12.16.09
Review of Death in the Stocks
Thank you Danielle from Sourcebooks for providing me a copy of Death in the Stocks by Georgette Heyer. This is my second Heyer book that I have read so far. I haven’t read her regency romances, or other historical fiction books but now that I have read her style of writing, I wouldn’t mind giving it a try. I do have two of her regency romances on my shelf (that large TBR shelf that has been touched every so often, but only because I had to add more books).
Death in the Stocks is a murder mystery of Arnold Vereker, who was found stabbed to death and locked in the stocks. An odd death, but not surprising as he’s had a lot of enemies. Superintendent Hannasyde is in charge of discovering who killed him, but with very eccentric and unhelpful family members who admitted they wouldn’t mind seeing Arnold dead makes the case very puzzling and very difficult to solve. There are many potential killers but which one is smart enough to get away with murder?
I thought this mystery was very different from the previous Heyer mystery (No Wind of Blame). I seemed to have enjoyed this one more as both Antonia and Kenneth were so quirky and eccentric they got me into fits of giggles because they were just so annoying to Hannasyde. However the plot still kept me guessing. They were eccentric and funny yet there’s an underlying almost sinister like quality that made you think: just because they’re joking about it doesn’t mean they didn’t really kill Arnold Vereker…right? and you’re left with that uncertainity that made the jokes and comedy a little on the uneasy side. It really added more to the mystery and gave it a flavor of a black comedy to it.
Each character had their own motive, and their own unique personality. I like Antonia for her quirky personality and her maddening ability to annoy the police. Kenneth was the same although I didn’t like him as much because there’s an arrogant disposition surrounding his personality which seems to put me off. I would say, this book is more of a laid back mystery. There wasn’t much suspense, no thrills or chills. Yet my curiousity was so piqued because of these interesting characters I really did want to know who did it. However be warned, there is a bit of surprise bomb towards the end of the book which caught me by surprise and I was left still guessing who did the crime. However, my guess was correct and although it wasn’t a surprise to me, it was nice to see I guessed right! I’d have to say it was not predictable though, how they solved the crime was totally not how I pictured which is good, I don’t like predictability in books.
The only criticism in this book was, I found it to drag a little, with the banter between Kenneth and Antonia. It almost ruined their quirkiness and it almost got the point where they were starting to annoy me just a little bit. The plot could have moved a little more faster and although the crime was solved, it was a little too quick and it ending seemed rather abrupt. Other than those few points, I enjoyed reading the book and would read her other crime novels.
Overall, an interesting mystery with a dash of comedy to keep things interesting. Its’ characters are certainly memorable and worth reading into.
I give it a 7 out of 10.
11.16.09
Review of No Wind of Blame
First I have to say thank you Sourcebooks for giving me a review copy of this book. I have never ever read Georgette Heyer novels. I’ve heard of her, and have seen blogs reviewing her books and I was curious. I knew she was very well known for her historical accuracy and her historical fiction novels. Why not give her a try I thought. So I was glad to have a chance to receive and review a copy of this book. First thing I noticed, I love the cover. It’s nice, simple and minimal but there’s just something about her that just draws me to it. It’s actually perfect for a murder mystery story.
No Wind of Blame is a murder myster/whodunit. It’s about the murder of Wally Carter, who was mysteriously killed while walking to his friend’s house. Inspector Hemingway is now put on this case to find out who had killed him. What’s very puzzling about this murder are a couple of things: every character who knew Wally had a motive to kill him. Also, no one was near the weapon when it was fired. The story takes you through each of the suspects motives, and you’re left literally until the last few pages of the novel to find out who had done it and why. It will keep you guessing right until the end.
Mind you, I have never read any of the Agatha Christie novels and from what I hear, Georgette Heyer is known for having similarities with Agatha Christie novels. I was curious as lately I’ve been going through a mystery suspense phase and thought this would be a great addition. I have no regrets. It’s certainly a very “English” mystery and I wouldn’t be surprised if this book was made into one of those “Masterpiece Theatre” movies you see on Sunday evenings. (If there is a movie about it, please let me know because I would love to see it). I liked this book because it seemed to have captured the very essence of English society of the time and it was just so accurately done I had no problems picturing the setting, the characters, and as I progressed with the story it just got more interesting.
I loved the mystery aspect of this, it certainly did keep me guessing! you’re actually left until nearly the very end to learn who the culprit was. I found myself always changing my mind on who might have done it (some of my guesses were so outrageous I’m actually laughing about it now) but it was nice how it was written to make it look like as if each of the suspects could have possibly done it since they all had a motive to do it. Each suspect was explained with their possible connection to the murder and it was done in such a clever way you’re left jumping from one character to another pointing the finger as to who did it. Definitely a job well done in that aspect of writing.
Character wise, I liked most of them. With a name like Ermyntrude what’s not to like! I have to admit I liked Mary from the start. She just seemed so steady and had a serious head on her shoulders I enjoyed her character a lot. I thought Vicky was one of the most annoying characters in the book. I couldn’t really stand her and her melodrama and immaturity just made you hate her even more, especially when she started pointing the finger and trying to get Inspector Hemingway to go to other possible suspects to take the blame off of her (in many ways I had it set in my head that she was the one who committed the crime and she was my main suspect, but only because I just couldn’t stand her and wanted her out of the way). Hugh doesn’t really help much with telling Vicky to be quiet and I really don’t see what he sees in her but to each his/her own, right? (I rather wanted him to be with Mary). The Prince was such a stereotypical charming character but had a phony side to him that made him enjoyable to read, especially his behavior towards Ermyntrude, it was obvious he was after her, but it was just funny to see him try and get her attention.
A few criticisms about this book, well the plot is a little slow but it’s to give you a proper introduction to the characters and a way to get you to know them more so the mystery will work out perfectly. I understand that and think it was a necessity otherwise if you were just to read about the suspects and their motives without really getting to know their character it just wouldn’t be a fun read at all. It could have moved a little more quickly though. Another thing, because this book was written in the 30’s, it’s a very different style of writing and I found it a little hard to get used to. Plus Inspector Hemingway got so analytical about the case, and if you combine that with the style of writing it got hard to follow and understand sometimes. I had to reread some passages to get the understanding of it.
Overall, a wonderful mystery read if you have the patience to get through the writing and a slow moving but interesting plot. It’s certainly a lot like watching those Masterpiece Theatre mystery movies! If this is the same as Agatha Christie novels then I’m willing to give her a try and hope I enjoyed reading it as much as this book.
I give it a 7 out of 10.
11.13.09
Review of City of Thieves
I believe I’ve heard of this book from some of those newsletters I have subscribed to from publishers. I always read them as sometimes I find something I might like and might want to read in the near future. This one caught my attention and I decided to give it a try.
City of Thieves by David Benioff takes place in World War II Russia during the seige of Leningrad. Here you read the story of Lev, a young boy who gets caught looting a corpse of a German soldier, and of Kolya a Russian army “deserter”. They both get saved from certain death in prison by a powerful Soviet colonel who asks them an impossible task: to find a dozen eggs to make a cake for his daughter’s wedding. Impossible? yes there’s hardly any food in the city. Rations are slim and many people are resorting to very drastic measures to get food. To avoid failure (meaning death if they fail), they go on a journey to look for these eggs.
This book has all the makings of a coming of age historical foreign movie (makes sense, the author is also a screenwriter). I can actually picture the movie in my head and watching it. It’s something I would watch. It’s both funny yet certain parts remind me of the horrors of war still thriving within the city. The story is told in the point of view of Lev who’s young and stays behind while his mother and sister move away from the city. His father, is most likely dead, as he gets arrested and is never seen again. When he meets Kolya, the charming deserter who seems to have a tale for everything and has to say something every waking moment, they make a comical duo. Lev is very surly at first and is annoyed frequently by Kolya, who doesn’t really care what he thinks of him and keeps on going with his little quirks and stories of his various romantic conquests and how he hasn’t gone to the bathroom in a very long time.
I liked this book because of its’ interesting mix of comedy and drama set in a rather serious and sombre setting. Come to think of it, I haven’t even read a book set in World War II where there is comedy in it. In fact I think it’s quite a rarity, yet this kind of rarity, and written and executed well, makes it a rare gem. I have to admit, I liked Kolya from the start. You could tell he was the comic relief of the duo here. He provided the light hearted side of the story and actually had very funny and interesting things to say. It was hard to like Lev. I don’t know what to make of him. Surly, hard to like, easily angered (really all the makings of an angsty teenager) although on the other hand, he knew how to survive on the streets which had made him mature faster while Kolya was more of the child of this twosome. However towards the end of the book where Lev actually does grow up both mentally and physically, I started to rather respect him more as his character developed.
As you read through their journey, you start to see their relationship develop and it becomes even brotherly, as Lev asks Kolya for some tips when it comes to romancing the ladies (and other “sports”). Although Lev sort of begrudgingly and even is embarassed by asking him, Kolya acts like a father figure, an elder brother, and a personal friend to Lev (although sometimes it’s more like an annoying friend you never asked for) which makes the relationship funny, but also at the same time, very personal because of the various events they went through both life threatening and yet comical. Believe me, those comical parts actually had me laughing out loud at times, the dramatic parts are just that and there’s a good balance between the two so you won’t be bored reading this novel.
The things I didn’t like about this book? well for starters, there were some very graphic and gruesome parts that aren’t for the squeamish and some parts even made me squirm uncomfortably. Lev rather annoyed me because he wouldn’t stop thinking as how Vika would look naked (and those moments increased towards the end of the book) it got annoying and stagnant. One other criticism, what happened to Kolya was rather predictable in the end. I figured that out at least before halfway of the novel. (Which is why I said it had all the makings of a great foreign movie).
Despite these faults, I enjoyed reading the book and following these two on their dangerous journey to find eggs. The whole finding eggs bit does make it comical but on the other hand it’s mixed so well with the horrors of war that you’re left being reminded that it’s still there, but that it’s okay to sometimes laugh once in a while even when the situation is very bleak. Besides, you have nothing to lose when you’re starving, and you’re always reminded of death everywhere you turn. Overall a good read if you can get past the graphic parts.
I give it a 7 out of 10.
11.06.09
Review of Faceless Killers
I’m on a total murder mystery phase here right now. I’m trying to catch up on the Suspense and Thriller reading challenge (doesn’t look like it’s going to be complete but oh well) and found out about this one while surfing through Amazon for police procedural novels. I also heard all the rage about recent Scandanavian novels being translated into English. Which is another reason why I picked up this book.
Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell is the first novel in the Kurt Wallander series. It features a policeman in Sweden, who is recently divorced, estranged from his daughter, has to take care of an elderly father whom he doesn’t really get along with, and also has a murder case to solve. The murder case involves an elderly farming couple who had been brutually murdered. The woman survived only for a moment to say “foreign” a mysterious clue yet somehow points towards the sudden influx of refugees coming into Sweden thus creating a rise in anti immigrant sentiment in the area. Kurt then realizes he has to solve the murder before things start getting out of hand as tensions start to mount and things start getting out of hand.
This book is definitely different from the police novels I’ve read in the past. The majority of the ones I’ve read had been rather fast paced filled with lots of intrigue and twists that I’m racing through the novel at an alarming rate. This one was very different. It wasn’t fast paced but it was steady and although a little slow at times, it actually got me interested as the criminal investigation went on. It was a gradual procedure, and not one that would take overnight to solve. It had its exciting moments, but moments where you had to sit down and reflect as to what was going on, and it was a much different kind of police procedural novel I have ever seen so far. It was a good balance of careful analysis and examination mixed with intrigue and action. The plot did a good job of drawing you into the crime and having you also reflect and examine on how to solve it. I felt just as frustrated like Kurt was feeling when it felt as if he kept on reaching dead ends and cold trails that would lead nowhere in solving the crime.
The thing I liked the most was the character in Kurt Wallander. He’s very real and three dimensional. He had his own issues to solve and it involved a total different story arc on its own aside from the murder case so you’re not entirely focused on the mystery. You also got to see the “human” side of Kurt as well which I enjoyed and very much liked. It gave the story a much more realistic feeling to it and not something sensation or “Hollywood” about the entire plot. Kurt had his own faults too and so did his colleagues. I also liked how the story also focused on the secondary characters as well (especially his partner Rydberg, who also has major problems of his own). It was great to see realistic almost “fleshy” characters in the book.
I guess what I didn’t really like was I’m not used to this style of writing, so I was really expecting this big flash bang sensational ending where I would be left speechless. This book isn’t meant to be that way. The case was closed, and solved and that was that. No big gunfight. No SWAT team. No hostages. No Channel 6 news helicopters flying overhead (har har). It was simple, clean cut, and done. Then again the entire book was like that; clean and to the point. It was like one giant puzzle being put together and having the satisfaction of having it completed on time. Nothing celebratory or excitement just job done, go home and relax. I suppose that’s how it’s really done and if so, then it’s another good job at keeping the story realistic.
Would I read the books following this? sure, why not? it’s a short read and I don’t regret picking this book up. Although it’s not exciting as I hoped it would be, it held my attention enough to keep me going, as I was curious as to who did it and why. Secrets were exposed, and closure was met, and all loose ends were tied. It was well done and complete.
Overall, don’t be looking for grand excitement in this one. Just a good realistic police detective novel. It’s realistic, and interesting as it takes you along a journey through Sweden and their way of life. It’s definitely worth giving it a try if you’re up for something mellow and a more on the serious side of the police force.
I give it a 7 out of 10.
10.28.09
Review of The Devil You Know
I can’t really remember how I came across Felix Castor. I think it was because I was looking for books that had the same line as Harry Dresden, and I stumbled with this one. I was in the mood for something dark and gritty anyway so this one was a good choice. Perfect for the spooky season too.
The Devil You Know by Mike Carey is the story of Felix Castor, an exorcist who’s dirt poor and lives (practically for free) with his good friend Pen (who’s name is Pamela but somehow she prefers to be called Pen). He gets rid of ghosts for a fee and when he accepts a job of eliminating a ghost in a museum it’s more than he bargained for. He finds himself a target and the only way to find out the real story is to figure out the story of the ghost he has to eliminate first. As he gets deeper into the bottom of this mystery, he faces more dangerous circumstances and instead of getting rid of the ghost, he attempts to help it first.
I can see the small similarities between the Harry Dresden series and this one. There are differences though. I found Felix Castor more dark and grittier than Dresden. It definitely more “noir” and having the setting taking place in London is perfect. London is so dark and wet most of the time and cold. I think the setting fits well and is described perfectly for this novel. The world here is much different than present day. The dead and ghosts are actually out and we’re aware that they are. Most of the time though, they actually don’t bother us except for a select few that have risen up to settle some differences. There is plenty of magic but it’s not in the way of Harry Potter it’s more darker and more realistic.
I have to admit, it took me a while to get into this book. It started off a little slow and I had to nearly force myself to get into it. Eventually it started picking up and I got more interested. It was especially interesting that although it’s paranormal in regards to ghosts and other creatures (there’s a loup garou but not what you usually think it would be..it’s different). There’s also an underlying realistic element in it as naturally the ghost is there with a reason and has a story to tell (ie; how she became a ghost) so real life comes into play just as much as the paranormal side does in this book. Which is good it’s a nice mixture and it’s done nicely so that the magic parts come naturally and it doesn’t seem so out of the ordinary, it actually feels like everyday life.
I think the other reason why it took me a while to get into it, is because in the beginning, Felix goes through a huge narration on explaining how he got to this point, and how he met certain characters and their background stories. He does this throughout the book and although the explanations are great and provides a nice depth to the novel, some of them are too detailed and rather long winded. Then I’m left wondering where did we leave off and what does this have to do with it? although the background information is nice, it should have been done in small specific paragraphs but not deviate entirely from the main plot. This could be a deterrent to some readers and those reading might feel like putting the book to the side and leave it for another day, but try and get through it. You’ll find it connects the dots in one way or another and it leaves the story more complete and more detailed.
As for characters I like Felix. He’s got wit and a dark sense of humor. I’m not sure if you could call him your typical detective in a noir book as although he does have an eye for the ladies I don’t think he really has much of a charm or is that charismatic. To me he’s more like a good guy friend who you’d have a drink with and just relax. He’s likable, don’t get me wrong and there are certainly parts in the book where I found myself laughing at him because of comments he’s made either towards others or towards himself but he’s lacking in something. He just falls short of standing out. I guess what I am trying to say is, it took me a while to warm up to him and even then although I like him, there’s no strong attachment or anything.
The plot is great and albeit for the slow start, putting the pieces together was a puzzle for me and it was fun trying to guess what it was. You’re left guessing what it is and in the end I was sort of right, but wrong as well. I had the wrong idea. It was well done with how the ends were all tied and no questions asked except in regards to Felix’ past and what will happen next (there are more books to this series). The ending was great and I’m curious as to what will happen. I will be reading the second book definitely however I’m hoping it won’t be as slow starting as this one.
Overall, it’s not a bad book! give it a try if you’re a fan of Harry Dresden but want something more realistic, more dark, and with more grit. You’ll find it’s actually quite good and well worth the wait.
I give it a 7 out of 10.
10.24.09
Review of The Postmistress
The Postmistress
Thank you Barnes and Noble for letting me receive a copy of this book for the First Look Book Club! It was very much appreciated!
The Postmistress by Sarah Blake, is rather unique. It has two mini plots which then merge into one through the novel. The first arc features the inhabitants of Franklin, Massacheusetts mainly Will Fitch and his wife Emma, and Iris James who works at the post office. The second arc is focused mainly on Frankie Bard, who’s in Europe. She works as a journalist covering the Blitz in England. The Postmistress focuses on one letter Iris decides to not send, which in turn brings the three women together and also brings the realization of war to their doorstep.
I have to admit, I had to force myself to get into it at first. The start of the book was rather slow and hard to get into. It really wasn’t until I hit the chapters that focused on Frankie that I suddenly got myself into the book and was more interested in it. Besides the slow start, I was left wondering what in the world these characters have to do with each other until certain events take place then the pieces fall in, slowly. To be honest, if it weren’t for Frankie and her experiences throughout Europe, I probably would have liked this book less. I found Frankie to be the most central part of this book and which brought all the characters together through her voice on the radio. The descriptions of the quiet town of Franklin and its’ inhabitants is nice and detailed enough to make it real. There is a big distinction between both Franklin and London and it’s written well enough that both places are realistic and well rounded out. I liked how Franklin is so far away from the war and in their own little world, oblivious to what is happening on the other side of the world, knowing there is no way of the war hitting home. Yet Frankie brings it to them through her voice and she does what she can to make sure all sides of the war is shown and that people get the truth of what’s happening. When she comes on the radio, you can almost “hear” her talk and it goes to show how powerful the use of radio was back then in the 40’s because it’s left to the listener’s imagination.
The most eye opening part in the book is when Frankie goes within Europe to interview refugees she finds along the way from Germany to France. This actually changes her outlook of the war and this is where you see a key development in her character. I also thought it was the most interesting part in this novel and felt just as helpless as she was towards these refugees. I also liked how Blake intertwined both plots to eventually make it into one towards the end of the novel by having the three main women featured in the novel to finally come together face to face. It went smoothly and without a bump, definitely a good job done by the author.
Aside from the slow start, I sort of didn’t understand Iris and her character. In the beginning I thought she was strange and not very likable at all. Honestly, I get the idea of why she would be part of the story in the first place, but she’s such a flat character and very uninteresting that I feel the author just placed her there just for placement and for necessity. She’s really just a secondary character, I think. However of all the characters, I really did like Frankie the best. She was such an free spirit and a forward thinking individual, definitely a woman that stood out during the 40’s!
Another thing, Frankie likes to say “Christ” a lot. For some reason I can’t see a woman swearing like that in the 40’s, it just seems unreal and odd. Also, there’s a part in the novel where Emma smokes and she’s pregnant. Now perhaps it wasn’t known that smoking during pregnancy is harmful for an unborn child so it was really strange and odd to read that. Then again, we have to remember, this book takes place in 1940, not in present day. It’s hard to remember that and it’s odd to read. Once you have it set in your mind about the major differences, then it gets easier.
Overall, a book that starts to grow with you, so don’t give up early on it. It does eventually get better.
I give it a 7 out of 10.
10.10.09
Review of Uglies
Uglies
This book has been on my wishlist for a while now. I figured since it’s part of the YA Challenge and it’s about to end soon I should get around to it and actually read it. The plot really intrigued me but I didn’t know that it was a dystopian fiction novel. In fact I thought it was something entirely different. However! naturally I read it from beginning to end with no regrets.
Uglies features the story of a girl named Tally who is about to be turned “Pretty”. This book is set in a futuristic setting where there are “Uglies” and “Pretties”. Both are separated into their own areas, where young Uglies undergo a complete head to toe operation to become “Pretty”. Being pretty has a lot of perks. You party all night. You do whatever you want, there are no rules and you live life to the fullest. It seems to be a dream come true and every goal of every Ugly. Tally, patiently waiting for her time for her operation meets a girl named Shay who thinks differently. She doesn’t want the operation. She questions on why the need to become pretty when people should be different in all aspects of life. Thus she escapes her operation and attempts to bring Tally with her. Tally refuses but then is set with an ultimatium. Either she betrays the secrets Shay has given to her or she’ll never be pretty. Ever. Thus, you follow Tally throughout this story and the lengths she goes to and the hard choices she has to make. Either betray her friend, or be an Ugly for the rest of her life.
This book took a while to grow on me. At first I wasn’t sure what to think. I didn’t think it was going to be a futuristic dystopian fiction. So it took me a while to picture the setting while reading the story. Eventually though, I started to like the book. It had a lot of interesting moments and I was curious as to what happened to the world to make it the way it is in the novel. It was a little vague. However you do get an explanation as to what happened near the end of the book.
I wasn’t too attached to Tally. She just seemed so shallow and *silly* and pratically obsessed with being Pretty. I understand it sounds so much better than living the hum drum life of being an Ugly but she just wouldn’t be stop obsessing over it, it got old quickly. I liked Shay for her thinking and individuality. I thought she did a great job in taking Tally out of her own little shell. However aside from Tally, most of the characters in this novel weren’t really rounded out, or even developed. They were just flat. Although the story focused more on Tally it would have been nice to see other characters develop with her as well. Shay does, albeit drastically but it was nice to see Tally mature throughout the book. What bugged me was Tally’s anguish over her secret. I was practically yelling at the book wanting her to tell the truth. But then, I figured the book would have probably turned out a lot differently – not sure if for the better.
I liked the plot throughout the novel, although I found it sort of dragged here and there (when Tally is with the Smokies for instance). I was willing to let that go however, because the story did get my attention once I got adjusted to it. It does make a pretty good dystopian fiction novel and the ending does make me want to continue where it left off. There was some science in this book but pretty basic and not enough to be discouraged with scientific jargon. If you’re looking for something with action, this book does have it. Tally’s journey to find her friend Shay was interesting, as Shay left her directions in some sort of code that Tally would only be able to understand. I particularly liked that because it was like a puzzle she was trying to solve and you went along the journey with her.
Overall, it wasn’t the best novel I’ve read, but it was good enough for me to read through from beginning to end. Would I recommend this? yes why not! I liked the overall theme of beauty and striving to being content with just the way you are, and to be apart from the rest. This is a perfect novel to see what would happen if the obsession of beauty is carried just a few more steps too far.
I give it a 7 out of 10.
09.06.09
Sunday Salon: Review of The Blue Notebook
The Blue Notebook
One book of the two I wanted done has been read. It didn’t take me that long although I had a few interruptions and distractions in between. Hopefully I can get the other done so I can actually do two reviews in one day (which would be surprising for me. I’ve never done it before but we’ll never know!)
The Blue Notebook by James Levine is told in the point of view of Batuk, a young girl who has been sold into prostitution by her father. From then on, she works through several places, including the streets of Mumbai, then being bought from place to place where her final place ends up being in some sort of hotel.
It’s a hard read. Although being only two hundred pages, it is an account in extreme graphic detail of Batuk’s life after being sold by her father. She does not skimp away the grisly details that happens to her and how she is meant to please her clients. The only light hearted moments I get are when she shares a laugh with her friend Puneet and how they make fun of the “Hippopotamus”. I thought they were so cute together but, even that little bit of happiness fades as Batuk is passed on to another place to do her work.
My heart went out for Batuk. You see her innocence shatter and how she narrates the entire story you don’t hear much emotion, it’s almost as you can hear a flat voice through the diary entries. It’s a bleak and depressing read but it probably is a very realistic account of what happens out there to child prostitutes anywhere in the world.
There are only a few things I didn’t agree with in this book. I’m not for flowery poetry writing and mini stories and there’s a few parts of that in this story. I mostly skipped it by as I didn’t have much patience for that. I don’t really understand how you can be that literate when you’ve only learned to read and write at a missionary hospital but that’s just my opinion. Second, the ending was very vague. However, if you really think about it, no one in this world really cares where a prostitute ends up, therefore the ending shouldn’t matter. It’s very shocking, but it’s sadly true however, I would have liked to know where Batuk ended up. Also note, due to the graphic nature and content this is not for the squeamish. It didn’t bother me much, but there were parts where I cringed.
Overall a very sad and in depth look into the life of a child slave. It’ll make you feel for the millions of child slaves and helpless women out there suffering where they have no control over their lives and sadly, no where to turn to.
I give it a 7 out of 10.
08.29.09
Review of Jumping Off Swings
Jumping Off Swings
First! thanks Nicole at Candlewick Press for sending me this book! why I chose this one I don’t know. It just called out to me. Lately I’ve been in the mood of trying different type of books. So far so good. Haven’t had one that I have regretted asking for.
Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles covers a teenage pregnancy through the eyes of four characters: Ellie the would be mother, Corinne her best friend, Caleb the nice guy who’s had a crush on Ellie, and Josh, the would be father. Throughout the story you go through Ellie’s pregnancy and how each of these characters feel as they try to help her through her ordeal.
I found it a very sombre story. Ellie just wants to feel and be loved. Although she’s going about it the wrong way, as you read more into her character, you see her family isn’t your typical loving one. As you figure out how her family really is, you understand and start to sympathize with her as the story progresses. I have to admit I didn’t really have much patience for Ellie. I just felt like shaking my head and slapping her across the face and telling her to wake up, grow up and do the responsible thing whatever it is. On the other hand, she’s extremely scared. This sort of thing is very life changing, so her behaviour is understandable.
The plot flows well throughout this story, each chapter is told in each of the character’s perspective so you have a glimpse of how they live and they problems and issues they face even though it’s all centralized with Ellie. I can’t help but think this is like one of those made for TV after school specials for teens. It sure seems that way when I was reading this book. However, it does the job of engrossing me and kept me turning the pages to read on. Most of the time you just feel so sad for Ellie and what she’s going through (once your initial anger phase goes away). I changed my mind about her more than halfway through the book and realized that she indeed is a very brave person to go through her decisions regarding her baby.
The only thing that irks me is Josh. I don’t know how the rest of the guys feel when they’re having an unexpected surprise spring on them by a girlfriend. I suppose the pessimistic side of me expects them to just take a hike and leave. Although I know most guys probably aren’t that way, you just hear about the bad ones more. So I’m not sure if Josh as a character is realistic but that’s just me. You would think most guys would run away at the sound of “baby” and “yours” put together.
Other than that, I thought all characters had a sense of realism to them. They weren’t the cookie cutter ones you read in some of those teen books where everything is perfect. They each have their issues and problems too. It makes the characters almost “three dimensional” so to speak. The ending leaves with a sombre note too, but with a sense of optimism for some of the characters.
Overall a good sombre, serious read, but a satisfying one.
I give it a 7 out of 10.
08.20.09
Review of The Wife’s Tale
The Wife's Tale
Like in my last review, I normally don’t read this kind of book. However I gave it a try – why not? I should at least try almost everything once. I found this book to be a touching read. Not touching in a sad sense, but more of a feel good touchy feeling. When I first started reading this book I just felt this wretching pity for Mary. She’s grossly overweight, her husband just left her, and she was so dependent on him so obviously she’s lost and doesn’t know what to do at first. I wanted to just take her by the shoulders and shake her. The pity and sadness just deepens further when Mary goes to California to her mother in law’s place thinking her husband is there. I hated her mother in law. She’s everything I would never ever want to have in an in law. Eden’s (mother in law) callousness and spite just makes her look like your typical old mother viper. She sort of gets her come uppins towards the end of the book but, well you do change your opinion of her after that. However as the story progresses, from pity, you then feel very supportive of Mary and you start backing her up (that “you go girl” feeling becomes more present)
What will never change throughout this book is Mary’s very open and willingness to help others despite what they think of her. She has this strange uncanny ability to make acquaintances as she meets them and she’s so friendly that even strangers help her at random encounters. Which does sort of bother me, however perhaps it’s because I have a rather pessimistic view and would never rely on strangers to help me. I couldn’t, for example go up to random people on the parking lot to ask for a ride (which Mary did…and succeeded). That doesn’t really strike up as realistic to me, however I put that thought aside, it’s just a story, after all.
There are moments in the book where I had the warm fuzzies (did I just SAY THAT?). I especially enjoyed Mary’s makeover at the salon. I liked how other women around her supported her, and even comforted her as she told her story of how her husband left, and how she’s off to find him. It was a great moment and my most favorite part of the book.
Plot flow was great! no blips or bumps! No side tracking to anything. There were times where Mary would be flooded with memories and flashbacks. However I thought it was an essential part of the story, so you could understand her relationship with her husband.
I liked the ending, it gave me a sense of optimism and it looked like Mary was indeed off to a fine start.
Overall a good, nice, comforting touchy feely story. One I would recommend to those that like a “feel good” book.
I give it a 7 out of 10.
