Pleasantly Surprised

Fallen
by Lauren Kate


3.5 out of 5 stars


I've been disappointed recently in the young adult fiction available right now; it's become more difficult to find a quality piece to read that doesn't abandon basic creative writing skills just to throw in a vampire, some zombies, and a sickeningly sappy love story.

I have to confess that I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. The plot drew me in from the beginning. I am such a sucker for "reform" or "special" school stories, where weirdness is (or becomes) socially acceptable. Right away, Luce became likeable, and I wanted to know where her story was going.

I even enjoyed the interplay between Cam, Daniel, and Luce, though in my opinion, Lauren Kate has veered a little too close to Twilight for comfort. I definitely don't want another Bella with zero self-confidence becoming obsessed with the guy. In my book, obsession does not equal love, and too many authors substitute a physically passionate, obsessive fling as lasting love. As much as I enjoy romance, it has to be believable.

My only other complaint with the book is that Luce accepts Daniel's true identity too quickly. I think there needs to be more of a realistic reaction. If I went up to Leonardo DiCaprio and said, "Hey, guess what? I'm an alien," his first reaction probably wouldn't be to crush me in a bear hug, tell me he always new it, and start making plans to relocate to my home planet.

Overall, definitely a good read, and I may consider going further with the series. Not on my favorites list, though. What do you think? Would you read it? Feedback is welcome!

Too Many Gizmos?

The new nook:  How could you not want this?

Barnes and Noble finally announced yesterday the arrival of the next addition to the nook family: the Simple Touch e-Reader.  And of course, it was love at first sight.


I do feel a bit guilty for wanting this, though, primarily because I already own two e-readers.  The nookColor is an awesome hi-def touchscreen, particularly for magazines and such.  I also have an iPad, which is an awesome hi-def touchscreen, particularly for magazines and such.  Do you see my dilemma?  (Disclaimer: I did NOT buy the iPad for use as an e-reader, it just happens to have that capability.  So technically, I only have one dedicated e-reader.)

The practical side of me says I definitely don't need another gadget in my life, especially if that gadget will render one of my other gadgets obsolete. But here's why I want to ignore myself:

Sooo much time-wasting potential.

• The new nook is half the price of the nook color, and a fraction of the iPad's cost.  It would not be nearly so large an investment.
• You can read it outside, even in direct sunlight!!  I'm sorry, but my other gadgets just can't do that.
• The battery life is A-Mazing.  I'm sorry, nook color, I love you but you die so quickly.

Of course, all this is moot until I manage to find another job - it's definitely not a critical purchase at the moment.  But one can dream...

The Wolves of Andover

The Wolves of Andover
By Kathleen Kent


Rating: 2.5 out of 5 Stars

I bought this book purely on a whim at the closing sale of my local Border's, knowing only that it was historical and the main character finally had a good name (Martha). Unfortunately, those were some of its most redeeming qualities. While I felt that there was so much potential for the plot, it was treated almost too gently; it could have used more passion and drama. And while the love story showed promise, the second storyline took chunks out of the romance. I have a general rule of thumb: if I have to skip sections of a novel, then it probably shouldn't have been there in the first place. The secondary plot in this case was less interesting than the main story, and Kent's rigid use of the alternating-chapter motif really slowed down the plot (for the worse).
Truthfully, I think this author has lots of potential, but if I'm to continue reading her books, she'll need to modify her double-storyline approach.

The King's Speech: Better L-L-Late Than N-N-Never

The King's Speech

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

I have to confess that I have been seriously reluctant to see this movie, mostly because I felt that it pushed out other deserving movies in line for awards, like Inception and Winter's Bone. I managed to avoid watching it until last night, when my parents ordered it from Netflix, and started it while I was still in the room. The King's Speech hooked me against my will and forced me to watch it all the way through. Well, ok, it was only against my will the first ten minutes, then I went with the flow.
The end result? My attitude has completely changed. This period piece about England's King George VI was truly stunning. All the actors were marvelous, but none shined brighter than Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. From the beginning you are right there in the story with them. Few films these days achieve that level of character development. I must grudgingly admit that yes, their awards were well-deserved.
Have I learned my lesson? Will I take the academy's recommendations from now on? Not likely. I still think they skip over excellent films to favor the big production studios, but this was a case where the winners certainly earned it.

Is The Office becoming too much like an actual office (i.e. boring?)

Is the seventh season of The Office (NBC) proving that all roads eventually lead to tedious office work?

I just finished a viewing binge of all the old Office episodes, which, by the way, are hysterical. The problem is, though, that once we got through the seemingly endless back-and-forth between Pam and Jim, and with their eventual marriage and subsequent new daughter, the show seems to have left little room for itself to go.

Obviously, Michael was ready to move on. His heartbreakingly painful relationships were piling up, and even someone as clueless as Michael will eventually find true love (we all hope and pray!). Holly had such a calming effect on him that really he mellowed waaaaaaaay out compared to the first few seasons. It would have just been uncomfortable and anti-productive to keep him in the same rut.

My hope for the show is that the other characters are given an adequate chance to shine. Pam and Jim have dominated the relationship/friendship plotline for almost the whole show. I'm sorry to be so harsh, but I think they're kind of fizzling now that they have the baby. Pam isn't as funny now that she's in the same job as Jim, and baby jokes will only go so far with the single/childless viewer population. (And by the way, wouldn't they get sick of seeing so much of each other? You can be in love and still need some personal time, good grief!)

Hopefully, the new boss will be able to reinvigorate the post-Michael Office. Who wants to see Dwight get promoted to Regional Manager (for real)?

A Physics Book You'll Want To Read

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
by Katherine Howe

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

When I read a book and it makes me want to read other books about the same subject, I say mission accomplished. The Physick Book really delivers on plot, character, narrative, and every other thing that makes a story truly excellent. As a reader, I was hooked from the beginning and, corny as it may sound, I really felt as if I was a part of the story. Howe manages to throw in a lot of historical research and intwine it seamlessly with the narrative, so I never felt as if I were sitting through an endless history lecture. This is a must-read for anybody fascinated simultaneously by history and the paranormal.

On My Bookshelf: May 2011

Every month, I will make a list of the books I would like to read, and will then review. I know I'm being overoptimistic, but that tends to happen for us bibliophiles. My only complaint is that I have to occasionally stop to shower, sleep, work...

1. A Feast for Crows by George R. R. Martin
2. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
3. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
4. Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
5. The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent
6. Evernight by Claudia Gray


Here's to good reading!