fool

2009-12-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

While its fresh in my head, I'll bust out a review for the Christopher Moore novel, Fool. Oh, what guilty pleasure to be found between its covers.

The setup: King Lear...he's insane. He's got three daughters who aren't all that nice, a loyal knight whom he steps all over, and one dastardly funny fool, Pocket.
Roughly retelling Shakespeare's King Lear from the perspective of the court jester, Fool is full of bawdy humor, off-color remarks, heinous shaggery, and twisted British humor from one of the funniest Americans you will ever read.

Pocket enjoys his status of the King's fool. Really, so long as he stays in favor of the King, he's untouchable, beyond reproach, and can wield his venemous tongue at whomever he chooses. Things go terribly wrong when Lear decides to take the plunge into insanity and raving loonacy. Pocket becomes the key player in the game of kingdoms, ego, and magic-spell casting that follows. Throw in a carnal ghost, three ugly witches, smashing knockers, and a loyal knight in disguise and you have a brew of amazing potential.

Along the way, we are treated to Pocket's backstory, (he was raised by nuns) his friendship with Drool, and his deep love for one of the princesses in particular. Can Pocket keep it all together and not let it all unravel? You'll just need to read and laugh about it to find out.

I will warn you, the faint of heart or thin of skin need not apply. This is a naughty book, it will have you laughing out loud, but also blushing an equal amount. Christopher Moore manages to pull off a dirty limerick, a well told story, and a rollicking comedy all in one. Proof that he is a deft master of the satirical genre that he is so comfortable dominating.

Her Fearful Symmetry

2009-12-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

As with her previous novel, The Time Travellers Wife, Audry Niffenegger has created a book that flows like a languid river in and through its cast of characters. Each person we meet along the way within these pages is haunted in some way. Martin by his crippling OCD and crumbling marriage- Robert by his memories and desires for Elspeth- Valentina and Julia by their inter-dependence on each other. Even Elspeth- the ghost- is haunted by what could have been.

The novel starts out slowly, not in a rush to go anywhere but rather just chronicles the everyday pace of its main cast. Elspeth is trying to communicate as she grows in strength. Julia and Valentina are enjoying London. Robert is pining for his lost love. Martin is trapped in his flat- crushed by his obsessions.

Then we are treated to the delicate unfolding of the story. Like a flower, openings petal by petal until the full splendor is revealed. The intersecting storylines converge and interplay nicely, with great interactions and motivations by each of the well-written characters. As we are pulled more deeply into the world that Niffenegger has written, we get caught up in the pacing and motivations each of her characters brings to light.

It isnt fair to compare this book to her previous runaway bestseller. The two novels are so different, and at times the amazing wonder of the TTW detracts from this excellent book. Her Fearful Symmetry can stand on its own as a modern ghost/love story that isnt all about tender mercies and stolen kisses. It explores the wants, passions, and desires of Elspeth- trapped in her flat, Martin in his apartment, Robert in his emotional roller-coaster, and the twins in their twisted and odd symbiotic relationship. It also explores the consequences of being slaves to our desires and surroundings.

Niffenegger has done a great job of creating a drab, rainy, dreary atmosphere intersped with amazing flashes of literary brilliance. I loved this novel for its characters, pacing, plot, writing, and language. It flowed well, carried me along in its softly spoken spell and left me, once again, eagerly anticipating the next book that Audry will write. Well done. I loved it.