A Room Without A View

Room

by Emma Donoghue

4 out of 5 stars

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, ROOM is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another.

I first heard about this novel sometime last year when it was very positively reviewed by Entertainment Weekly.  I immediately downloaded the sample, but it ended up sitting for ages in my nook library as a lonely little sample, just waiting for me to give it some attention. 

Most people would probably be turned off by the dark subject matter, but I was drawn immediately to the uniqueness of the story.  It is told in the words of five-year-old Jack, so as an adult reader you gain information in little bits and spurts, as it is delivered to Jack.  

As Jack's narration continues, you get to observe how Ma and Jack have carved out an existence for themselves, and you feel right along with them as they transition between worlds.  The book definitely stuck with me for a while after I finished reading, enough for me to look up some of the relevant true-life cases that inspired the story - Jaycee Lee DuGard and Josef Fritzl, for example.

The novel's power lies not in the graphic details of the crime but in the human elements of the story.  It's a gripping, moving story that I wholeheartedly recommend for anybody willing to explore a nontraditional literary plot.

My Latest Obsession

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

4.5 out of 5 stars

 Last summer, out of curiosity, I read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.  To be quite honest, I was intrigued by the story, at least enough to finish the book, but I wasn't overly impressed.  It was much more graphic than I was used to reading at the time, and I was left wondering at the choice of title, as it appeared to me that Mikael Blomqvist got much more screen time (and was more central to the story) than Lisbeth Salander.

So I left it at that. I did not continue the second book, nor did I bother to reread the first. I remained thoroughly unimpressed. 

And then the movie came out.

Rooney Mara bowled me over with the power of her performance. Daniel Craig supported her perfectly as Kalle Blomqvist. Lisbeth Salander finally came alive for me; at last I understand the enormous popularity of the series.  

I. Love. Lisbeth. Salander. 

I'm currently working my way through the final book of the triology, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest, and will be posting some more in-depth book reviews, but for now, if you see nothing else this year,

GO SEE THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO.

 

 

 

A Book That's Not About Horse Racing

It's been a long, lonely few months since last I published anything to my humble little blog.  Honestly, I've been pulled in every direction by my school work, work work, and family commitments - every which way but doing what I really love, which is reading and writing.  I'm like a teapot though - stop me up for too long and I'll eventually blow my lid clean off (metaphorically speaking, of course).

So what's got me boiling?  I've just finished reading a new book that was so good I have to write about it to somebody or I'll explode, and nobody wants that, least of all the unsuspecting family members I live with.

So here it is, world:

The Scorpio Races

by Maggie Stiefvater

4.5 out of 5 stars

It's got everything any self-respecting reader wants in a novel: drama, true love, beautiful imagery, and yes, scary man-eating water horses.

The story takes place on a fictional island that seems convincingly real; it could be any seaside town except for that small bit about the man-eating horses.  On this strange yet completely acceptable island, the locals host an annual race riding (what else?) the carnivorous equines.  Our protagonists are a young woman struggling to keep her family together in desperate times, and the reigning champ who lives life by his own rules.

Ironically - and Maggie talks about this herself - the book has little to do with the racing.  It's about self-identity, the things that are most dear to us, seeing people for who they truly are, and loving outside of ourselves.

I was instantly drawn into the lives of the characters, thanks to Maggie's style of switching first-person narration between each player.  I loved reading both Puck and Sean's points of view.  The narration itself demonstrates Maggie's trademark style.  She crafts her words with such poetry, it's like reading a song.  The cadence of the words themselves lend a rhythm to the story that makes it truly her own unique creation.

The romance is exactly my cup of tea: perfectly understated, so that the reader feels the intensity of emotion between the two characters, the restraint between them allowing the moment in which they are finally able to express themselves to be most powerful.

The one down side to restraining the passion is that it does end leaving you wanting more.  The Scorpio Races reminded me of Jane Eyre, which is one of my favorite love stories, but which also leaves me frustrated and wishing the author would just come out and finish it already.

But, there is much to be said for delayed gratification.

Double Review: Shiver & Linger

Shiver and Linger
by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver: 7.5 out of 10 stars
Linger: 8 out of 10 stars

Initial Reactions
One of the best things these books have going for them is that Maggie Stiefvater has come up with such an original way to write about such a cliched plot device. The werewolves of Mercy Falls aren't the violent, deadly, full-moon-transforming werewolves of folklore; they turn into actual wolves and stay that way for months at a time. Initially I wasn't sure I liked these changes, but I realized that they really tie into the plot very well.

Maggie has such a creative way of writing. Her characters use poetry and song quite often, but she also narrates in a poetic voice. It took me two reads of Shiver to adjust to her style - it's just so different from most authors today.

At first, I didn't particularly care for Sam. He came off as a sappy, unrealistic ideal of a teenage boy, but I grew to appreciate both him and Grace, especially in the context of their relationship to Isabel and Cole. I loved having Isabel come into the story more. Her snarky comments are hilarious, but she also ads an emotional depth that balances Sam and Grace's passion.
And of course, there's Cole. Cole! I do love him, despite his tendency toward arrogance and narcissism. He makes a good foil/potential love interest for Isabel.


Noteworthy
1. The risk that the wolves will stay wolves forever adds a touching dimension to the character interaction and the reader's attachment to them

2. None of Maggie's characters are flat - each is very carefully and realistically developed.

3. I really like the flashbacks to the characters' childhoods, particularly Sam's. I love watching him with Beck and the rest of the pack.

One Test You DON'T Want to Ace

The Psychopath Test
by Jon Ronson

8.5 stars out of 10

Initial Reactions
Throughout the whole book, and even afterwards, I was continually fascinated by this subject matter. For anybody who has an interest in abnormal psychology, this book is definitely for you. Psychopathy is not something I think about on a daily basis, so the novelty of it is intriguing.

Ronson does a remarkably thorough job of researching and interviewing the subjects. He approached his topic in a fair-minded, journalistic way - he realized that each side has its own story to tell. In the process of investigating the history of psychopath diagnosis and treatment in this country, with some key examples of patients, Ronson realizes the damage of putting too much trust in either the doctor's evaluations or the patients themselves.

In the beginning he grabs your attention with the mysterious case which starts him investigating psychopathy, but I felt by the end that the mystery wasn't solved very tidily. Maybe it's not supposed to be an open and shut case. Anyway, you finish reading with some open-ended questions, but also with a new perspective on humanity.

Noteworthy
1. The story of John, the psychopath stuck in prison for the criminally insane. At the end, I found myself questioning my own perceptions of him, and if he truly deserved to be in jail (even if he is a clinically diagnosed psychopath!).

2. Not only fascinating, but a quick read! I read this in two sittings.

Bottom Line
Read this book! Even if, like me, you're not a big non-fiction reader, this is an excellent examination of conscience and character. I definitely want to read more by this author.

A Peculiar Book...But Good!

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
by Ransom Riggs

3.5 out of 5 stars

I downloaded this book on my nook in response to Entertainment Weekly's recommendation: The book was on the Must List for a week, and mentioned again for a week or two after that. Being an avid paranormal and fantasy novel reader, I was highly intrigued.
If the book has anything going for it, it is certainly the originality. It was its own unique world and storyline, and at no point did I feel that the author was just rehashing every fantasy novel known to man. I give a lot of points for creativity.
The author also chose to employ a rather unique tool in the telling of his tale, one not normally found in adult fiction: pictures. I'm sure it would be nice in the paper version as well, but on my nook color, which has an HD color screen, it was enormously entertaining, and definitely enhanced the reading experience. Some of the old-timey looking photographs were even creepy-looking enough to give me shivers.
I didn't give out more points here for several reasons. First, the romance that the author sets up between Jacob and Emma does feel a little canned to me, but I am hyper-critical of romance in novels anyway. I would rather have characters developed in great detail and have them struggle through hardships to find each other rather than falling in love at first sight. If you don't mind that, then you won't have a problem with Peculiar Children.
Secondly, at about two-thirds of the way through, the plot switches from character development and storytelling to action. The switch isn't bad, but I felt it lost a little bit of steam though it tries to keep up a fast pace.
Overall, I would say it's definitely worth a read; at only 225 pages, it will be a quick pool- or beach-side summer read. And the author definitely left enough room for at least another sequel, possibly more.
Happy reading!

Keep On Going, Cassandra Clare!

City of Fallen Angels
by Cassandra Clare

4 out of 5 stars

I honestly can't say what took me so long to get around to reading this book, especially since I LOVE the other books in her series. But read it I did, and I'm happy to report that it's a solid addition to the Mortal Instruments collection.
This fourth book picked up just a couple months after the end of the last one. Jace and Clary are together, of course, so we're ready for some of that tension between the two - which has spanned the entire series - to finally disappear. Oh wait: it DOESN'T, because although they've declared their true love to each other, Jace can't handle being in a relationship, so he of course tries to push her away. Which of course wreaks havoc on everybody.
I will say I didn't give more stars here because Jace has become a bit too mopey and mournful, rather than being is usually infuriating, hilarious self. There was a disappointing lack of comedy on his part, and I missed that.
However, while Jace faded somewhat, we really got up close and personal with some of the other characters who are awesome in their own right, particularly Simon and Isabelle. I think these two especially are really great characters, and I'm looking forward to reading more into their stories.
Overall, definitely a worthwhile, fun read. Plus, Cassandra Clare threw in some references to her prequel series, the first book of which is Clockwork Angel. I loved when she mixed in these characters, and I loved Clockwork Angel - I can't wait till the sequel to that one comes out.
Enjoy!!

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!

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.

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!