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.

It's Bloody Good, Alright?

True Blood
Season 2

7 out of 10 stars

Initial Reactions
I can breathe so much easier now that I've finally admitted I'm a Trubie (fan of True Blood). I have to say that I liked season 2 much better than the first season. For one thing, they got rid of Amy (whom I despised), and replaced her with Daphne, Amanda, and my personal favorite, Jessica. They've also added Eric's maker, Godric, to the mix, and boy is he some fine undead eye candy!

They have also intensified plot lines, making them more intricate and therefore more interesting. While Jason is initiated into the Fellowship of the Sun, Sookie and Bill must help Eric find Godric and deal with problems in Dallas. Sam meets and falls hard for Daphne, who turns out to be more like him than Sam realized. And, most intense of all, is the havoc Maryann is wreaking on Bon Temps, especially Tara and her newfound love, Eegs.

Lafayette has quite a harrowing experience at the beginning of the season, which understandably changes him on a deep level. While I agree that it had to be done, I definitely missed his smack-talking wit and wisdom.

Probably my biggest criticism: I could have done with about 5 fewer orgies. I know it's HBO and it's True Blood, and there has to be sex, violence, and cursing, but wow, it was graphic.

Standout Performances
1. GODRIC. I LOVE him. He brought the emotional depth and soul-reaching, self searching that none of the other vamps have. This guy has so many dimensions!

2. Jason & Sam both grew in my opinion. They were both kind of flat in season 1, but they both also gain a lot of depth this season.

3. Jessica and Hoyt's budding relationship. It is sooooo cute! C'mon, Bleeding Love? How corny-romantic!

4. Maryann. Michelle Forbes is an excellent actress (check out The Killing!) but I couldn't help but hate her character.

Burning Questions for Season 3
-What's the deal with the "queen" vampire? How/why did she get to be queen?
-Who are Sam's real parents?
-Why does Eric want Sookie? What are Bill's true motives?
-What's going to happen between Jessica and Hoyt?
-What direction is Tara headed in? Can she spiral any further out of control?

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.

3 Moms in 1 (a balancing act): Why I blog (and what's next!)

3 Moms in 1 (a balancing act): Why I blog (and what's next!): "'So, you have a blog?' 'What do you write about?' 'Why would anyone want to write without getting paid?' 'Why do you blog?' Good qu..."

It Sucked Me In

I have been trying out a lot of new tv shows lately, ones that I wouldn't normally be able to see, all thanks to the miraculous power of Netflix.  Dexter, Breaking Bad, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and all sorts of awesome are now a click (and some delivery time) away.  But every so often, I try a show that just turns me off - either it doesn't hook me, or it grosses me out, or my brain cells mutiny. For whatever reason, I can't tolerate a show.

But then there's True Blood.

Now, I tried on two separate occasions to get into the first season of True Blood. Both times, I got more than halfway through the first season and then just couldn't stomach it anymore. The profanity and violence is bad, but they're PG-13 compared to the *cough cough* intimate scenes shown. Seriously, I have never seen a show this sexually graphic before. And for a while, I stayed away.

But, like many Americans, I read Entertainment Weekly. And I have a cousin who loves the show. So when everybody is raving about a show, well, I just can't stay away.

His looks can actually kill.  But you almost can't stop looking.

So against my better judgement, I rewatched the rest of season one, and truly, it turns out the later episodes are more exciting intriguing than the initial ones. Before I knew it, I was halfway into season 2 and begging for more. I admit it: I'm hooked.

I'm still waiting for the point where I'll get tired of watching it, but that hasn't come yet. I'll keep you posted, and I hope to eventually catch up to the current season (4).

Any other True Blood fans out there?