Framed's 2008 reviews

Far World: Water Keep by J Scott Savage

2009-01-30T19:18:00.000-08:00

I am so happy I was asked to review this book as part of J. Scott Savage's Blog Tour, an introduction of his imaginative and fascinating new fantasy series. I really think that it takes a genius to create a good fantasy novel because there are so many strange and wonderful new things to write about (how do you keep all that straight?) yet a good fantasy has just the right touch of reality. And I think Savage is quite a genius because, if Water Keep is any indication of the caliber of the rest of the series; we are all in for a treat.
Marcus is a thirteen-year-old boy who lives in a wheelchair and is ostracized because of that and the fact that there is something strange about him. We learn more of that strangeness when Marcus is catapaulted into an entirely different realm, Farworld, without really knowing how that experience occurred. In Farworld, a magical place, he meets Kyja who, unfortunately, has no magical skills. The two are given a daunting quest to save Farworld from the devasting Dark Circle whose power is growing. To do this, they must combine the Elementals --water, land, air and fire. This first book follows them and their companions on a trek to find the water elementals.
I was captivated right from the first by the humor and skill with which Savage weaves his tale. I did make a few comparisons to the Lord of the Ring series because it is a journey to overcome a dark force; but, whatever. I loved LOTR and I love this book. In spite of the slight similarity in the beginning, Water Keep is totally original, brimming over with wonderful characters and delicious villains. (The unmakers were some of the scariest creatures I've ever read about) And the description of the Water Keep itself was breathtaking. Even though this is a fantasy, the emotions and motives were very real. Marcus and Kyja are both superb characters that I look forward to reading more about.
Rating: 5

Posted by Framed at 8:38 PM

7 comments:
Bobbi said...
Great review!
8/27/2008 8:21 AM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I really enjoyed this book as well, and I can't wait for the next one!
8/27/2008 5:52 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Framed, did you get my e-mail? My box is saying it got returned.
8/27/2008 10:41 PM
Booklogged said...
Glad to hear you liked it, too. I thought it was wonderful.
9/01/2008 2:34 AM
Booklogged said...
Kate is reading it now and really enjoying it. Kris, who doesn't read very much, is on book 2 of the Twilight series. She's having a hard time fitting in college, boyfriend and a book! I'm tickled to see her reading.
9/01/2008 2:36 AM
Rhinoa said...
I have read some great reviews of this recently. Comparing it to LOTR is only another reason to make me want to read it!
9/01/2008 2:37 AM
Heather B. Moore said...
The characters really pulled me in on this book. Loved the whole story. My 11-year declared it's her new favorite book.

Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons

2009-01-30T19:16:00.000-08:00

Challenges
Decades - 1930
Herd Cats Challenge
Somehow I thought this would be a folksy tale set in the rural South with soft humor, bucolic characters and a nice message. Why? Who knows? It was recommended by Oprah so that should have warned me. You can imagine my surprise when the story opens with a pampered young lady in London whose parents have just died leaving her a paltry sum of 100 £ a year to live on.
From Library Journal
"In Gibbons's classic tale, first published in 1932, a resourceful young heroine finds herself in the gloomy, overwrought world of a Hardy or Bronte novel and proceeds to organize everyone out of their romantic tragedies into the pleasures of normal life. Flora Poste, orphaned at 19, chooses to live with relatives at Cold Comfort Farm in Sussex, where cows are named Feckless, Aimless, Pointless, and Graceless, and the proprietors, the dour Starkadder family, are tyrannized by Flora's mysterious aunt, who controls the household from a locked room. Flora's confident and clever management of an alarming cast of eccentrics is only half the pleasure of this novel. The other half is Gibbons's wicked sendup of romantic cliches, from the mad woman in the attic to the druidical peasants with their West Country accents and mystical herbs."
The back cover touts this as "very probably the funniest book ever written . . . a brilliant novel along classic lines." I really had a difficult time with this book. It's a satire so I probably just didn't understand the references. Plus, there were no characters that I really cared about. I found Flora arrogant and supercilious; and her relatives were caricatures of English peasants with really odd ways. But I persevered, and about halfway through I began to enjoy it. Even though I don't care for busybodies, Flora has an amazing confidence and foreknowledge of the outcome of her plans. She becomes easier to like as she develops warm feeling for her hayseed relatives. The humor was pretty broad but toward the end, I started to be more amused. And the ending is quite charming. This book has been sitting on my shelf for years so I'm glad to have finally read it.
Rating: 3.5

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil e. Frankweiler by E L Konigsburg

2009-01-30T18:42:00.000-08:00

Challenges
Decades 1960
To Be Read
Young Adult
Book Awards
Mrs. Frankweiler writes a letter to her attorney explaining why she is changing her will. In the letter is the story of two extraordinary children and their great adventure: 12-year-old Claudia feels she is under appreciated and decides to run away. She quickly gets caught up in the planning and involves her younger brother, Jamie. Claudia is an organizational genius and Jamie is a future banker with his careful spending and saving habits. The two spend a week in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, sitting in on field trips and roaming around the museum and city. They discover a mystery which eventually leads to Mrs. Frankweiler, a very rich elderly lady. It's a wonderful story with two fantastic characters in Jamie and Claudia. In some ways, they are not typical at all, but in so many others, they act just like any other brother and sister. I especially enjoyed Mrs. Frankweiler's asides to the attorney as she tells the story.
Decades: The book was published in the 60's. That is very evident when the paid discuss their finances. They certainly wouldn't survive for a week on $24.00 in this day and age.
To Be Read: I first read about this book on Booklogged's site more than two years ago. It was one of the first books I added to my newly created TBR list which has since mushroomed.
Young Adult: Amazon puts the age group for this book at 9 to 12, but older teens and other readers will enjoy it also.
Book Awards: Konigsburg won the 1967 Newbery Award for Files and it is certainly well deserved. If I had read the book when I was young, I would have loved it.
Rating: 5
Posted by Framed at 9:44 PM

5 comments:
Carrie K. said...
This was one of my all-time favorites growing up! I must have read it 5 times. I read it to my daughter a couple of years ago, and she loved it, too.
8/23/2008 1:22 AM
Carrie said...
I just read it recently and loved it! It's very fun.
8/23/2008 9:17 AM
Charley said...
I haven't read this, but I've heard the title so many times. I hope to read it soon.
8/24/2008 1:33 PM
Jena said...
This was a favorite for teachers to read to us when I was in elementary school, and it was fun, but I wouldn't have chosen to read it beyond my 11th birthday--I was on to "bigger and better" books by then. (What a pretentious snob I was--in some ways, worse than I am now.)
8/24/2008 2:43 PM
SuziQoregon said...
I reread this one a few months ago for the Heart of a Child Challenge and thoroughly enjoyed it all over again. Still one of my all time favorites.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

2009-01-19T10:43:00.000-08:00

August 21, 2008

Challenges
Classics
19th Century AuthorsI have finally finished the entire Jane Austen canon. Even though I watched the Emma Thompson movie version, I had never read the book; a serious lapse, I know. The movie version did affect my reading as I always pictured Emma Thompson as Elinor and Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon. That's not a bad thing as they are both excellent actors, but even so . . . I prefer to be a little fresher. Mainly the story is about two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, (love that name) who are beautiful but poor. Poverty seriously dampers their marriage aspects in a society which constantly talks about how much income a person has as the main criteria for marriage. Both are in love but there are heartaches and complications. In a society with such a regimented social culture, Elinor plays the game with skill and finesse, but the reader is able to know her true thoughts about the people she is so polite too. On the other hand, Marianne very seldom plays the game. She is much more selfish and self-centered. Obviously, I liked Elinor better and found Marianne's histrionics tiresome. This book was Austen's first and my least favorite. Don't get me wrong, I liked the book but Persuasion remains my favorite. Rated: 4
Posted by Framed at 7:55 PM

4 comments:
Carrie K. said...
Persuasion is my favorite Austen, too. Northanger Abbey is my least fave.
8/22/2008 12:13 AM
Charley said...
I've been meaning to read more Jane Austen for a while now (I've read only Emma), so perhaps I'll have to move Persuasion up on my list.
8/22/2008 12:37 AM
Tracee said...
Love your blog and blog name. I couldn't find an email for you, but wanted to see if you might be interested in reviewing books for me? If so, please email me at amateurdelivre at gmail dot com. Hope to hear from you soon and happy reading!Tracee
8/22/2008 6:07 AM
Stephanie said...
I'm so sadly read these days. Persuasion is actually my only Austen. That being said, I really loved it!! I've got to read more though. I feel like such a heathen!

Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

2009-01-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

August 14, 2008
Wow, this book is huge. Why is it, that each succeeding book in a series has to get bigger and bigger? So I was unable to read this book in two days like the previous books, but I still enjoyed it even if Twilight remains my favorite. Even though the book is 754 pages long, Meyer manages to pack so many twist and turns into it. I didn't even try to guess how she was going to resolve the "will she or won't she?" dilemna. With so many additions to the plot that I could never have imagined, the book was very fun to read. There was the inevitable showdown with the Voturi that I never imagined how it would be resolved. I always knew Jacob would imprint but was shocked by who. It was good to finally see Bella happy. She is so much better to read about when she isn't whining. As always, I would like to hear more about Edward, but I think Meyer overdid the allusions to Bella and Edward's intimacy. Enough, already! I liked the introduction of so many different vampires with their special talents, but felt vampirism was glorified way too much. I found that a little creepy. Bottom line: The characters were well-written, believable and fun even if the book got a little crowded towards the end. There were some great surprises that kept me interested. I had issues with a few thing but overall, it was a great escape for a few days. And I will definitely want to read the book written from Edward's view.
Rating: 4.25
I hope this review didn't contain spoilers that will ruin it for any one. I tried really hard not to say too much.
Posted by Framed at 7:24 PM

7 comments:
Jena said...
*spoiler comment* You were surprised by Jacob's imprinting? I hate trying to guess ahead, but as soon as it was clear Bella was pregnant, I knew what was coming. (I was actually still rooting for Jacob to beat out Edward in the end, for Bella to choose life instead of vampirism, even though I knew it wouldn't happen--I like the underdogs.) I was less than impressed, but I'm glad you found it to be a nice escape.
8/14/2008 9:57 PM
Rhinoa said...
*spoiler comment* I though Jacob was going to end up imprinting with Leah for a little while. I really liked this book and thought she ended the series will. Looking forward to the film coming out.
8/15/2008 3:28 AM
Stephanie said...
Good review - I pretty much felt the same exact way you did. Twilight is still my favorite, but this had just enough twists and turns that I found it entertaining!
8/15/2008 6:45 AM
Carrie K. said...
Good review! And I think my favorite is still Eclipse.
8/15/2008 5:39 PM
Cassie said...
Oh, you are such a prude sometimes. (: I actually wanted a little more when it came to Bella and Edward's wedding night. Nothing pornographic, I just think it would have been interesting to know how Edward was feeling as he was trying not to kill her. I understand why she held back though.
8/18/2008 1:44 PM
Framed said...
Cassie, maybe Edward will be a little more forthcoming on his admirable restraint.
8/18/2008 8:20 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Good point -- when the book is written from E's POV, we'll probably hear all kinds of things :)I haven't read this one yet. I don't know why -- I raced out to get the last one as soon as it was out. This one, not so much.

Niagara, A History of the Falls by Pierre Berton

2009-01-19T10:34:00.000-08:00

August 10, 2008
Challenges
Canadian Challenge II
Back to History
Pierre Berton's epic about one of the great wonders of the world is superbly researched and wonderfully written. From the time of its discovery by white explorers (obviously, Native Americans would be the original discoverers) until the present, the falls have been the center of excitement, exploitation, modern innovation and high theatrics. The cast of characters is huge. Some were selfish and used the Falls for their own gain by taking advantage of tourists. Others ruined the natural beauty of the area in order to provide cheap power for the proliferation of factories in the name of progress. Then there were those who sought to preserve the falls and its environs. Berton also describes the exploits of thrill seekers and dare devils who went over the Falls in barrels or cross the river on tightwires. I found the opening section about how the Falls were formed thousands of years ago very interesting. The chapter about the Love Canal catastrophe was very eye-opening. I must have been in a fog when all that was taking place. I found Berton's treatment to be quite objective, only leaning toward the Canadian advantage slightly, which could be justified. This is a large book, 449 pages, which, while I enjoyed learning about the Falls, I won't be reading again.
Rating: 4.25
Picture taken by ststours.com
Posted by Framed at 6:20 PM

5 comments:
Bobbi said...
Nice review! I've been to Niagra Falls only once, and I visited from the Canadian side - beautiful!
8/10/2008 8:10 PM
Nicola said...
I read this once a long time ago when it first came out. But now that I live here in The Falls, Canada, I've been wanting to re-read it. Great review!
8/11/2008 10:11 AM
Booklogged said...
I saw the falls from the Canadian side, too and it was spectacular. I think I'd enjoy reading this.
8/11/2008 9:28 PM
Trish said...
The falls are so beautiful (yes yes the Canadian side). We'll be in Ontario in a week so hopefully we'll be able to make a trip (about 2 hours) to see them again.
8/12/2008 6:32 PM
Bookfool said...
I've been to the falls twice, both from the Canadian side. It wasn't until we visited that I realized that Love Canal was in the area. Great review! 449 pages sounds like a bit much, but it still sounds like a terrific read.

The Changeling by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

2009-01-19T10:30:00.000-08:00

August 3, 2008
Challenges
Decades Challenge - 1970
Young Adult Challenge
Book Awards Challenge - Christopher Medal
When I read The Egypt Game, I knew I wanted to read more books by Snyder. She writes wonderful young adult books without talking down to the reader. I liked The Changeling even more than Egypt. The book follows Martha Abbott from the age of six when she is a over-weight, withdrawn, and scared six-year-old until she is sixteen. Along the way, Martha develops a close friendship with Ivy Carson, another social outcast. Martha is an outcast because of her personality and Ivy because of her family's rough reputation and low economic status and her confident individuality. They cement their friendship by playing imaginative games that Ivy usually instigates. Through the years, Martha finds herself crying less, becoming more active and more confident. The lessons about being yourself and being true to your family and friends are not subtle, but presented as a natural progression of the story. It's a wonderful book, well-written and both Martha and Ivy are outstanding characters. I especially liked Martha's brother, Tom, who is handsome and popular, and a really good kid. Excellent reading.
Rating: 4.75
Posted by Framed at 9:34 PM

3 comments:
Stephanie said...
Oh...this sounds really good! A definite must when I go to the library! A 4.75...that's pretty good!
8/09/2008 11:14 AM
Rhinoa said...
Sounds like a fun and interesting book. Thanks for the review as I had never heard of it or the author!
8/10/2008 4:28 AM
Charley said...
This sounds good. I work at a children's bookshop, so I'm always looking for new books for young readers. Thanks for this review.

Johnny and the Dead by Terry Pratchett

2009-01-19T10:27:00.000-08:00

August 3, 2008
It's always fun to listen to a Terry Pratchett book on CD. Richard Mitchley, the narrator, has a wonderful accent and does the voices for each character so well. Johnny and the Dead is a children's book that has a nice message couched in a well-told story with wonderful humor. Johnny Maxwell likes to take a short-cut through the cemetery where he finds, one day, that he is able to see and talk to the inhabits. Since the property has been sold for development, the post-living citizens and Johnny search for a way to save it from destruction. This results in some really bizarre occurrences with the alive and un-alive. While not as funny as his Disc-world series, the book is still a great read. Johnny is an amazing character. I just learned that this book is the third of a trilogy so I'll probably try to read the other two. But don't worry, it's a good stand-alone book also.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 9:52 AM

6 comments:
Nicola said...
I love this too, thought it was hilarious. And I also didn't learn it was a trilogy until after I'd read it. Still haven't read the other two, maybe someday.
8/03/2008 12:49 PM
Bobbi said...
I love well narrated books - this one sounds interesting!
8/03/2008 1:13 PM
Booklogged said...
Sounds fun. Did you get this from the library?
8/03/2008 4:14 PM
Rhinoa said...
Rhis is one of the few Pratchett series I haven't read yet. It does sound fun and I hope to get around to it soon.
8/04/2008 2:31 AM
Framed said...
Nicola, this one is rated higher than the other two but still, I ought to read them all.Bobbi, you'll enjoy it.Booklogged, yes, it's from the library. I wish they'd get some more interesting books on CD.Rhinoa, Again, it's a fun read and you'll like it.
8/04/2008 9:33 PM
Charley said...
I've just started to get into Terry Pratchett by reading The Color of Magic from his Discworld series. He seems like an interesting guy, and I'll have to check out this one, too.

Pontoon by Garrison Keillor (Audio

2008-10-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 31, 2008

I listened to bits and pieces of Lake Wobegone Days read by the author and thought it hilarious. Too bad my Ipod was acting up. So I thought Pontoon would be equally enjoyable. It was a disappointment. While there were shining moments and some laugh-out-loud scenes (the final chapter was wonderfully funny), mostly the book seemed slow. I was put off by some surprisingly graphic sexual content, not a lot, but enough and the depressing nature of most of the characters. Plus the narrator had the most mournful voice. Was it the author??
When Barbara finds her mother, Evelyn, dead in her bed, it sets off a whole chain of events as the family gathers to honor her final wishes. The story includes history on the dead woman and her relationships with others. A side story incudes Debbie, who left home at nineteen; and, twenty years later, returns home to get married. Again, we learn a lot of Debbie's history. Both Evelyn's memorial and Debbie's wedding are planned to take place on Saturday at Lake Wobegone. Which does lead to a hilarious climax. Yes, Keillor does a fantastic job of creating characters who are real and are easy to identify with. They're just weren't incredibly likable people except Evelyn, and she's dead. I found it a bit whiny with rays of sunshine thrown in occasionally.
Rating: 3
Posted by Framed at 3:20 PM

5 comments:
Ben said...
Garrison Keillor does have a pretty 'mournful' voice. I love it.He does a couple shows for NPR. One of them is the writers almanac which is just a 5 minute show in which he gives a little literary history of this date and reads a poem. It used to be on right when I'd drive to the commuter lot, but they've moved it so now I don't get to hear it anymore. I always enjoyed it as a quirky little start to the day.He also does (and is mainly known for) The Prarie Home Companion which is a radio variety show that is also pretty good.
8/01/2008 7:16 AM
Stephanie said...
I've never actually read any Garrison Keillor. I've seen him on TV a few times, doing interviews, and he actually cracks me up. Very smart. Sorry this one was a disappointment. I hate when that happens!
8/01/2008 11:49 AM
Susan said...
My husband and I saw Garrison Keillor "in concert" not too long ago. I think he's hilarious, but I was surprised by how raunchy he was. I haven't read any of his books, and don't think I will. Sorry you wasted your time on this one.
8/01/2008 3:21 PM
Les said...
Oh, dear. I had a customer tell me how funny this book is. Laugh out loud funny, and I was tempted to buy a copy, but now I'll hold off and get it from the library. Sorry it was a bit of a disappointment for you.Have you seen the movie, A Prairie Home Companion? I rarely ever listen to the program on NPR, but I loved the movie! Meryl Streep is fabulous in it. What a voice!! I was brought to tears a couple of times as I watched it.
8/03/2008 7:34 AM
Bobbi said...
I agree, I did not enjoy this Keillor book; although I have enjoyed other ones.

The Valley of Light by Terry Kay

2008-10-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Challenges
Heard It Through the Grapevine
I read about this on Sage's book blog some months ago. It sounded like a pleasant reading experience so when I got the chance to mooch it, I did. The story is about Noah Locke, a gifted fisherman, who shows up in Bowertown, North Carolina (the Valley of Light) in 1948. When he returned from the war in Europe four years earlier, he found his parents gone and his brother in jail. So he spent the next few years traveling around the country and supporting himself by fishing and doing odd jobs. Immediately, Noah is accepted by the people of Bowerton, who are impressed by his fishing prowess and charmed by his quietness and hard work. He meets a widow and develops a friendship with her. Just when you think Noah has found a place to stay, a tragedy happens that changes everything.
I'm not into fishing at all, but this story is about so much more. Kay develops his characters deeply, bringing out humor, sadness, and caring in a beautiful manner. The writing is gorgeous, the descriptions lovely and the pace is as slow as sitting on the side of the bank waiting for the fish to bite. I can't believe I said that. I think fishing is boring and this book is decidedly not. Maybe I should compare it to slow Southern charm. I read that there are some biblical allegories here which I completely missed since I was not looking for the deeper meanings. On my second reading in the far away future, I will try to be more of a thinking reader. This time was purely for the joy of reading a well-written book.
Rating: 4.75
Posted by Framed at 9:15 PM

4 comments:
Les said...
My husband has read a few of Terry Kay's books (as has my mom) and I keep hearing great things about this author. This book sounds wonderful. I need to read it! I think my husband will love it, too. Thanks for the review.
7/28/2008 7:51 PM
Stephanie said...
If that isn't a glowing review, I don't know what is! I've never heard of this book, or even the author for that matter. But I will definitely put it on my list. It sounds wonderful!
7/29/2008 1:03 AM
Booklogged said...
Maybe this is why I haven't been blogging lately - too many books already lined up on my shelves and jotted down on lists! But I will be adding this one as it sounds so good. Candleman's been trying to find a good book to settle into. I think this sounds like one he'd like. Off to mooch.com...
7/29/2008 6:22 PM
Carrie said...
Oh well this sounds very nice. Thanks for the mention of it.Unrelated note: totally enjoyed your "I heard it through the grapevine" thing on your sidebar. I used to LOVE the CA Raisins. ;D

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

2008-10-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Challenges
Classics
Herd Cats
I have put off reading this book for so long because I thought it was going to be depressing. I was wrong. This is a story about Francie Nolan growing up in Brooklyn in the early 1900's. Her father is alcoholic and her mom works at cleaning tenements. Sometimes there was nothing to eat, clothing was worn out, and she did not fit in with other children. Even so, Francie is as tough as the tree growing in a small square of sour ground. She finds escape through reading and writing. At the age of fourteen, she has to quit school, find a job and help support the family. Her mom is determined that the younger brother will be a doctor so he stays in school. By the time, Francie is seventeen, she has managed to get accepted to college and this is where the book ends. Even though Francie and her family live in tough times, they are a close family and find ways to enjoy their life. I thought it was a great book and really enjoyed reading it. To make it even more meaningful, I was reading a copy that belonged to my paternal grandmother. She signed her name and May 14, 1944. How neat is that?
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 4:26 PM

6 comments:
Lynne said...
This is one of my favorite books. One I could read over and over again. I saw the movie which was done probably back in the late 40's or early 50's. Not as good as the book.
7/24/2008 5:52 PM
Nicola said...
This is one book I've always meant to get to but never seem to get around to it. I don't even own a copy at the moment. I'll have to rectify that!
7/24/2008 7:19 PM
Trish said...
Well, that makes me feel much better about defiling my books by putting my name in the covers after I've read them (along with the date). I have a few copies signed by my great aunt and her first husband (who died in WWII) and I treasure those books. Glad you liked this one! I recently read it as well.
7/24/2008 7:44 PM
Bookfool said...
Oh, that is so cool. How special to have a copy signed and dated by your grandmother!!!
7/26/2008 7:34 PM
Cath said...
Just reading this myself. Loving it.
7/27/2008 5:21 AM
Charley said...
This is one of my favorites. It took me a while to get through it, but I thought Francie Nolan was just so wonderful. She has become one of my favorite protagonists of all time.

And There was Light by Jacques Lusseyran

2008-10-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Challenges
In Their Shoes
Back to History
Non Fiction Five
Jacques Lusseyran wrote his autobiography about the first twenty years of his life. Unusual as that was, there are many unusual aspects of this unique man's life. Blinded at the age of eight, Jacques found an inner light that enabled him to develop his remaining senses as well as other senses most people do not have access to. He could see objects through the force fields they projected. He became an astute judge of men by listening to their speech. In the first half of the book, Jacques describes the inner light and how profound a blessing his blindness became. At the age of sixteen, he forms a resistance group to the conquering Nazis and talks about their triumphs as well as their seeming defeat. He spent the last eighteen months of the war in the concentration camp, Buchenwald; and still maintained a indomitable spirit that encouraged other prisoners. His story ends after he is released from the camp and reunited with one of the few remaining survivors of hte resistance group. I read on Amazon that this book is included on a list of the top 100 Most Spiritual Books of the 20th Century. Although, he doesn't discuss too much organized religion, he and his fellow resistance fighters followed the Christian creed. Regardless of religious belief, Lusseyran was able to develop his inner light in such a way that strengthened and sustained himself as well as those around him. I love the final two paragraphs of the book where Lusseyran talks about himself in the third person: ". . .wanting to show his gratitude, he could find no better way of expressing it than in these two truths, intimately known to him and reaching beyond all boundaries.
The first of these truths is that joy does not come from outside, for whatever happens to us it is within. The second truth is that light does not come to us from without. Light is in us, even if we have no eyes."
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 5:17 PM

5 comments:
Carrie K. said...
Psst! I nominated you for a blog award. :)
7/22/2008 8:08 PM
Bookfool said...
That sounds amazing. I just added it to my wish list. Thanks!
7/22/2008 8:42 PM
Booklogged said...
I bought this a couple of years ago but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. I like that quote.
7/23/2008 4:24 PM
Cassie said...
I'm just commenting for support of your blog. And another challenge? Wow.
7/24/2008 1:40 PM
Framed said...
Booklogged, this is the book you had me return to Pam. She talked me into reading it. I thought you had already read it.

The Sittaford Mystery by Agatha Christie (Audio)

2008-10-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 19, 2008

I listened to a dramatic enactment of this book while driving to Salt Lake yesterday. That was fun for a change. Each character had its own actor and there were sound effects for the wind and the knocking table. The story begins with a group of people trying table turning as their parlor game for the evening. The table spells out that a old friend of one of the participants has just been murdered. Of course, everyone is shocked but don't believe it is true. Unfortunately, it is true and he was murdered at the time the game was taking place! The rest of the story tells how the police, a reporter and the fiance of the accused solve the mystery. I had guessed the correct murderer early on but had no idea how he actually pulled it off. All in all, it was a fun mystery to listen to and just the right length for my trip. I have a couple of Christie books sitting on the shelf that I think I will enjoy as well.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 7:40 AM

2 comments:
Lynne said...
I've never heard of this book. I'm going to look for it - sounds good. I love Agatha Christie!
7/19/2008 10:15 AM
pussreboots said...
Even with actively reading Agatha Christie for twenty years, I'm still finding titles I haven't read. Now I can add The Sittaford Mystery to that list.

The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier

2008-10-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Challenge
In their Shoes
I've always been blown away by Sidney Poitier's acting. He dominates the screen and emotes so much intelligence and dignity. So I was excited to read his book and learn more about the person behind the persona. As the title says, this is a spiritual autobiogrpahy, so Poitier mostly tells about the events in his life that helped him develop certain values and philosopies about life. I was disappointed not to learn more about his life and the people close to him, but he does share some details especially about growing up in poverty on Cat Island in the Bahamas. This humble beginning gave him fearlessness, imagination, a sense of self and his place in the world. He feels that is why he refused to be pigeoned-holed as a less-worthy member of society because of his color when he finally arrived in Miami. He was always striving to become better as a person and an actor. He seems to be a deeply religious man but not in the conventional sense, believing in a consciousness that permeates the universe but not necessarily God as most of us know Him. I found his chapter where he discusses racial inequality and how he dealt with his understandable rage very relevant. "This injustice of the world inspires a rage so intense that to express it fully would require homicidal action; it's self-destructive, destroy-the-world rage. Simply put, I've learned that I must find a way to channel that anger to the positive, and the highest positive is forgiveness." Poitier acknowledges that he was not one of the brave people who put themselves in harm's way physically to forward the civil rights movement. Many African-Americans condemned him for this attitude, but he felt an obligation to participate only in those films which would help improve the human condition and bring attention to those issues that needed to be corrected. He discusses several of his movies and what he wanted to accomplish with each one. Another chapter of the book explains its title. Poitier's father always told him, "The measure of a man is how he cares for his children." He describes the intense guilt he felt when his first marriage failed because of his infidelity and how hard he worked to remain a key player in his daughters' lives. He talks about other things that are a measure of a man throughout the book. The book ends with these lines: "So what we do is we stay within the context of what's practical, what's real, what dreams can be fashioned into reality, what values can send us to bed comfortably and make us courageous enough to face our end with character. That's what we're seeking. That's what it's all about, you know? We're all of us a little greedy. (Some of us are plenty greedy.) We're all somewhat courageous, and we're all considerably cowardly. We're all imperfect, and life is simply a perpetual, unending struggle against those imperfections."
As always, I'm sobered when I read about our society from the point of view of an African-American. And I appreciate Poitier's quest for excellence. I didn't agree with a lot of his philosophies, but how he reached them made for intersting reading. However, I did founder a bit when he discusses those views at length. I wonder if I will ever develop into a thoughtful reader.
Rating: 3.5
Posted by Framed at 8:14 PM

4 comments:
Carrie K. said...
I also enjoyed this. I listened to it on audiobook, read by Poitier himself - his voice is wonderful. I was hoping for a little more insight into his career and personal life, too, but still enjoyed it.
7/13/2008 10:03 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Your e-mail address still hates me. You wouldn't happen to have a third one, would you? :) I'm trying to answer your questions about J Scott Savage and about my book tour, and it keeps coming back. Would you mind if I left you the information in a blog comment?
7/14/2008 9:37 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Oops, forgot to sign up for follow up comments. So now I'm signing up! :)
7/14/2008 9:37 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
It's me again . . . I gave you an award. Come get it!http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/2008/07/ive-been-awarded.html

Deja Dead by kathy Reichs

2008-10-20T18:28:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 11, 2008

Challenges
1st in Series
Heard It Through the Grapevine
Canadian Challenge II
I first read about this book on SuzieQ's blog and then it turned up on several other blogs. I was in the mood for a good mystery so I jumped right in. Temperance Brennan is a forensic anthropologist who works in both South Carolina and Montreal. Deja Dead takes place in Montreal and involves a series of killings that Tempe is sure are the work of one monster. The police are not convinced since there are discrepancies with each murder. As she investigates the crimes, trying to find how they tie in, the killer starts to focus attention on her. There are lots of gory details and a terrifying confrontation at the end. Two or three years ago, I devoured books like this, but this one missed being a hit with me. The story is just as gripping as Patricia Cornwell's forensic mysteries, and I like Tempe as much as Kay Scarpetta, but maybe the genre has run its course with me. It bothered me when Tempe had lecherous thoughts about one of the detectives. They seemed out of character to me. And there were several times, when she was being stupid and investigating on her own and in danger, I thought, "Where's your damn cell phone?" Then I would remind myself that the book was published in 1997. I did like the details that Reich included about Montreal, the language differences, and different locales. And there is a map, but the writing is too small for me to see. Anyway, I am surprised I didn't like this book better, but I think it was just the wrong book at the wrong time for me. I was probably sated by all the crime and inhumanity involved in The Fatal Shore.
Rating: 3
Posted by Framed at 9:02 PM

4 comments:
Nicola said...
Aww, I'm sorry you didn't like this much. She is one of my favourites. But it's probably because her books were the very first forensics I ever read so I have a soft spot for her.
7/12/2008 6:23 AM
Stephanie said...
I picked this one up at a library sale for about $.50, but I haven't read it yet. I can only take books like this in small doses. I read the first handful of Scarpetta books, and really liked them. And the first two Body Farm books. One of these days I'll get to it!
7/12/2008 9:38 AM
Lisa said...
This one was so unremarkable for me that I'd read it halfway a second time before it seemed familiar. That is NOT something I ever do. I'd heard that the series gets better though, so have considered giving her a second chance.
7/12/2008 1:23 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Hey, I'm setting up a virtual blog tour for a friend and wonder if you'd like to be a host. Would you pop me a note at tristi AT tristipinkston.com and I'll share details?

The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes

2008-10-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Challenges
Back to History
Non Fiction 5
Chunkster Challenge
I can't believe it took me more than two weeks to read this book. I am so ready for it to be over. Robert Hughes has written an in-depth, extremely well-researched tome about the founding of Australia. Most people know that the continent was used as a penal colony to empty England's over-stuffed prisons and river hulks of its human refuse. Hughes argues the point that most of these people committed petty crimes they were driven to by poor economic conditions. However, a few pages later he presents an opposing view that a large majority of the people transported were habitual criminals, lest Australians become too complacent about their ancestry. There are several incidences in the book where Hughes brings out opposite sides of a situation in a confusing way. I'm sure both sides occurred but I found his presentation on those to be contradictory. Mostly the book portrays the horrific treatment of the prisoners, the aborigines, and some of the free settlers. Australia was not the most welcoming climate and the early convicts, guards and settlers really suffered. The aborigines became completely extinct on the Tasmanian island and were used and abused on the continent. The cruelty, mistreatment, torture, bigotry and inhumanity displayed during the eighty years that transportation was practised were truly appalling. It is certainly not the picture that I had in my mind of Australia and probably a testament to Australians that the country developed into such a unique and inviting culture. I found the book to be very interesting until about halfway through when it seems I just buckled under the burden of it all. Plus Hughes didn't write the book chronologically, more by different locales and issues, which was harder for me to follow. He probably couldn't have covered the whole subject so exhaustively in less than 600 pages, but I sure had a hard time getting to the end of it. I found it easy to draw correlations to the colonization of other countries, especially the mistreatment of African slaves and the Native Americans in the United States. It was pretty disturbing. A hard book to rate because it presents some great insights into world events at that time, the penal system and rehabilitation, and interesting facts about Australia, but it was way too long and difficult to read because of the harsh subject matter.
Rating: 3.5
Posted by Framed at 9:13 PM

4 comments:
Jeane said...
I'm grateful of your review because I just added this one to my TBR after reading Carnivorous Nights. It sounds exhausting and if I do pick it up, I'll probably feel like you did at the end- relieved to have turned the last page! Thanks for the heads-up.
7/02/2008 5:24 AM
Bookfool said...
I've got this one and I admit I'm terrified of it. So, hard reading, eh? I still plan to read it, someday, but man. Not encouraging! :)
7/03/2008 8:54 PM
Candace E. Salima said...
Ugh, sounds like painful read.By the way, I’m arranging virtual book tours for authors Barry K. Phillips, Abel Keogh and Barbara Salsbury. “Caught in the Headlights” is a sartorial look at what we think we want in life but end up with what we really need. I really enjoyed it and it’s by Barry K. Phillips. It has a foreword by Glenn Beck, so you can guess the comedic, yet serious, tone of the book.“Room for Two” is Abel Keogh’s autobiographical account of the suicide of his wife and being the one left behind forced to live. Fantastic book.“Preparedness Principles” is a book which covers the four areas of preparedness: provident living (job loss, illness, etc.), isolation (food available in the next town but you’re not allowed to get to it or even leave your house, natural disaster without utilities for up to 6 to 12 weeks without support, and total destruction where you must flee your home. It is a fantastic book and one which I am using to establish my food storage, one more time.They are all beginning their VBT July 15th and will run through August 15th. Would you be willing to review these books, and if so, please pick a day during that month you’d be willing to review each one? They are all LDS authors, but the books are written for a general market.The only dates currently available are:Caught in the Headlights: July 17, 20-24, 26-27, 29 and August 4-12, 14-15Room for Two: July 17-24, 26-28, and August 3-5, 7-8, 10, 12, 14Preparedness Principles: July 16-23, 26-30 and August 2-5, 10-12If you’re willing to do this please email me your mailing address so that I can have the publisher mail them to you. This is a great way to get free books. I hope you’ll be able to do this.Candace
7/04/2008 8:14 AM
Carrie K said...
A little too even handed. It does sound interesting though and I needed another book for my Amazon click order.....The Hollow Crown I finished last month had a similar what felt a virtually random approach to the subject matter. Lots of interesting bits about the people and the culture but I had a hard time figuring out the timelines.

The Prizewinner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan

2008-10-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Challenges
TBR
What's in a Name (Place)
Herd Cats Challenge
Book Around the States (Ohio)
This is the true story of a 1950's housewife who supports her family of a drinking husband and nine children by writing poems, jingles and sayings to win contests. It is a interesting look at that era and the contest business (which was organized and huge). Terry Ryan is Evelyn's fifth child and she provides an insider look into a family who really had to scrape the bottom of the barrel in order to survive. Quite often, Evelyn would win a check just at the crucial period. She won a washer and dryer just as the old ones gave up. The thought processes that went into creating a winning entry were pretty phenomenal. I enjoyed a look into the dynamics of this family and the creative and tenacious woman who kept them going.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 8:28 PM

7 comments:
Jeanette said...
I read this a couple of year ago and really enjoyed it.
6/12/2008 9:27 PM
raidergirl3 said...
Did you know there was a movie made from this book? It was cute from what I remember. I had never heard of book or movie when I watched it.
6/13/2008 11:26 AM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I liked the movie, but never read the book.
6/13/2008 4:25 PM
gautami tripathy said...
THis is something I can read!
6/14/2008 1:02 AM
Carrie said...
I, too, watched the movie but have yet to read the book. Every so often someone writes a review of it and I click on the review to read it. I always leave thinking that I really do need to get around to reading the book! Yet again!Thanks for the reminder.
6/14/2008 1:31 PM
Petunia said...
I read this for my book group last month. I really liked both the book and the movie, though they aren't too much alike.
6/14/2008 5:35 PM
Laura H said...
I read this book recently and liked it alot.

Consequences by Penelope Lively

2008-10-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Consequences has been on my TBR list for some time so when I saw the CD in the library, I promptly checked it out and downloaded it to my Ipod. The story begins with Lorna and Matt who meet in a park and fall in love. Lorna is upper class and Matt is a struggling artist. They marry, move into a small cottage where Lorna become a houswife extraordinaire and Matt creates beautiful woodcuts for high-price books. They have a child, Molly; and soon the book becomes about her. This is where I became a little exasperated because I was really enjoying the story about Matt and Lorna and suddenly that part is over. Then just when I become reconciled to Molly, she has a daugher who shortly becomes the focus. The story was interesting and I enjoyed the voice of the narrator; but I would have liked it much better if it had stuck with Lorna and Matt. Rating: 3
Posted by Framed at 8:18 PM

2 comments:
Carrie K said...
So not so much "Consequences" as "Generations"? ;)
6/13/2008 2:24 PM
Les said...
My thoughts exactly!! I wanted more of Matt & Lorna and was so disappointed when their story ended so abruptly. My review is here, if you're interested.

The Law of Attraction by Michael Losier

2008-10-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Challenges
Spring Reading
Non Fiction 5
A year or so ago, my boss introduced my colleagues and me to "The Secret." At least we watched the movie and he really encouraged us to learn more about it. I even created Dream Board. I decided to get the book and, while finding it on Amazon, I find a couple of other books about the Law of Attraction which had better ratings. I finally read this one. Basically, the Law of Attraction states that whatever energy we put off, that is what we attract. Positive energy or thoughts will attract positive outcomes. So I can buy that to a certain point. I can't quite accept that the bad things that happen to people are results of their negative energy. I know tons of wonderful, positive people who have experienced tragedy, loss, set backs, etc. And I know people who always dwell on negative outcomes and seem to realize them. The book also explains that we should think about what we want instead of what we don't want. Wow, the list is so long. I guess I'm not converted but I do think I need to spend more energy on the positive outcomes I'd like to see in my life and not dwell on negative things. If nothing else, it will make me a funner person to be around. I may still read the other book, Irresistible Attraction, but I'm mooching off The Secret. From what I've observed, it concentrates more on money and possessions than I am comfortable with and the other seems to deal more with emotional, mental and spiritual matters.
Rating: 2.5 (Actually not a bad rating because I truly dislike self-help books)
Posted by Framed at 8:05 PM

2 comments:
Carrie K said...
While I do agree that sometimes you reap what you think, in a lot of ways, it's just another way to blame the victim. It's one thing to be a sour faced complainer who (oddly enough) nothing "good" ever happens, it's another to have a disabled child, be in a car wreck, have cancer diagnosed, ....that makes me crazy about the "power" of thought. Uh, not that I have strong feelings about this or anything. :)
6/13/2008 2:28 PM
Natasha @ Maw Books said...
My mom is the biggest believer in the law of attraction and had me read The Secret (and I admit that I only read the first half). I do believe that your attitude does have a large effect on what happens in your life. When you are thinking about the negative, that's all that you tend to see and vice-versa. But bad things do happen to good people. I don't think it's their fault.

The Fireman's Fair by Josephine Humphreys

2008-10-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 07, 2008

"This is a wonderful novel about a man who is sleeping through life, and then one day a hurricane hits. And the man decides that he doesn't really like the practice of law anymore, so he's going to do something about that. And the man's been fantasizing about women his entire life, and so now he's going to do something about that, too. A really remarkable book! One thing that's interesting about Humphreys work is that she focuses so strongly on one character. In this book we are privy to all of Rob's thoughts--and he has a lot of them!--but none of the other characters, and so they remain mysterious, both to us and to Rob. We're not sure why they do things. The hurricane, which one character calls an "act of God," strongly suggests that there are not only people, but forces Rob does not understand, and will never understand, let alone control. One imagines that the characters who interact with Rob in the book suspect that he is in the midst of a self-destructive part of his life--again, the hurricane metaphor--and yet we, who are privy to all his thoughts, realize that he is at his most alive, and in his center he is totally calm."
Review on Amazon written by Taylor Carmichael.
I usually try to write my own reviews but this book was hard for me to describe and this Amazon review really did it well. At first, I thought the story was not worth pursuing, but I'm glad I did. Humphreys writes so beautifully and the characters, especially Rob, are captivating. Not an especially happy book, still the ending is very up beat and affirming. My first thought was that I would mooch the book as soon as I finished it, but decided to keep it for a re-read someday. There are layers there that I need to spend more time with. And I plan to read some others by Humphreys
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 10:24 AM

3 comments:
gautami tripathy said...
You read the most interesting books. I wish I could find those books here!
6/07/2008 8:05 PM
Trish said...
I want to say I read another of her books "Rich in Love" but I could be thinking of a different author. Like you I wasn't sure how good it was going to be until I got further into it.
6/11/2008 5:25 AM
Andrea said...
This sounds intriguing, I'll have to add it to my list!

Too Soon to Say Goodbye by Art Buchwald

2008-10-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 05, 2008

Challenges
In Their Shoes
To Be Read
Non Fiction 5
Art Buchwald was a celebrated politcial satirist and humorist. In February, 2006, after having his leg amputated, he decided to forego life-saving dialysis and checked into a hospice to await his death. Five months later, his kidneys began functioning again and he left to live out his life at Martha's Vineyard. This memoir tells about his five months in hospice interspersed with vignettes from other periods of his life. I believe I would have liked this book better if I was more familiary with Buchwald's brand of humor. It is very dry and pretty biting; and I felt like I just didn't get it. There was a lot of name-dropping. Buchwald obviously was friends with some very important and famous people. And he certainly was vocal in his dislikes and grudges. Sometimes I did enjoy his humor but not nearly enough for such a short book. I did get an idea for a meme for my other blog. I'll have to remember to do that soon.
Rating: 3

Murder on a Girls' Night Out by Anne George

2008-10-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Challenges
1st in Series
Heard It Through the Grapevine
This series was recommended to me by Booklogged several months ago. Since Booklogged is also my sister, it was fun to read this mystery involving two older sisters and their interesting relationship. Of course, Booklogged and I are much younger than Patricia Ann and Mary Alice. But these two women are true Southern ladies. Mary Alice, excited about her purchase of the Skoot n' Boot bar, loses some enthusiasm when the former owner is found murdered in the bar's fountain. Patricia Ann, a former school teacher, is dragged along and becomes reacquainted with one of her favority former pupils. Henry is also a major suspect. This mystery oozes southern charm and humor. Even though it is light and frothy, I look forward to reading the next one.
Rating: 3.75
Posted by Framed at 8:54 PM

9 comments:
Joy said...
Hi Framed! The second one in this series is even better. I thoroughly enjoyed the sisters - you must read it! :) Maybe you could pick it up for the 2nds Challenge coming in September.
6/03/2008 5:11 AM
SuziQoregon said...
I added it to my TBR list when Booklogged reviewed it too. Good to hear your thoughts. Might need to work this one into the summer reading plans.
6/03/2008 12:19 PM
Booklogged said...
Glad you liked it. Isn't the older sister fat, obnoxious and loud and the younger one is thin, cute and a bit more reserved? Let's don't tell anyone who's the oldest sister in our family, okay?
6/03/2008 2:46 PM
Bookfool said...
I was just trying to remember which blogger is your sister. Thanks for that. I read Murder On a Girl's Night Out eons ago. Anne George was still alive, then, and I remember thinking she lived somewhere around Birmingham when I was there for a conference. I liked it, but I've never read another of her books -- I have no idea why!
6/03/2008 5:47 PM
Framed said...
Joy, are you hosting another challenge?? When do you find time to read? I have the second book so I will gladly read it for that challenge.SuzieQ, it's a great summer read.Booklogged, Personally, I thought the older sister was full of enthusiasm and a lover of life and the younger was a bit of a wet rag, but have it your way.Bookfool, I don't know a lot about this author. How many books did she write?
6/03/2008 9:27 PM
Joy said...
Yes, I'll be hosting the 2nds Challenge from September thru December (4 months). Last year I began it in October. I'm looking forward to more time for seconds. My current job allows me to listen to audiobooks during the day. I literally pick up a handheld version in the evenings, but end up not reading too much because I've "read" a lot all day.I'm so glad you'll be joining me in the 2nds Challenge. Murder on a Bad Hair Day is a great choice! :)
6/04/2008 5:16 AM
heatherlo said...
Hi, I am really sorry but I went to send Change of Heart to you today, and I realized I accidentally deleted the email with your address in it. Would you be kind enough to send that to me again and I'll send out the book as soon as possible. I'm so sorry!heather.oroark@comcast.net
6/05/2008 11:27 AM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I enjoyed this series a lot, too!
6/06/2008 11:41 AM
Sharon said...
I really liked this series! Mouse and Sister crack me up.

Don't You Mayy the Mormon Boys by Janet Kay Jensen

2008-10-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Don't be alarmed. This is neither an anti-mormon tract or a book out to prove that Mormon boys make the best husbands. It is just a fun, well-written novel that the author asked me to review.
Andy and Louisa meet while in medical school at the University of Utah. He is a returned missionary for the LDS church and she comes from a small-town in southern Utah that is peopled by a sect of Fundamendalist polygamists. They fall in love, but realize at graduation that the relationship can go no farther. She is set on returning to Gabriel's Landing to provide medical services for the community, a place where Andy would be patently unwelcome. Four years later, with their residencies on separate sides of the country out of the way, Louisa returns to her family and Andy moves to a small town in Kentucky to set up shop. The Kentuckian characters are fantastic and provide much of the humor in this story. The polygamists. . . not so much. Jensen does not do a hatchet job on this group which could be easy based on recent events. However, the leaders of the town have lost sight of one basic tenet of true religion and that is free agency. They are portrayed as basically good men who have let power lead them into a circumstance of unrighteous dominion. But Jensen does show the love and respect in Louisa's own family whose father has had three wives, two of whom are still alive. So the situation is not black or white. One issue that was raised is that of inbreeding and the serious medical conditions that can result. Also, don't forget the lingering longings for lost love (love the rolling l's) which afflict both Andy and Louisa. I found this book to be a a very enjoyable and quick read with great characters and a great story. It doesn't sugar coat hard topics and it doesn't preach. Very entertaining and thought-provoking. I do feel that the story would have been better told in two different books: the first dealing with Andy and Louisa's relationship and the conclusion of that conflict; and the second, telling about what happens next. What happens next occupies less than a fourth of this book. Jensen writes so well that I believe she could have told this part of the story with more detail and without skipping four years. It feels like things were left out somehow. Like more of those colorful neighbors and pets. But the chase scene at the end is hilarious, especially when I could see the children were not in peril.
Rating: 4.25
I just visited Janet's website and read about her cookbook, The Book Lover's Cookbook. Any of you readers who would like a literary reference to go along with your recipes should definitely checks this book out. And it looks like there is a sequel to Mormon Boys coming out soon.
Posted by Framed at 5:16 PM

5 comments:
Booklogged said...
Sounds fun. My mother gave me the BookLover's Cookbook for my birthday a few years ago. It is lovely.Wanted to let you know that you won the book drawing on my blog. I'll get Did I Expect Angels? to you soon. Congratulations! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
6/01/2008 3:13 PM
Les said...
I have the cookbook and have enjoyed reading the literary references, as well as sampling several recipes (which have been winners!). Thanks for the reminder to get it out again.
6/02/2008 4:50 PM
Trish said...
Interesting! I went to Ricks my freshman year (back when it was still Ricks) and the big joke was that the RMs (return missionaries) were all out to find a wife as quickly as possible. Many of the girls in my dorm were engaged quickly--some just six weeks after knowing their fiances! :) I'll have to pass this title on to some friends.
6/04/2008 8:09 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
This really was a good book - and thanks for the review!
6/06/2008 11:41 AM
Natasha @ Maw Books said...
I've seen this titles floating around and had no idea what it was about. But now I do and I might be likely to pick it up. Thanks!

An Ocean of Air, Why the Wind Blows and Other Mysteries of the Atmospher by Gabrielle Walker

2008-10-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 30, 2008

Challenges
Spring Reading Challenge
Non Fiction 5
I read about this book on Jill's blog (I really need to keep more information on where I get my recommendations) and she absolutely raved about it. Enough to overcome my reluctance to read what seemed to me to be a science book. Granted, there is a lot of scientific information in the book and I did not understand half of it; but Walker presents the facts in such a wonderful way that I was completely engrossed. More than science, this book gives the history of the study of the earth's atmosphere and the people who developed theories and equations and how they learned what they did about the ocean above us. I was totally engrossed in the men (can't remember any women) and their motivations and personalities and the chain of events that led to such mind-boggling discoveries. Some of these people were eccentric, some shy and retiring, some bombastic; but all had a natural curiousity, a thirst for knowledge and brilliant minds. I learned so much these scientfic explorers and about the air around us, how it works, how it sustains life and how it protects life. Absolutely fascinating, well-written, and thought-provoking.
Rating: 5
Posted by Framed at 8:14 AM

5 comments:
Joy said...
Glad to see that you had a great non-fiction read! Don't forget to link it on Mister Linky. :)
5/30/2008 11:58 AM
Carrie K said...
I think that's one of the draws for me to non fiction - it's not just stuffy particular research, it's the passion, thought and leaps that went into most discoveries.
5/30/2008 4:26 PM
writer2b said...
Same for me... If it's somehow incorporated into a story, factual material is so much easier for me to absorb. This book sounds like it succeeds.
5/31/2008 5:48 AM
Booklogged said...
You've convinced me to read this one. I'll have to wait for my non-reading mood to lift, tho.
5/31/2008 5:09 PM
Bookfool said...
That sounds like a really fun read! Thanks for the review!

Fatal by Michael Palmer (Audio)

2008-10-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 30, 2008

This book wasn't listed for any challenges. I just picked up the audio CD's at the library so I could have something to listen to as I traveled to Provo and back this week. I find listening to mysteries is a great way to stay awake while driving. And this book certianly kept me awake. At first the narrator seemed a bit monotone, but as the suspense built, he was able to add to it with his voice. And he did a pretty good job portraying the various characters. I did have some problems with parts of the narration being skipped. I'm not sure if that is a problem with my Ipod or with the original CD's. But even though I missed some large portions of the narrative, I was able to figure out what was going on and followed the story very well.
There are three different stories going on at first that all converge in the finale. Matt is a doctor in a small West Virginia town who feels that a mysterious condition that has afflicted several patients is being caused by carelessness at the local mine. Nicole is a pathologist in Boston whose roommate develops the same condition, goes insane and eventually dies. Ellen is a retired schoolteacher in Baltimore who has been selected to serve on a committee that researches the approval of a new super vaccine that will protect children from about twenty diseases. There is something sinister about the vaccine; and this becomes more evident as the story progresses. Like other Palmer books I have read, the suspense is great, the medical facts seem on target, and the romance factor is a bit stretched. I like his books and have three more sitting on my shelves to read.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 8:00 AM

2 comments:
twiga92 said...
I read this book a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Palmer is one of my favorite authors for medical thrillers.
5/30/2008 12:39 PM
Booklogged said...
Didn't recognize the cover, but did remember the story. I enjoyed it, too. As I recall Candleman and I listened to it on a trip to Moab and Arches several years ago. I like listening to books on trips because it helps me remember the trip and the book better.

Water Song by Suzanne Weyn

2008-10-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 26, 2008

Challenges
Spring Reading Challenge
Unlike most retold fairy tales I've read lately, this book has not magic just a bit of mysticsm. If I remember the tale, The Frog Prince, has a prince who has been turned into a frog waiting for a princesses kiss. Again, no frogs and no princesses. Still the story has a very interesting premise that makes up for the lack. Emma Winthrop is trapped on her family's estate in Belgium as World War I rages about her. An American soldier escapes from enemy troops by hiding in the well (he does hold his breath very well, that is the froglike characteristic) and Emma discovers him. To save him, they pretend to be married and kept hostage in the estate when it is taken over by Germans. The two quarrel and misunderstand each other, but you know where the story is going. While this certainly wasn't my favorite retold fairy tale, I appreciate the setting and how the story was modernized. The biggest fault in my eyes is that the book is a total romance; and I have a hard time with them.
Rating: 3
Posted by Framed at 7:58 PM

1 comments:
Booklogged said...
The setting does sound interesting, but I can easily pass on a romance.

Making Money by Terry Pratchett (audio)

2008-10-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 23, 2008

I have been listening to this audiobook for months. That's probably not the best way to listen to a Pratchett book since my experience is that there are a lot of characters and lots going on so it's best to keep on top of things. I did finally catch on to this book and I think I have a pretty good bead on most of the characters. On my way back from Salt Lake to day, I was able to finish listening to it. It is hilarious. I'll try to give you an idea but pardon me if I spell the names wrong.
Moist Lipvig is the postmaster of the city of Ankmorpork (sp). His life before that is shadowy. He was known in his former life as Albert Spangler, and petty criminal and bank robber and was nearly hanged. Having survived that, Lord Vetinari, the tyrant of the city gives him the job of postmaster. Moist does a fantastic job of turning the operation around and Vetinari decides to give him the job of managing the city's main bank. He inherits a dog, Mr. Fusspot, who inherits the controlling shares of the bank and then has to protect the dog from the othe heirs of the estate. One of those heirs, Cosmo Lavish, not only wants to destroy Moist but also wants to become Lord Vetinari. Then there is Moist's girlfriend who is works for the Golem's Trust and protects the golems from exploitation. Gladys, Moist's golem assistant, is particularly side-splitting. There is much more happening, (I didn't even get into the printing money part) more strange characters and the courtroom scene is so funny, I almost had to pull over to listen to it. I am definitely going to have to read more of Pratchett's books but the narrator of this audiobook did such a delightful job of capturing the different voices and giving them such great nuances that I can't imagine reading can be better.
Rating: 5
Posted by Framed at 10:46 PM

5 comments:
Rhinoa said...
I enjoyed Going Postal which is the first book about Moist when he manages the post office and am waiting for this to come out in paperback (I might cave and pinch my husbands signed hardback when he isn't looking!). It sounds like Pratchett is on good form and I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the review.
5/24/2008 3:03 AM
Rhinoa said...
I enjoyed Going Postal which is the first book about Moist when he manages the post office and am waiting for this to come out in paperback (I might cave and pinch my husbands signed hardback when he isn't looking!). It sounds like Pratchett is on good form and I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the review.
5/24/2008 3:03 AM
Stephanie said...
Ok. That's it. I've got to read some Terry Pratchett. I keep saying that, but I really have to!!
5/25/2008 12:36 PM
Booklogged said...
Looking forward to reading this one and all Pratchett's books.
5/26/2008 12:50 AM
Nymeth said...
I really need to read this one. It's been eyeing me from the shelf for a while now. I'm very glad you enjoyed it!

Dandelion: The Extraordinary Life of a Misfit by Sheelaugh Mawe

2008-10-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 23, 2008

Challenge: Another Blooming Challenge
Do you know how hard it is to find books that have the same flower in the title? I had one book with a flower, Dandelion Wine, so it seemed serendipitous (great word) when I was able to mooch another Dandelion book.
Dandelion is a young horse whose parents are Clydesdales. However, she seems to be a throwback to an ancient Arabian ancestor and it just funny looking. The story follows her development from a foal whose crazy antics irritate her sullen owner who just wanted another work horse like the mother, Daisy. Her second year, Dandelion pastures with the neighbor's race horses and decides she will be a race horse also. Of course, that is not to be; and soon enough she is yoked up with her mother to do farm work. The situation deteriorates when Daisy dies; and Dandelion can't even come close to measuring up to her mother in the farmer's eyes. Eventually she escapes, almost starves to death and meets a wise old horse who teaches her to find the answers to her life's journey inside herself. She has to imagine what she will be and then it will happen. Yes, you guessed it. This is a self-improvement book couched within a cute horse story. It is all about finding your way by listening to your inner self and be guided by your intuitions. Then you must focus on what that outcome is to be.
So if you like horse stories or self-improvement book, you would probably enjoy this book. I'm not too big on either, so it was just so-so for me.
Rating: 2.5
Posted by Framed at 10:35 PM

2 comments:
Jeane said...
My toddler has a picture book about a lion named Dandelion who goes to a party! Is this one of the horse juvenile fic? Sounds like aimed at middle grade, but if it's written for an older audience I might be curious of it.
5/24/2008 4:00 AM
gautami tripathy said...
Actually this sounds like a cool book for children!

Lud-in-the-Mist by Helen Mirrlees

2008-10-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 23, 2008

Challenges
Decades Challenge - 1920's
Once Upon a Time II Challenge
Spring Reading Challenge
Once Upon a Time Challenge - Since I first read about this book on Carl's blog, I felt his challenge was the best time to finally read it. Here is a breakdown from Amazon on the story: "Lud-in-the-Mist, the capital city of the small country Dorimare, is a port at the confluence of two rivers, the Dapple and the Dawl. The Dapple has its origin beyond the Debatable Hills to the west of Lud-in-the-Mist, in Fairyland. In the days of Duke Aubrey, some centuries earlier, fairy things had been look upon with reverence, and fairy fruit was brought down the Dapple and enjoyed by the people of Dorimare. But after Duke Aubrey had been expelled from Dorimare by the burghers, the eating of fairy fruit came to be regarded as a crime, and anything related to the Fairyland was unspeakable. Now, when his son Ranulph is believed to have eaten fairy fruit, Nathaniel Chanticleer, the mayor of Lud-in-the-Mist, finds himself looking into old mysteries in order to save his son and the people of the city. " I especially enjoyed Mirrlees magical descriptions of the land of Dorimare and the fanciful names of some of the characters: Endymion Leer, Miss Primrose Crabapple, the school mistress, as examples. The hero, Nat, is unexpectedly middle-aged, the leader of the country, and quite stodgy. This is not an easy, light-hearted fantasty. It takes some time and thought to really get into the story. As one who likes to breeze through books, I will probably have to read this one several times in order to enjoy all the layers.
Decades Challenge: Mirrlees was born in 1887 and lived with with Jane Harrison, another author for many years. She only wrote three novels of which Lud is the most famous. The language of the novel dates back to the twenties which I found very charming. Neil Gaiman wrote the forword in my copy in which he states, "The single most beautiful, solid, unearthly and unjustifiably forgotten novel of the twentieth century."
Spring Reading Challenge: There is something about fantasies which just seem to go along with spring. Maybe it's the flowers springing forth and all the warmth and rebirth, fairy breezes, and magical mists.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 12:29 PM

4 comments:
Booklogged said...
Sounds like one I will want to read, but WHEN?! You'd think with all I want to read that I would be doing nothing but reading. Not so - I've had a very slow reading month. I finally bought Odd Hours, thinking that Dean Koontz would surely get me back in the mood. I guess the next step is to pick it up and open the cover!
5/23/2008 5:30 PM
gautami tripathy said...
The Title is so fascinating! I want to read this!
5/24/2008 7:24 PM
Nymeth said...
Her use of language really is charming. I fell in love with this novel when I read it last year. I'm glad you did, too :)
5/26/2008 9:54 AM
Trish said...
I've seen this on a lot of lists for the OUT2 challenge--I really need to get my hands on a copy! Thanks for the review.

The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson

2008-10-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 16, 2008

Challenges
What's in a Name (Thunderbolt)
Book Around the States (Iowa)
In Their Shoes
Bill Bryson hilarious book is a great walk through memory lane, especially the 50's. Bryson shares his "slightly" exaggerated memories of growing up (he was born in 195l) in Des Moines, Iowa. I laughed so often at the antics of this boy and his imagination. The Thunderbolt Kid is his non de plume and he withers sarcastic adults and flatulent friends with his Thunder Glare. Along with the humor are some great trivia items about Des Moines and how it has changed since the idyllic days of Bryson's boyhood, the world at large, communism and McCarthyism, and the nuclear terror. We tend to think life was so much better then, but perhaps not. Besides the strange things happening in the world, Bryson fills us in on the cholestrol-laden eating habits of the fifties, the cigarettes and second-hand smoke and low-budget horror movies. Even though the facts were interesting and the stories funny, the book itself lost interest for me after a while. I think it's a book to pick up and read occasionally, and that's not my style. Also, I found the use of the F-bomb when describing the thoughts of a five or six-year-old boy disconcerting and unnecessary. I don't care for profanity much anyway and felt it truly detracted from this book.
I had also listed this book for the Nonfiction Challenge, but after reading it; I couldn't justify the non-fiction genre. It may be Bryson's memoir, but . . . I guess I'll find another nonfiction.
Rating: 3.5
Posted by Framed at 8:36 PM

7 comments:
Jeanette said...
I so want to read this book! I really enjoy Bill Bryson. This book has been on my TBR list for months but it keeps getting pushed back. Hate it when that happens! :-)
5/16/2008 9:14 PM
gautami tripathy said...
Great!I have wanted to read this for long. Just never got around it. Your review might change that. I love Bryson!
5/17/2008 5:49 AM
Framed said...
I really did enjoy his humor but not for long stretches at a time.
5/17/2008 8:12 AM
raidergirl3 said...
I just started this and it is hilarious! I'm reading it for the exact same challenges as you. I hope the humor holds up for the next 200 pages, and bad words don't bother me. I found myself giggling last night while I was reading it.
5/17/2008 9:43 AM
Framed said...
Raidergirl, there are definitely some laugh-out-loud moments. I think I will keep the book to read a chapter when I need a pick-me-up. I'll just have to skip the swearing.
5/17/2008 10:47 PM
MizB said...
Hey, Framed -- thanks for your comment on my new "Raved-About Reads Challenge" blog. ;o)As for my comments on "The Book Thief", I already tried to read it this year, and -- while I found it to be REALLY interesting, and a good book -- I found it to be very "slow", and it was taking me MONTHS to get through it! I got to only page 200 (out of 500+ pages), and that alone took me about 3 months! So, I put it aside.But, it's on my list for that challenge because I *would* like to try to finish it. I think it's more of a "summer read" for me. ;o)
5/20/2008 8:46 AM
SuziQoregon said...
Hmm - I also have it on my NF5 Challenge list, but I'm already swapping out books for that challenge because I've found others after I posted my original list. I currently have this out from the library but haven't started it yet. I'll see how it goes but if I don't love it I don't have to read it for the challenge.

Heidi by Johanna Spyri

2008-10-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 16, 2008

Challenges
19th Century Women Authors

"Heidi" is a wonderful, classic children's book especially for little girls. At the age of four, Heidi is hauled up the mountain by her aunt to live with her grandfather. Of course, the Alm's Uncle is a hermit and everyone in the village below is frightened of him. But Heidi charms him as well as everyone else she comes in contact with, except for that aunt. The story tells of the wonders of living high up on a mountain, cavorting with the goats, and living on bread and cheese. After a few years, the aunt returns and takes Heidi to Frankfurt to be a companion to an older crippled girl, Klara. Again she charms everyone except for the housekeeper. Heidi pines away for her grandfather and is eventually returned to him. Klara comes to visit the mountain, etc. etc. There is a heart felt ending that I don't want to give away if you haven't read this story. Although not nearly as well-written and interesting as "Anne of Greene Gables", I can see "Heidi" as a precursor for the later book. It's a fun book to read.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 8:22 PM

3 comments:
gautami tripathy said...
This is one of all time favourite books. Now my copy is owne by my youngest niece!Thanks!
5/17/2008 5:51 AM
Nicola said...
Oh, I loved this so much as a little girl! I've never re-read it though, maybe it's time!
5/17/2008 7:27 AM
Jeane said...
My mother read Heidi to me when I was young, and it has remained a favorite. I'm going to read it to my daughter soon.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

2008-10-12T20:30:00.001-07:00

Friday, May 09, 2008

Challenges
19th Century Women Writers
Spring Reading Thing
I'm not sure that reading this book right after Sacred Cows was such a good idea. It took me quite a few pages to make the adjustment from Karen Olsen's straight talk to Austen's flowery and long-winded prose. But once I got into the rhythm of Regency England conversation, I really enjoyed this book. Anne Elliott is portrayed as the ugly duckling of the three Elliott sisters, but everyone seems to like her best. She certainly is not as self-involved as her two sisters are. Quite a bit into the book, we learn that she broke off an engagement to Fredrick Wentworth when she was persuaded that he was not good enough for her and would never be able to make his way in the world with her as his wife. Wentworth seems the perfect man and Anne suffers for years because of her failed love affair. The two come into contact again. Wentworth is a succesful sea captain and looking for a wife among close friends of Anne. The ending seems inevitable; and I saw a number of similarities to Pride and Prejudice. I enjoyed Austen's wit in her portrayals of the foibles of acceptable social interaction in her time. It's probably what I like best about her books. I still need to read Sense and Sensibility and Emma to say I've read all the Austen books. Does it count that I've seen the movies?
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 10:43 PM

10 comments:
Jeanette said...
Persuasion-One of my favorites, but wait! All of Jane Austen's books are my favorites! :-)No watching the movies does not count. You have to read them! :-p
5/10/2008 7:09 AM
Ana said...
Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel, by far. Anne Elliott is such a terrific heroine. I heartly recommend you to watch, if you haven't done so yet, the 1996 (I think) verion from BBC with Chiaran Hinds.
5/10/2008 7:53 AM
Literary Feline said...
I really enjoyed this novel too. I love Jane Austen's writing. I still have a ways to go before I can claim I've read all her books, but I'm working on it.
5/10/2008 9:12 AM
Becky said...
I'm glad you enjoyed Persuasion. It is my favorite Austen. I don't know if you're signed up for my Austen challenge or not, but for the purposes of that challenge at least movies do count :)
5/10/2008 10:27 AM
hopeinbrazil said...
Persuasion is a book that I did not like at first. When I saw the Amanda Root/Ciaran Hinds movie I saw Ann in a whole different angle. I've re-read the book several times now and it's one of my favorites.
5/10/2008 5:02 PM
Petunia said...
I reread this one a couple of months ago. It's not my favorite Austen but Anne Elliot is a character of quality and integrity. I watched the new Masterpiece movie yesterday. How disappointing. The Hinds/Root movie was much better.
5/12/2008 6:12 PM
Stephanie said...
Oh...I loved this book!! It's actually the only Austen I've ever read. But it was such a great story!! Anne Elliot is a great heroine!
5/13/2008 8:41 AM
Booklogged said...
I didn't read the book, but loved the BBC video. I tagged you for a meme, if you feel like doing it. Well, I tagged you even if you don't feel like doing it. But do it only if you feel like it. Good grief!
5/13/2008 11:44 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I think it totally counts! Like, totally! :)
5/14/2008 11:48 AM
Susan said...
No, seeing the movie is not the same as reading the book! sorry! there is so much more to the book (in my opinion anyway) and even though Austen translates well to the screen, some of her characterizations and comments are so spot-on and witty and ironic that they have to be read to be enjoyed. This is my favourite book by her, too. I love Anne! and her family is awful! Though, watching the movies is fun. You could get bonus points for that!!

Northern Lights, The Soccer Trails, by Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak

2008-10-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 09, 2008

Challenge
Canadian Reading Challenge: NW Territory
This beautifully illustrated children's book tells the story of Kataujaq, an young Inuit girl. First we learn many of the customs of this northern land as well as Kataujaq's close relationship with her mother. Then the mother dies. Kataujaq's grandmother comforts the little girl by telling her that the ones who have gone on before are playing soccer, chasing a walrus head all over the sky and creating the northern lights. It's a wonderful legend and this is an enchanting book. The illustrator, Vladyana Krykorka, does a fantastic job of capturing the flavor of the story with her mystical drawings. It will be fun to share this book with my grandson five or six years from now.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 9:38 PM

3 comments:
John Mutford said...
Congratulations on finishing!I'm so glad Michael Kusugak was finally picked for this challenge. I lived in Rankin Inlet, his current hometown, for four years and met him a few times. My nieces, nephews and cousins probably all recieved autographed Kusugak books for Christmas at one point. My kids' favourite is Hide and Sneak.See you in round 2!
5/10/2008 4:16 AM
Booklogged said...
Sounds like a good story.
5/10/2008 11:08 PM
Teddy Rose said...
This sounds like a really sweet book.

Season of Sacrifice by Tristi Pinkston

2008-10-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Challenges
Spring Reading Thing
Tristi Pinkston took the material she found in her ancestors' journals and turned it into this historical fiction. At the end of the book, she details how the events in each chapter are taken from the journals and how much is literary invention. The story follows Ben Perkins as he travels from Wales to join the Mormons in Utah. He is soon followed by his fiance, Mary Ann Williams, and later her sister, Sarah. The main event involves these three as they join others in crossing southern Utah, from Cedar City to the San Juan River valley, to begin a new colony of Saints. It is absolutely astounding how this group of pioneers were able to traverse such treacherous landscape mostly in the dead of winter without any loss of life. The details of how Ben creates a dugway by drilling holes and inserting poles into the side of a cliff which then formed a road that the wagon train used to descend to the valley floor was nothing short of miraculous. Of course, I wished there had been a map showing the course of the trek, but I guess you can't have everything. Reading about this intrepid group and how they created roads up and down the sides of mesas, finally reaching their destination was very inspiring especially when you realize these events actually happened. I would have made a terrible pioneer. I also appreciated Tristi's handling of the question of polygamy. She portrayed the hard facts of the issue and didn't glamorize or create victims through its use; and presented some interesting reasons for it. At least in the lives of these three people and their families, polygamy was a principle that took tremendous faith to follow and, even then, it created sadness and ill-feelings even though the participants strived to accept. I believe most Latter-Day-Saints today breathe a huge sigh of relief knowing it's not something we will be asked to do, especially since many of us have a hard time accepting its use in the past. The final item I really enjoyed was the pictures Tristi included of her ancestors. When I read about people who actually existed I always want to know what they looked like. Sarah and Ben's picture was taken later in life; and, in keeping with the times, they look a little grim, but still you can see the glimmer of humor in Ben's eyes.
Rating: 4
If you want to see pictures of Hole-in-the-Rock to show how treacherous the trail was, I suggest you use Google and look for the Utah or Moab pictures. As you look at the terrain, you'll find it hard to imagine anyone going through it with horse and wagons. Many pictures show 4x4's and even that looks dangerous.
Posted by Framed at 5:30 AM

9 comments:
Tristi Pinkston said...
Thanks for this great review, Framed! If any of your readers have any questions, I'll be back around to answer them.
5/03/2008 5:40 PM
Danyelle Ferguson said...
I agree with you, Framed - I would have made a terrible pioneer! :) Thank goodness I was born during the time of washing machines, dish washers, and automobiles!
5/04/2008 9:34 AM
Jen said...
Yes, the pictures were a great addition to the story, weren't they? Add me to the list of people who wouldn't be able to hack it as a pioneer! Thanks for your review!
5/04/2008 10:34 AM
Booklogged said...
I can't even 'make it' as a modern woman - I'd be a complete disaster as a pioneer.
5/05/2008 12:29 PM
Jill said...
This title looks interesting. My only experience with pioneer existence is playing Oregon Trail with my sons on the home computer and with friends on Facebook.
5/06/2008 6:36 PM
Trish said...
As I said before :) this one sounds fascinating, especially because my grandmother grew up in Monticello in the San Juan Valley and my great great grandmother and grandfather helped settle when the first Mormons went down to Southern Utah. It is a place that I would love to visit one day. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention!
5/06/2008 8:48 PM
Susan said...
I agree, Framed - I would have made a horrible pioneer and polygamist's wife :) Still, I am always amazed by what the Mormon pioneers did - their stories constantly inspire me.I should be getting this one in the mail soon. I'm excited to read it, especially after your review. Thanks!
5/08/2008 6:41 AM
Janet Kay Jensen said...
Dear Framed,would you be interested in reviewing my book, Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys? It is published by Cedar Fort and has been nominated for four national awards. Please contact me at janet.jensen@comcast net and I'll see that you get a review copy. And visit my blog, www.janetkayjensen2.blogspot.com, for more information about the book. Tristi liked it!Thanks,Janet Jensen
5/17/2008 11:25 AM
Heather B. Moore said...
This book was VERY interesting. I was impressed that the author turned her family history into fiction this way.

Sacred Cows by Karen E Olson

2008-10-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Challenges
What's in a Name - Animal
1st in Series
Book Around the States - Connecticut
Annie Seymour is a cop reporter in New Haven, CT, the home of Yale University. She is having a sort of relationship with Tom, a homicide detective, but during the course of this book, she develops an attraction for Vinny. She remembers Vinny as a science geek from high school, but now he is a Frank Sinatra look-a-like private eye hired by Annie's mother's law firm. All of this relationship angst plays around the murder of two Yale co-eds, and Annie just wants to get the scoop. The murderer is known early on so the main plot is how Annie, Vinny and Tom capture him and prove the case.
I was really in the mood for a good mystery. Unfortunately, this one did not satisfy me. None of the characters were terribly appealing to me, the profanity was over the top, and the sexual inuendos sophomoric. I'm probably being harsher than normal but I was pretty disappointed. The cow sculptures displayed around the city play a small part in the story, very small. In the end, this book just wasn't for me.
Rating: 2
Posted by Framed at 9:56 PM

5 comments:
Terri B. said...
I read this one for 1st in a Series too. I wasn't overly impressed either. I wanted to like it more than I did.
5/02/2008 5:35 PM
Bookfool said...
Oh, that's interesting! The other review I read was so positive. You've mentioned things that turn me off (sexual innuendo and profanity). I'm not much of a mystery reader, but those things definitely can ruin a read for me. It depends on my mood, I guess.
5/02/2008 7:54 PM
Joy said...
I think I rated this one a 3.25/5 and I was being gracious. I agree 100% with your reasoning.
5/03/2008 1:45 PM
Booklogged said...
One good thing about reading this book is that you don't feel compelled to read any more in this series.
5/03/2008 7:45 PM
Liz said...
I'm so disappointed -- this one looked like it really had potential. It looked and sounded amusing, which can be a really under-rated kind of mystery. For example, I recently read "Landmark Status" by Alan Rolnick. Think Carl Hiaasen and Dave Barry and you'll be close -- and like Hiaasen, Alan Rolnick has set this book in Florida, complete with people who want to pave paradise to put up a parking lot, so to speak. (In this case developers want to knock down a notorious nightspot to bury it under a fabulous high-rise.This is a laugh riot -- I was hooked from opening wrecking ball to final explosion.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

2008-10-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Challenge
Spring Reading Thing
I'm sure there are worse childhoods and more dysfunctional families in this world, but this is still an amazing story. That Jeanette survived hunger, major burns, and falling out of a moving car and to tell about it in such a matter-of-fact way with no evidence of self-pity makes this book more moving and interesting than a more sentimental or sensational treatment would have. She also expressed very real emotions that any child would feel: love for her parents and siblings, sadness at leaving behind favorite possessions, embarrassment for not fitting in with other children and about her parents odd behavior, pride at her accomplishments. I had heard so much about the book and Walls' alcoholic father and self-absorbed mother, that I was surprised that they weren't the monsters I had pictured. Certainly flawed, nonconforming and eccentric, they did teach their children many things about survival, self-reliance and independence. There were also lessons about petty theft, running out when things got tense or possible trouble with the law loomed ahead, or even the evils of anyone in authority. Even so, all three children grew up and joined main-stream society and seem to have become successful adults. I enjoyed the book. Sometimes I laughed, others times I was appalled, but never bored.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 7:14 PM

10 comments:
Trish said...
Seems like this might be a tough read. I've seen this one around but didn't know what it was about; thanks for the review.
4/29/2008 8:40 PM
Framed said...
Actually it wasn't that hard. Walls doesn't play on your emotions at all. I think when she was a child, she thought most things were great.
4/29/2008 10:12 PM
Les said...
It seems odd to say that I enjoyed this book, but I did. In spite of all the awful experiences those kids went through. I still grimace, thinking about eating butter -- or cooking hot dogs at the age of 3 (or 4?)! Very well-written and moving. I, too, laughed (and gasped).Have you read Jennifer Lauck's Blackbird? You might like it, too. I read it and the sequel (Still Water).
4/30/2008 8:36 PM
Em said...
What a great review! I loved this book. It was sad, the whole family situation, but it made me laugh sooo much. I've recommended it to tons of people since I read it.
5/01/2008 5:33 PM
Stephanie said...
I read this a couple of years ago. I have a lot of admiration for Ms. Walls. Personally, though, I was probably more appalled than you were by her parents. Still an excellent book!
5/01/2008 9:34 PM
Joy said...
Most definitely never bored. I found it to be absolutely fascinating and appalling at the same time.
5/03/2008 1:47 PM
Jennifer, Snapshot said...
Add me to the list of those who enjoyed this book. It was tragic--the level of poverty that her parents chose to keep them in--but I think that there was something hopeful about it--perhaps the fact that she survived in spite of it.
5/03/2008 6:41 PM
Carrie K said...
I thought it was a fabulous book and it was such a loving book. Her parents were just something else. She was at an auhor's talk in our town and she was just as genuine in person.
5/05/2008 4:24 PM
Susan said...
Her parents were something else, all right. I can't get over her mother eating a chocolate bar and not sharing any of it with her kids - they had to scrounge for food to live on! At that point I lost all sympathy for the mother. It is an incredible book, full of humour and pathos, unforgettable that they survived. Good review.
5/14/2008 5:04 PM
Heather B. Moore said...
I laughed and was appalled too. Then I gave the book to my mom to read. I still can't believe some of the things that happened.

Peter Pan by J M Barrie

2008-10-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Challenges
Decades 1900
Young Adult Challenge
Once Upon a Time II
Spring Reading Challenge
The orignal play of "Peter Pan" was written and produced in 1904. He then published Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens in 1906. The book Peter and Wendy which later became Peter Pan was published in 1911, so maybe I'm cheating by using this book for the 1900's but so be it. My version also contains the final chapter called "Wendy Grows Up" which wasn't added until 1957. My book also contains a biography of J M Barrie. It seems he was a very interesting and ecccentric man. The movie with Johnny Depp insinuates a romantic conection between Barrie and Mrs. Davis, which would have been completely out of character for the real Barrie.
Grace Isabel Colbron wrote in Dec, 1911:
Peter Pan has come to us again, Peter Pan, who was neither all a boy nor all a fairy, but something of both. He comes to us in a book which is neither a boy's book, nor a girl's book, nor a fairy book, nor anything but just a book which is a delight for everybody. And now that we meet him in Barrie's charming story, Peter and Wendy, we realise that this dainty conceit is too fairy-like to stand the necessary artificiality of the stage, too frail not to be harmed by impersonating in human shape.
The slow unfolding of the tale possible in a book, the myriad delicious details that had to be sacrificed to drama needs, surround our old friends Peter, Wendy, John, Michael, Nana the faithful nurse, the Lost Boys, the terrible Hook, the fair Tiger Lily and her Redskins, sentimental Smee, with a setting which brings them nearer to us, makes them the more human because no other human prsonality comes between them and us. What delight to have them in such shape that we can slip them all under the pillow at night and take them out the first thing in the morning for a stolen chat! And so many lovely new things to learn about them. Did we ever know before that Peter's greatest charm, the one which won him the hearts of all women creatures young or old, was that he had all his first teeth? And of Mrs. Darling, who walks through a few scene in the play, a meaningless figure, we hear that she is in reality a lovely lady with a romantic mind and a sweet mocking mouth.
I loved that review. It expresses my thoughts so well. There are so many things in the book that we don't know if all we've seen are the play or the movies. Peter is not nearly as likeable unless you are one of the children he spirits away to Neverland and much younger. Although arrogant, selfish, and self-centered, it is his cockiness that makes such a great enemy of Capt. Hook. Plus there is a lot of killing and I don't remember any of that. The fairies and mermaids are pretty spiteful, the children are hungry quite often as they don't pretend as well as Peter; and Captain Hook is a much more developed and multi-layered character. And all of those reasons just add to the wonderment of this book. It is darker and deeper than I ever imagined. A must read. I'll share one delightful quote with you.
"When the first baby laughed for the first time, its laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies."
Rating: 5
Posted by Framed at 11:07 AM

14 comments:
Andi said...
Thanks for reminding me that I never read this book . . . I need to. When I was in England, in the Cotswolds somewhere but can't remember the exact house, my program director told a story about Barrie seeing a twinkle in the window while he was watching a cricket match - that twinkle became Tinkerbell. I love that tidbit. Thanks.And thanks for commenting on my blog, too.
4/27/2008 5:33 PM
Lisa said...
I guess I need to find a copy of the book, I'm really disliking the movie. I know Disney changes everything, but in the Disney version everything is horrible. The Dad is a jerk, Tinkerbell is worried about the size of her hips, Peter is a self-centered frat boy, they are all so mean to the other kids, etc etc. Granted, I also am forced to watch it as often as possible by the pirate lover in my house so that may contribute to my dislike of it.
4/27/2008 6:34 PM
Booklogged said...
I didn't like it as well as you. There was something unsettling about it that I can't quite put my finger on - none of the things you mention, but something vague. I may never figure it out.
4/27/2008 7:00 PM
Nicola said...
Glad to hear you liked this! Unfortunately, I had the opposite reaction. Too smug for my liking.I just love the way you can read one book and hit 5 or more challenges! You must be a challenge pro. Hats off to you!
4/27/2008 7:05 PM
Trish said...
You are just truckin' along with these challenges! I've always loved this book, but I really need to re-read it. I loved going to Kensington Gardens and seeing the Peter Pan statue--such a beautiful place to spend the afternoon.
4/27/2008 8:29 PM
SuziQoregon said...
I didn't love this. As an adult reader it was a fun adventure, but I'm not sure I'd read it to a child. Lots and lots of killing and I really didn't like Peter much at all.I am thoroughly enjoying the first of the 'Prequels' written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, however. I'm about halfway through listening to Peter and the Starcatchers and having just a wonderful time.
4/27/2008 9:29 PM
Joy said...
I have never had an interest in reading Peter Pan. I'm glad to see that you loved it, though. I guess it's not a classic for nothing. :)
4/28/2008 6:12 AM
Cassie said...
I don't really remember how I felt about Peter Pan other than how different it was from the Disney movie but I guess those movies are completely different but I think I found it refreshing. I'm tempted to read it again to remind myself. I'll have to pull out my copy from somewhere.
4/28/2008 9:03 AM
Nymeth said...
I love this book, and I need to revisit it sometime soon. I'm glad you enjoyed it as well!
4/28/2008 9:52 AM
Rhinoa said...
Your version sounds lovely. Have you seen Finding Neverland? It's a lovely film with a romanticised version of JM Barrie, but definitely worth seeing. I need to re-read this, it's been far too long.
4/28/2008 1:33 PM
The Never Fairy said...
Hey there!I thought you might like to know about a new Peter Pan book that is coming soon...Though things like "Peter and the Starcatchers" are wonderful adventure tales, the fact is they contradict the facts of the original stories by J.M. Barrie.But this new novel does not...in fact, it's based on his notes for the continuation of Pan's adventures...Click on my name for the announcement page!Believe!
4/28/2008 3:31 PM
Stephanie said...
You know, I don't think I've ever actually READ the book, Peter Pan. But I just love the story so much. I loved it!!
4/28/2008 9:24 PM
Heather said...
I've never read this! Adding it to the Mountain.
5/08/2008 6:24 AM
Jeane said...
I really like this book, though I don't remember it being as dark as you describe. The quote you include at the end is one of my favorites!

Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury

2008-10-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Challenges
Book Around the States - Illinois
What's in a Name - Dandelion (Plant)
Decades Challenge - 1940's
Another Bloomin' Challenge
Spring Reading Challenge
TBR Challenge
Young Adult Challenge
Wow, seven challenges in one. I'm exhausted, no, make that elated. I started this book once but couldn't get past the first chapter. Too many analogies, metaphors, and flights of fancy. But then, there were seven challenges, so I trudged back to it a month later. I don't know what my mood was the first time I picked the book up because I really enjoyed reading it this time. Douglas is twelve years old at the beginning of the summer of 1928. He has an incredible imagination which he gives free reign and creates many adventures, some real and some not so real. Bradbury has created a masterpiece of poignancy and nostalgia as he tells about Douglas, his family, friends and the other wonderful characters who inhabit Green Town, Illinois. There are so many great stories in this book, but I loved the one about Grandma's cooking and how Aunt Rose tries to get the kitchen organized and Grandma to keep recipes. Here's a few quote I marked:
Grandfather's rant when a boarder tries to plant grass that will never need to be mowed:
"Lilacs on a bush are better than orchids. And dandelions and devil grass are better! Why? Because they bend you over and turn you away from all the people and the town for a little while and sweat you and get you down where you remember you got a nose again. And when you're all to yourself that way, you're really yourself for a little; you get to thinking things through, alone."
Great-grandma on the night she dies from old-age.
"I'm not really dying today. No person ever died that had a family. I'll be around a long time. A thousand years from now a whole township of my offspring will be biting sour apples in the gumwood shade."
I loved the descriptions of sitting on the porch in the evenings, night games of kick-the-can and freeze, the trolley car's last route; and bottling up summer's memories in the dandelion wine.
Rating: 4.75
Posted by Framed at 10:07 AM

6 comments:
Nymeth said...
Bradbury is definitely an author I need to be in the mood for. I love his writing, but I find it a little demanding, and if I'm not giving it my full attention it just goes over my head.I haven't read this one yet, but it sounds beautiful.
4/26/2008 1:47 PM
Natasha @ Maw Books said...
Whoa baby, what a feat on cross-posting those challenges!I think time/setting/life situations make a big difference on how we enjoy a book. I'm certain that there are many I've enjoyed simply because of my attitude at the time. I haven't read much of Ray Bradbury except in high school (a prime example of attitude!), so I should rediscover this author.
4/26/2008 2:57 PM
Booklogged said...
I haven't read any of Bradbury. Must amend that. Loved the two quotes you shared.
4/26/2008 3:19 PM
Trish said...
Sometimes it's just timing. I know that I've reshelved some books to really enjoy them after revisiting them. I haven't read this one but I really enjoyed Fahrenheit 451. Thanks for the review!
4/27/2008 9:38 AM
Les said...
I read this back in the mid-'70s (I was in Junior High) and absolutely loved it. I tried to read it again a year or two ago and couldn't get interested. I still want to try again someday.
4/27/2008 7:25 PM
Terri B. said...
This is one of my all time favorite books along with Something Wicked This Way Comes. They are so very atmospheric. I've got his sequel to Dandelion Wine (Farewell Summer) on my book tower. I'm saving it for, of course, summer!

Beauty by Robin McKinley

2008-10-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 18, 2008

Challenges
Twisted Fairy Tales
Spring Reading Thing
Once Upon a Time
In Robin McKinley's take on the original fairy tale, Beauty is not very pretty. She is thin, awkward and undersized, with big hands and feet and consders herself to be very plain. In fact, she was named Honour at birth but requested the name, Beauty, when she was five; and the name stuck. This version tells how Beauty and her two beautiful sisters live with their rich father in a city until misfortune strikes and they are forced to move with one sister's fiance to a small town, living in a cottage next to a dark forest. Yes, the forest is enchanted; and eventually, the father encounters the Beast. At this point, the story follows pretty much the way I remembered it; just with more interesting characters and great details. I love how McKinley describes the enchantment in the castle; and the gradual feelings that grow in Beauty for the Beast. The author even throws humor into the mix, always a good thing. I found this book to be a great one for both challenges and recommend it highly. McKinley writes wonderfully with beautful descriptions and great characters.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 8:48 PM

11 comments:
Ana said...
I really liked this book too! :)I am reading next another one by her: Spindler's End, It seems it is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty!
4/19/2008 2:50 AM
Rhinoa said...
I am so looking forward to reading this. I have a couple of books I want to read first, but it is pretty near the top of my list now. I hope to read more of McKinleys books after this one.
4/19/2008 8:11 AM
Nymeth said...
I enjoyed this one a lot. I'm glad you did too :)
4/19/2008 11:42 AM
Booklogged said...
Are you going to mooch this book? Sounds like a fun retelling.
4/19/2008 1:38 PM
Natasha @ Maw Books said...
This one sounds like a lot of fun. I'll look into it. Did you go to the SLC library book sale this morning? Fun, fun!
4/19/2008 1:44 PM
Stephanie said...
I didn't have this one on my list to read for the Once Upon a Time Challenge....but I definitely need to read this one. I've already read a couple of really good reviews for it!!
4/19/2008 3:20 PM
Noel De Vries said...
Without a doubt one of my very favorite fairy tale renditions.
4/19/2008 7:36 PM
Cath said...
I'm reading this one for Carl's challenge too and am looking forward to it very much. I'm not a huge lover of retold fairy tales but Beauty and the Beast is one I do actually enjoy.
4/20/2008 3:42 AM
Carl V. said...
I've mentioned on other people's reviews of this book that this is definitely one I want to read. I think it sounds good every time I read someone's review of it.
4/20/2008 10:30 AM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I'm so glad you liked this book! It's one of my favs of all time.
4/20/2008 11:56 PM
Jeane said...
This was the first Robin McKinley book I ever read, and it remains my favorite of hers

Out of Jerusalem by H B Moore, Books Two and Three

2008-08-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 18, 2008

Book Two
A Light in the Wilderness
This book gives a possible explanation for why Lehi's troupe wandered for eight years in the wilderness before finding Bountiful. Because of Moore's experience in the Middle East and her research, she is able to create a story that makes sense based on the cultures and landscape of the southwestern portion of the Arabian peninsula. I think I enjoyed this book even more than the first because most of this story is not included in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon mentions the travails of the group's journey, the birth of children and the constant rebellion of the two older brothers. Moore fills in that outline with some wonderful conjecture such as the enslavement of the party for five years, Sam almost being captured by cannibals, and Laman and Lemuel leaving the group including their wives and children to become marauders. Along the way, Ismael dies and we witness the grief of his wife and daughters. Even though this book is definitely fiction and not to be taken as scripture, Moore gives the reader an educated glimpse into how life was lived in that time and also captures real emotions and feelings that make the story come alive.
Rating: 4.5
Book Three
Towards the Promised Land
Anyone who has read the Book of Mormon knows the famous story of Nephi's determination to obey the Lord and build a ship. I found Moore's description of that process as well as life in Bountiful to be believable and fascinating. Modern research have found many facts that corrobate the original story, such as the iron deposits located in the mountains north of a place that could very well have been Bountiful. Again, Laman and Lemuel rebel, are rebuked and then fall in line. Each time, the family rejoices as they become humble and righteous; but still wary of a possible return to the dark side. The description of the ship building and life on the boat as they venture out on the unknown waters really helped me to picture those events in my mind. There are some side stories of various members of the family that Moore has created to push the story along. These people are portrayed as very human with real emotions that are not black and white. Even Nephi is shown to struggle with anger, doubts (not in the Lord but about his family and himself), and frustrations. I was very moved by the description of Sariah's grief at the rebellion of Laman as she remembers him as her cherubic little boy. What mother couldn't identify with that.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 8:23 PM

3 comments:
Booklogged said...
Sounds like interesting books. I wonder if Candleman would enjoy these.
4/19/2008 1:40 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I also really enjoyed these books.
4/20/2008 11:56 PM
Heather B. Moore said...
Thanks for reviewing my books. I hope you'll like #4 just as much. I should thank your mom too, for buying them for you :) I think I'm going to be hooked on this blog now, since I love reading and I'm always looking for the next great book.

The Fallen Man by Tony Hillerman

2008-08-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Listened to audio book
Mom and I picked this Book on CD from a bunch that Cheya was returning to Susan. I have never read a book by Hillerman so I was curious. Here's the basic story. A man turns up missing just after his 30th birthday when he inherits the family ranch. His wife has an ironclad alibi, and the case is never solved. Eleven years later, a skelton is found on a ledge on the face of a sheer cliff. Yes, it is the missing man and Lieutenant Jim Chee (?) is on the trail to find the real story. There were a few problems I found with this book. First, the narrator would whisper or raise his voice at the appropriate times, but then it was either too soft to hear or too loud. I think better sound editing could have solved this problem. Second, it was never a very gripping story and totally failed in keeping me awake while driving. Maybe if I had read it instead. I did like how the narrator captured the Navajo accent for the native characters, but he didn't do as well with women's voices. I'm not sure if I will read more Hillerman books or not. Any recommendations from the blog world??
Rating: 2.5
Posted by Framed at 4:42 PM

2 comments:
raidergirl3 said...
I've read one or two of Hillerman's books, and liked them. My parent's LOVE them, so much so that they made a point on their retirement trip (like booklogged's, but reverse direction) to go to New Mexico.I think it's a series that people enjoy, and it sounds like a lot of your issues were with the audio details.
4/13/2008 5:26 PM
qugrainne said...
Like many authors who have written a million books, I like the earlier Hillerman books better. The reader surely does have a lot to do with the success of an audio book, I believe. Robert Parker, for instance, has a lot of good mysteries on tape. I really like one of his readers, and don't care for the other, which really (literally) sets the tone of the book for me. It is funny: I need books on tape if I am driving any distance on the highway, or I fall asleep too!

Out of Jerusalem: Of Goodly Parents by H B Moore

2008-08-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Challenges
To Be Read
1st in Series
About three years ago, my mother gave me this book for Christmas and then the following two for my birthday. They have languished on the shelves ever since. Maybe I was afraid that it would be too much like the Book of Mormon Movie which I seriously did not like. But in February, I started to read a version of the Book of Mormon that includes commentary and explanations, and thought a fictional version of that part of the Book that gets read the most would be an interesting addition to my studies. And it really was. First of all, Moore writes very well. Second of all, her research is obvious in all the details of how people lived in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas in 598 BC. I enjoyed learning more about wedding and sacrificial rituals as well as the dangers of traveling in the areas south of Jerusalem. Having grown up on Boof of Mormon stories, there was little surprise in the basics bones of the tale, but plenty of drama and adventure; and Moore manages to flesh out the characters and make them become more real. I enjoyed her take on the marriage of Lehi's sons to Ismael's daughters. Nephi became more human to me without trivializing his divine calling. I could really feel his grief at the vision of the future destruction of his posterity. I'm not sure the book helped me to understand Laman and Lemuel any better than ever, other than the part that tells about brothers killing each other in the Bedouin tribes for supremacy. But I doubt the Bedouins had angelic visits. I know there is a whole doctrinal discussion here but we can pass on that. While I liked the fictional character of Isaabel, and definitely rooted for her and Nephi to end up together (no, this is not in the Book of Mormon, Moore was being very creative), I think I would like to have seen Nephi fall for a less beautiful girl who had a golden spirit. Isaabel had both. It hardly seems fair, does it? But that would not have served some of the plot line that Moore incorporates into the book. I am looking forward to reading the other two novels I have in this series, starting tonight, as a matter of fact.
Rating: 4.5

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

2008-08-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Challenges
To Be Read
First in Series
Last year, I read Body Double by Gerritsen, not knowing it was part of a series, and the sixth part at that. The main character in that book was Dr. Maura Isles who I really liked. The Surgeon is the first book in the series (I promptly bought the whole series after reading Body Double) and features Detective Jane Rizzoli. Jane has just been promoted to the homocide sqad and is the only woman. Man, is she prickly, even though she is highly qualified and very good at her job. Where's the self-confidence she must have had to obtain that position? Granted some of the men are Neanderthals, but still. This book was published in 2001. Is the gender crisis still that bad? Anyway, Jane was not very likable and we all know that is a problem for me. However, there is another detective, Thomas Moore, who is part of the investigative team trying to find the killer known as The Surgeon. Thomas is just as good a cop as Jane, but more compassionate, approachable, etc. etc. I did like him. By the end of the book, both Jane and Thomas have committed some mistakes that jeopardize their careers, but everything works out well. Jane even becomes a little less over-bearing and less sensitive to possible slights. I love the way the killer taunts the police and his intended final victim as he leads them through the nose, murder by murder. The murders are chilling and bloody, precise and almost clueless. Almost, otherwise, our intrepid detectives wouldn't be able to detect. What can I say? It will probably never be considered great literature, but sometimes it's just good to read something that send the chills up and down your spine. The best thing is that I have got four more in the series to go. Unless she's written another that I don't know about.
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 9:30 PM

5 comments:
Booklogged said...
Hey, if you get this comment on Th before 11:30 will you call me? Thanks.
4/10/2008 10:45 PM
Nicola said...
I had the same reaction to Jane in this book and enjoyed Thomas as the detective more than her. I was sorry to see him go. But since you've read Body Double you know her character grows a lot from that point.
4/11/2008 7:14 AM
Joy said...
I've read this series out of order, too. I have no idea what I was thinking at the time. I need to go back and fill in. :) I rated this one 4/5 well before blogging.
4/11/2008 9:10 AM
Somer said...
I had someone on Bookcrossing offer to send me this book over a year ago, and it's been sitting on my shelf ever since. Hopefully I'll get to it this year - I haven't read a good medical thriller in a long time!
4/11/2008 12:20 PM
twiga92 said...
I think the latest in the series is Vanish. That one was pretty good.

A Student of Weather by Elizabeth Hay

2008-08-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Canadian Reading Challenge
Saskatchewan
This is the first book I have read by Elizabeth Hay and have mixed feelings about it. First of all, she writes beautiful descriptions of the places where the main character, Norma Joyce, lives. The book begins and ends in Saskatchewan. Here is a quote about the prairie in the late 1930's:
"I remember looking around and thinking, I have come to a place beyond beautiful and ugly, a place so new, so empty, so cold that the words beautiful and ugly don't work. People were simple and friendly, but without curiousity. They asked me not a single question about myself. Then one day, years later, a woman came to the door who was from the Royal Society in England. She was collecting wildflowers. And she asked so many questions, I thought, why are you asking all these questions, what business is it of yours? And then I knew that I was a real Canadian."
The story begins with Norma Joyce at the age of nine living with her older sister, Lucinda, father, Ernest, on their farm in the middle of the depression and a drought. Maurice Dove, a student of weather and natural history, enters their lives and captivates both sisters. He is charming, intelligent, handsome, and utterly self-absorbed. "Oh, men with twinkling eyes. You should be strung up at birth." Norma Joyce is pretty self-absorbed herself and totally driven to achieve her own goal which is the affections of Maurice. Nine years later, living in Ottawa, she accomplishes just that which affects the dynamics of all her relationships. She moves to New York City, back to Ottawa the again to NYC, but never escapes her attraction. Much later, she begins to accept the truth of their odd affair. "Seeing the expression in his eyes--welcoming yet complacent--made her realize two things. That he liked having her in love with him, one. And two, that as far as he was concerned it would never go beyond that. Later, she would feel like the pasta salad at every potluck supper. The table would be empty without it, but he had no intention of putting any on his plate." What great imagery. The story ends after Norma Joyce returns to Saskatchewan to revisit her childhood home. It occurs to her that her own unrequited love affair has always been nestled inside the larger one between Saskatchewan and Ontario. Saskatchewan so bitter, tenacious, aware. Ontario so careless and immune. An affair between two landscapes and two histories no less real, and no less ongoing than are certain romances between people."
This is not a happy story. The characters, especially Norma Joyce and Maurice, are well-drawn and interesting, but not particularly likeable. That always makes it hard for me to really enjoy a book. However, Norma Joyce grows on me after she moves to New York away from the corrosive influence of her father and sister who don't even realize their vindictiveness in their judgments against Norma Joyce. Even so, the story drew me in right to the end. There are a few short scenes with some explicit sexual content that I could have done without and it was slow going for me in the beginning. I think a lot of readers would really enjoy this book as I did, but I don't plan on reading it again. I would like to read her book, Late Nights on the Air, if I can ever find a copy of it at a reasonable price.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 4:54 PM

10 comments:
Nicola said...
Thanks for the review framed! I'm going to add this one to my list. My husband is from Sask. and I love reading books set there.
4/06/2008 7:03 PM
Candace E. Salima said...
I really hate stories where the characters don't make me love them. If I can't root for them, I don't want to read it. I think I'll take a pass on this one. Thanks for the review.
4/06/2008 7:06 PM
Booklogged said...
I was surprised to see you rated this a four. Your review didn't sound that positive.
4/07/2008 12:34 AM
Booklogged said...
I forgot to mention how Spring-inspired your blog looks. Were did you find such inspiration? It's as if you have hope that Spring will really show itself.
4/07/2008 12:36 AM
Cassie said...
I love that quote about the pasta salad. That is great.
4/07/2008 9:03 AM
Trish said...
I have a difficult time getting into books when I don't care for the characters. Usually I can find some aspect that I can relate to, but not always. Sounds like an interesting book regardless--thanks for the review!
4/07/2008 8:55 PM
Les said...
I've had this book on a shelf for several years. I'm glad to see you gave it a 4 in spite of some of your misgivings about the characters. I'll have to move it to one of my TBR stacks. Thanks for the lovely review.
4/08/2008 1:53 PM
Framed said...
I guess I forgot to mention that I started to like Norma Joyce more by the end of the book. Still, it is one of those books that I ended up liking in spite of myself.
4/08/2008 9:58 PM
J Scott Savage said...
I'm willing to give an unlikeable character if I can see change/growth coming. But if it's just an unlikable character I usually stop reading pretty quickly.
4/08/2008 10:05 PM
F. Mathew VonStieff said...
hi, Tristie, referred me to you. I was wonering if you would be willing to write a review ona book for me. Let me know I will email you with details. Thanks!Fred
4/09/2008 8:30 PM

The Magic Circle by Donna Jo Napoli

2008-08-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Challenges
Twisted Fairy Tales
Once Upon a time Challenge
The Magic Circle is a retelling of the fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, as told from the witch's point of view. The Ugly One was a skilled midwife who supported her vey beautiful daughter with her talents. One day a neighbor convinces her to become a healer which involves casting out devils. After nine years, the Ugly One makes a fatal error and the devils are able to posses her and turn her into a witch. In one fell swoop, this woman, who previously worshipped God and did everything in his name, is forced to flee, leave her home and daughter; and hide in an enchanted forest where she can do no harm to human beings. No longer can she pray or care for another person. She becomes a vegetarian to avoid eating flesh and creates a home made from candy. At this point, Hansel and Gretel enter the story, but even this is a twist from the orignal tale. This is quite a short book, 118 pages, but there is quite a story here. I really didn't like it until the last fourth. It was so unfair that the Ugly One could live such a good life and be changed into a witch with one mistake. And this mistake cost her her good deeds, her family, and all human contact. But Napoli ends the book on such an uplifting and hopeful note that it really redeems all the other problems. I love the way she handled the whole Hansel and Gretel encounter. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 7:16 PM

13 comments:
Jeane said...
Now that one sounds really interesting! I like retold fairy tales that give the usual villan's side of the story (like Wicked did).
4/01/2008 8:02 PM
Booklogged said...
I might identify too much with the Ugly One by the sounds of it. Poor dear. Really it sounds pretty good.
4/01/2008 9:55 PM
Nicola said...
This sounds really interesting! I'll have to look for this one.
4/02/2008 7:27 AM
Cassie said...
That sounds interesting. Hold on to that one for me.
4/02/2008 8:32 AM
Nymeth said...
It's funny, until recently I had not even heard of Napoli, but now I keep coming across reviews like this, that make me want to read all her books.
4/02/2008 1:47 PM
Rhinoa said...
I keep hearing great things about this author and have a couple of her books now put aside to read when I get a chance now. Thanks for the review.
4/02/2008 3:11 PM
Stephanie said...
I have never read a book by Napoli before, but I have a couple of my TBR. This one sounds really good. I have a feeling the Once Upon a Time Challenge is going to play hell on my TBR pile!!
4/02/2008 4:50 PM
simran said...
I totally enjoy these kinds of supernatural, fantastical books. Kindly review a few more of this type. Although I'd highly recommend the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis as a great read for those who want to go into a parallel world. The author's imagination and creativity never cease to amaze me. Although most might think that they are for children.,I think most adults would also enjoy reading them. In fact, Disney is coming up with the latest Narnia movie-Prince Caspian, this May 16th. It promises to be awesome by the looks of the trailor. Catch the trailor here- http://www.disney.in
4/03/2008 12:48 PM
Carl V. said...
That is fun, telling it from her point of view. Sounds like the book rewards sticking with it and that it has a worthwhile ending. Glad you ended up enjoying it.
4/04/2008 12:30 AM
Rachael said...
What an interesting perspective for a retelling. I enjoyed your review and I'm intrigued enough to read the book. Thanks for the review!
4/04/2008 9:16 AM
Trish said...
Oooh, sounds like a fun read! I love when authors play with perspectives and the "untold" sides of stories. Thanks for the review.
4/06/2008 10:09 AM
DesLily said...
I'm noticing that an awful lot of the books being read this year for Carl's challenge are "retold fairytales".. this seems a little strange to me. I just don't remember hearing of so many as I am this year... glad you enjoyed this one though!!
4/06/2008 12:22 PM
Mo said...
WoW...this sounds like just my kinda thing, and I've never even heard of this author - thanks for the great review, I'll have to check this out! (Luv the new layout here, too, BTW)

Loose Threads by Lorie Ann Grover

2008-08-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 30, 2008

From the inside cover:
"Seventh grader Kay Garber's happy home is made up of four generations of women: Great Gran Eula; Grandma Margie; Kay's mother, Karine; and Kay. But on the evening Grandma Margie tells her family she has lump in her breast, Kay's world is changed forever.
Struggling with issues of popularity in junior high school, trying to understand her too-perfect mother, dealing with her feelings about friends, and coming to terms with Grandma Margie's cancer diagnosis and illness, Kay is awhirl with questions that have no easy answers."
I was trying to find more room on my bookshelf today and thought I would mooch some that I probably would never read. When I came across this one, I opened it up just to glance through it. The story is told completely in poems and I read it in one afternoon. The poetry beautifully conveys the emotions that are raging through Kay's mind as she deals with sickness and loss as well as the usual young teenage problems. Here are some of the passages I marked:
*****
Rules in Junior High
"You are not allowed
to be going out,"
says Mom.
"To be dating,"
says Grandma Margie.
"To be courting,"
says Gran Eula.
Courting?
What's that?
All I said was
David has
a really nice smile.
And now
no one
is smiling.
*****
Sweetness
It's like my family
is the slice of key lime pie
Gran Eula's stopped eating.
She's the crust.
Mom is the sour, tangy lime filling.
I'm the lime circle slice
splat on top,
and Grandma Margie is the sugar.
The very sweetness that makes us
delicious.
*****
Best
No more pain for her.
No more tears for her.
No more death
ahead of her.
We are touching.
We are saying
we love each other.
This is all I can see
about it being best.
Maybe someday
I'll figure out more.
But for now
I think I've been given
the grace of faith.
*****

4 comments:
Booklogged said...
What an interesting format. You say you're going to mooch this?
4/01/2008 9:58 PM
Cassie said...
It is an interesting format but I wonder if I would get bored with it after a while.
4/02/2008 8:41 AM
Framed said...
It's too short to get boring.
4/02/2008 8:45 PM

The Roosevelt and the Royals by Will Swift

2008-08-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Franklin and Eleanor,
The King and Queen of England, and
The Friendship That Changed History

Challenges:
Back to History
Royalty Rules
"Psychologist Swift is an American royal-watcher and contributor to niche publications devoted to monarchical celebrities. Here he assembles meetings that in various permutations occurred among Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, Britain's King George VI and consort Queen Elizabeth, and ancillary members of the four principals' siblings and progeny. He covers a century of chronology, beginning with the youthful Franklin's encounters with British blue bloods and ending with a 2002 trip by Prince Andrew to Roosevelt's Hyde Park home. Prince Andrew went there to commemorate the central event of Swift's compendium, George VI's 1939 visit to the U.S., the public relations highlight of which was Their Majesties' (as Swift loyally denominates his subjects) plebeian consumption of hot dogs. Swift's rendition of that trip captures all details of protocol, whether trumpeted in the press at the time or committed to a diary, and characterizes his presentation of subsequent royal-Roosevelt meet-ups during World War II and afterward. Historical minutiae much of it may be, but Swift's work strikes an undeniably popular chord of interest." Gilbert TaylorCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
The above review pretty much sums up what this book is all about. I felt Swift was overstating the case that the friendship (started over a five-day visit) between the Roosevelts and the Royals changed the course of WWII. It seems like Roosevelt couldn't get Congress to help Britain after the Royals' famous visit to the U.S. in 1939 any better than before. Hitler's mad grab for more territory across Europe is what got things rolling. And the two couples exchanged letters and telegrams, but still . . . There was some fascinating historical tidbits, wonderful details about how royalty really lives, and too many details of FDR's affairs and Eleanor's possible lesbian relationships. The Roosevelts had a truly bizarre relationship and still accomplished some great things in their lifetimes. More inspiring was the relationship between the King and Queen and their subjects. Queen Elizabeth truly deserved her spot as one of England's best-loved figures. Reading about King Edward VII's abdication and how Princess Margaret's relationship with a divorced man was thwarted seems quite humorous when the current heir to the throne not only married a divorced woman but is divorced himself. This book was an interesting look into an past era, no real depth, but I still learned some new things.
Rated: 3.5

The Magician's Nephew by C S Lewis

2008-08-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Challenges
Young Adult Challenge
First in Series Challenge
Once Upon a Time Challenge
The Magician's Nephew is the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. The story begins with Polly and Diggory, two young children who decide to explore the attic above the row houses where they live. Unfortunately, they miscalculate where they are and enter the room of Diggory's uncle Andrew. Andrew sends the two into the Woods Between the Worlds. Eventually they enter a world just in time to witness the birth of the world of Narnia. At this point, Lewis draws a strong parallel to the creation story in the Bible, with a magic apple, evil wafting on the edge of the world, and a couple to create family of man. It's a wonderful story, highly imaginative and fun to read. I look forward to reading the rest of the series although it won't be any time soon. Here's a few quotes that I marked:
"For what you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what sort of person you are."
"Now the trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed."
"He thinks great folly, child," said Aslan. "This world is bursting with life for these few days because the song with which I called it into life still hangs in the air and rumbles in the ground. It will not be so for long. But I cannot tell that to this old sinner, and I cannot comfort him either; he has made himself unable to hear my voice. If I spoke to him, he would hear only growlings and roarings. Oh Adam's sons, how cleverly you defend yourselves against all that might do you good!"
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 9:51 PM

9 comments:
Maw Books said...
I have not read a single C.S. Lewis book. I've meant to remedy that situation for years but have never managed to get around to it! The Chronicles of Narnia would be the first book of his I would choose.
3/27/2008 11:50 PM
Jeane said...
I really love this story. Especially the delightful, stubborn personalities of the children!
3/28/2008 9:21 AM
Booklogged said...
I loved this one. I marked the one about making yourself stupider. Very funny and so true!
3/28/2008 7:22 PM
writer2b said...
I love this story. When I was younger I couldn't seem to be able to get through 'Lion, Witch & Wardrobe,' even though I had a friend telling me how great it was. Then I tried this one, and it was like the fuse that sent me blasting through the whole series. I loved it.
3/29/2008 4:52 AM
Sherry said...
I have a daughter who could use the wisdom contained in the "stupider" quotation. Now If I can just figure out how to get it around her defenses . . .
3/29/2008 9:34 AM
Carl V. said...
Love that first quote. This is one of my favorites of the series and would probably be the first I would choose to reread if I had a hankerin' for Narnia. Glad you enjoyed it.
3/31/2008 10:43 AM
Trish said...
Now, i wonder why Disney decided to do the film LWW first rather than this? Do you know the history of the order? I've been meaning to pick these books up for a long time--glad you enjoyed this one.
3/31/2008 11:10 AM
Trish said...
Now, i wonder why Disney decided to do the film LWW first rather than this? Do you know the history of the order? I've been meaning to pick these books up for a long time--glad you enjoyed this one.
3/31/2008 11:10 AM
Rhinoa said...
This is one of my two favourites in the sreries (I love The Silver Chair too) and it always seems to be neglected along with A Horse and His Boy. This sets up the whole series so well though, it's a wonderful book and I am happy you enjoyed it so much.

My Antonia by Willa Cather

2008-08-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Challenges
Decades (1910's)
What's in a Name (First Name)
Book Around the States (Nebraska)
To Be Read
Decades: This book was one the really made a name for Cather when it was published in 1918, as she focused her talents on a place and people that she was so familiar with. Her book on the immigrants who settled the vast plains on Nebraska helped change Americans' taste for reading about the people who formed the backbone of the country.
What's in a Name: Jim Burden, the narrator of the story, first meets Antonia on the train moving toward Black Hawk, Nebraska. He is ten and Antonia is fourteen. Jim is an orphan joinging his grandparents; and Antonia is coming from Bohemia with her family. Jim tells the story of the settling of Nebraska while following the life of Antonia.
Book Around the States: Cather describes life in Nebraska beautifully as well as the rolling plains, the harsh climate, and the prairie grass. She really makes the land a main character of the book and you feel a part of the terrain.
To Be Read: I'm not sure how this book got on my list or on my shelves, but I really felt I should read a book or two by Willa Cather. Now I have read two and there's a couple more that I want to read. There is nothng earth-shattering about this story, but it has a quiet calm that reaches out to you and pulls you into the lives of the characters. Antonia is a very compelling, strong woman who makes mistakes as she grows up; but remains a portrait of the American woman. I love the way Jim tells the story as a young boy and how his narration changes as he matures.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 9:58 PM

10 comments:
Les said...
This was the first book by Cather I read and I thoroughly enjoyed her descriptive prose, particularly that of the Nebraska landscape. I read it for a Great Plains Lit. class, so I think I appreciated it even more than I would have had I read it on my own. I learned a lot about Cather and went on to read several more of her novels (Death Comes for the Archbishop is one of my favorites; Song of the Lark not so much). I even spent a weekend at a Cather Conference in Red Cloud, Nebraska. Pretty neat to see where she lived and set her characters!
3/22/2008 6:23 AM
gautami tripathy said...
I have this Cather with me for very long. Never got around reading it. Must do so soon after reading your review!
3/22/2008 11:11 AM
Nicola said...
I haven't read any Cather yet, though I've always wanted to. Must get around to it soon. Thanks for the review!
3/22/2008 2:00 PM
Jeane said...
I've never read any Willa Cather either, tho I've been very familiar with the title. I really do want to read it now. Thanks for the review!
3/22/2008 2:33 PM
pussreboots said...
Interesting review. I'm also reading My Antonia for the Decades Challenge. Happy reading!
3/22/2008 9:39 PM
Maw Books said...
I read this book in high school and must admit that I can't remember anything about it. I probably should go back and read it again at some point.
3/23/2008 9:01 PM
Booklogged said...
Somewhere along the line I was turned off to Willa Cather. Probably 7th or 8th grade English class in Lincoln. Since then I've read a couple of hers that I've really liked: Death Comes for the Archbishop and Shadow on the Rocks. I don't have a 1910 book for the Decade Challenge so maybe I'll read this one.
3/23/2008 10:28 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I didn't care for Death/Archbishop, but I really enjoyed "O, Pioneers." That's my favorite Cather. I did also really like "The Song of the Lark." I guess I'm exactly opposite from Les. :)
3/30/2008 12:17 AM
Trish said...
I really like how you've formatted this review based on the challenges it fits--interesting concept. I don't think I've read this one, but I remember reading O, Pioneers years ago.
3/31/2008 11:12 AM
Trish said...
I really like how you've formatted this review based on the challenges it fits--interesting concept. I don't think I've read this one, but I remember reading O, Pioneers years ago.
3/31/2008 11:12 AM

Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris

2008-08-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Challenge:
Twisted Fairy Tales
As the cover proclaims, this story is truly "part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink." Readers first meet Chris when he is a strong-willed, clever child of six. He has run away from home, determined to live on his own in the forest. Edric, a troll, finds him and gives him shelter but cannot make him go back home, and Chris grows up with Edric and his dogs as his family, guided by an etiquette book found in the forest and Edric's own wisdom. As the boy grows, he continues his interest in inventing and watches the princess in the castle across the river. She is headstrong but lonely, and when Chris contacts her by carrier pigeon (or p-mail), they become best friends. When he takes work at the castle, there is no way that Chris, a commoner, can tell Marigold who he is, and he can only stand by as she is to be married to an unsuitable suitor. When he learns that her life is in danger, he must find a way to save her and the kingdom. This complex, fast-paced plot, a mixture of fantasy, romance, comedy, and coming-of-age novel, succeeds because these characters are compelling, well developed, and sympathetic. Quirky personalities and comic subplots give the story additional texture. Readers will be drawn into this world be satisfied by the denouement. This blend of genres will appeal to a wide range of readers, and it's all great fun.
Shara Alpern, The Free Library of Philadelphia
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
I usually write my own reviews but this one explained this hard-to-explain book better than I could. I found this book to be very funny. Ed, Christian and Marigold all enjoy reading Greek myths: "Nothing like a little fratricide, patricide, matricide, and infanticide to send a fellow off to sleep." Ed the troll is probably the funniest with the way he mixes his adages: "What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the eager beaver." And I love this explantion for the use of carrier pigeons: It's what carrier pigeons were meant for -- and if the technology existed, he was a fool not to use it. How much harder communication had been before p-mail." All in all, this is really a fun book to read with interesting characters, humor and intrigue. The ending was very predictable and a little flat, but still an enjoyable read. There is a sequel coming out in May that I will be looking forward to.
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 11:41 AM

3 comments:
Stephanie said...
I love that book cover and will take a look for this book - it sounds like a really nice read.
3/16/2008 1:19 PM
Booklogged said...
Sounds like a fun book.
3/16/2008 6:24 PM
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One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus

2008-08-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Challenges:
Back to History
To Be Read
Numbers
Back to History: In 1854, a Cheyenne chief asks the US Government to send 1000 white women to the Cheyenne nation to marry into the tribes and help the assimilation process through the children they would bear. The notion is soundly ridiculed and rejected. In this novel, Fergus takes a "what if" stance and explores the story that may have occurred if the government secretly goes along with the proposal. As historical fiction, this book provided some great details into the social mores of the 1870's with regards to women and Native Americans. I believe Fergus did extensive research into both the lives of US Army on the frontier and the Cheyenne people, which was really interesting. The main character, May Dodd, seemed far-fetched and way too progressive for a woman in that era.
Numbers: I bought this novel quite some time ago because of its intriguing title. I didn't realize at the time that the 1000 women were being sent to the Cheyenne; I thought they were going to be wives for settlers. But the contrast between the two cultures was much more exciting. Although, the government promises to send 1000 women, only forty actually make the journey before promises are broken along with land treaties. This book really is quite damning for the blight on American history that involves the treatment of the Native Americans.
To Be Read: This book really has been on the shelf for a while. My interest just would wax and wane. Unfortunately, the promise of the title and blurbs I had read did not prepare me for the explicit nature of the early portions of the book. May Dodd has been declared insane because of her promiscuous nature (she bore two children out of wedlock). She jumps at the chance of freedom from a mental institution by spending two years as a Cheyenne wife when she could then return to Chicago to be with her children again. This book seemed determined to present just how passionate May's nature was and I found those sections could have been hugely toned down and not detracted from the story. I would have liked it better. In fact, I almost set it aside. However, the book picks up when it concentrates more on the life in the Cheyenne community and how it is affected by the white people. There are some stereotypes of the wicked minister; degenerate savages; noble savages; judgmental, snooty white women; bad woman with a heart of gold, etc. Eventually you come to see that most of the characters are neither bad nor good; there are elements of both. However, I just couldn't really care about most of them, which is always a serious defect for me as a reader. This book was not a waste of time as it opened my eyes to some great history and gave me something to think about; but I can't recommend it very highly and don't plan on reading it again.
Rating: 2.5
Posted by Framed at 9:48 PM

10 comments:
Joy said...
What a bummer. This was one of my Best Reads of 2004; I really enjoyed it. I hope your next one is a success. :)
3/14/2008 5:20 AM
Stephanie said...
Ha, I could have written that review myself! I too read it, found the first part of the book boring and the sex scenes just to over-the-top. In the end it made for a great discussion for my book club, but I wouldn't recommend it.
3/14/2008 7:10 AM
Jeane said...
Too bad. It sounds like such a curious book, and good premise. But I think I would get very tired of all the s-x, so I'm glad you warned me; I'm gonna skip it.
3/14/2008 10:31 AM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Hey, Framed,My book is ready and will be in the mail to you soon!
3/14/2008 3:02 PM
writer2b said...
I'm reading 'The Martian Chronicles' right now, which also has women being sent to a "frontier" (Mars). But it's handled differently. Based on your review I won't run out and look for this, but you're right that the title and the premise sound really intriguing. Too bad if it didn't pull it off.
3/15/2008 10:54 AM
SmallWorld said...
I totally agree with your review. I was really disappointed with this book!SmallWorld
3/15/2008 3:45 PM
Booklogged said...
I started reading this for my f2f book club, but life interrupted. I've always thought I'd get back to it, but now I don't think I'll bother.
3/15/2008 9:35 PM
Susan Helene Gottfried said...
I just loved this book; I'm sorry you didn't agree because it's one of my recent favorites.I might have liked The Wild Girl, his second book, even more, though. Ned was a heck of a great character.
3/16/2008 8:29 AM
Les said...
This is one that's been languishing on my shelf for a few years. Now I wonder if I should bother. Seems to have mixed reviews, so who knows. Might be a good book group discussion read, though.
3/17/2008 4:42 PM
Trish said...
I heard about this one a while ago but had forgotten about it until your review. I have a tough time getting into a book when I don't relate to or care about the characters. I'm sorry this one didn't work for you.

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

2008-08-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Challenges:
Twisted Fairy Tales
Royalty Rules
I truly believe every time I read a book by Shannon Hale, it becomes my favorite Hale book. And this one is no different. The main premise is taken from a little-known Grimm's fairy tale that Hale embellishes and adds to and completely makes her own. Telling the story through the journal entries of a servant girl, Dashti, locked up for seven year in a tower with her shallow and selfish royal mistress, Saren, is an interesting literary device. Of course, the servant is resourceful and brave; refreshingly grateful for the seven-year's supply of food which mean she will not starve. During the course of the two girls' captivity, Dasti meets two completely different men who want to claim the princess for their own. Tegus is young, sensitive and wise while Khasar is one of those deliciously evil, mean villains that you absolutely love to hate. Hale writes just as beautifully in this book as in all her others. Here are a few examples:
"The air is so clear, it shivers," he said. "All the stars are out, everyone, even the babies. It's so bright with stars, the blacks of the sky look a dark, dark, blue."
"I'm in love! My heart's so light it floats and carries me so my feet don't walk. I sing all day and I don't mind the washing, and that's how I know I'm in love. Completely smitten with My Lord that cat." Of course the cat is a gift snuck into the tower by Tegus.
"I thought I knew winter, but from inside this tower I've learned something new--the winter wind has its own voice. Autumn wind has a gusty warmmth to it and a lower tone as though it sings from deep in the belly. The winter wind screeches around the tower, singing the high harmony, its voice sharp with ice.
I never hesitate to recommend Shannon Hale's books because they are so well-written and creative.
Rating: 5
Posted by Framed at 8:32 PM

11 comments:
Maw Books said...
I'm glad you enjoyed this one! Still waiting for Princess Academy. I think I'm close to the top of the list now.
3/12/2008 9:02 PM
Joy said...
Horray! Another great review of Hale! I'm going to get to this one soon.
3/13/2008 6:43 AM
Suey said...
I second everything you say about Shannon Hale, her writing, her books... everything. One of my favorites for sure!
3/13/2008 9:05 AM
Cassie said...
Ooh this sounds so good. I might need to move this to the top of the list even though I've had a hankering to read Austenland again.
3/13/2008 11:06 AM
Nymeth said...
I can't wait to try this author...sounds like a wonderful book!
3/13/2008 2:36 PM
Trish said...
I just read a review of this book (actually, I think it was Maw Books' review). I love fairytales retold!
3/13/2008 5:28 PM
raidergirl3 said...
I can't wait to read something by Hale. I have The Princess Academy and I think I'll read it in the car on the way to visit my sister. I'm excited now after your glowing rec.
3/14/2008 6:25 AM
Stephanie said...
So far I've only read one of Hale's books, but can't wait to start another. Thanks for the recommendation.
3/14/2008 7:12 AM
Nicola said...
Can you believe I haven't ready anything by her yet! This sounds so good, I must read it soon.
3/14/2008 10:28 AM
writer2b said...
I've never read anything by Shannon Hale, but this makes me want to. Thanks.
3/15/2008 10:50 AM
Booklogged said...
I just read this one last month. And, like you, I loved it. I remember those quotes you shared. I'm reading River Secrets right now and one of the characters is Dashi. I had to do a double take because I thought the servant girl was Dashi, too. But no, it was Dashti. Still that's awfully close for two different characters in two different Hale books, isn't it?

Mark Twain, A Life by Ron Powers

2008-07-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 09, 2008

CHALLENGES:
Chunkster
Back to History
In Their Shoes
Chunkster Challenge: At 722 pages including 95 pages of indexes, this book definitely qualifies as a chunkster. And it took me eleven days to read it!! Let's just say I've had my fill of Mark Twain for a while.
Back to History Challenge: Powers certainly did a lot of impressive research for this book. I enjoyed the way he not only told about Twain's life, but about what was going on in the country and in the world during those 75 years. He also imparted how Mark Twain influenced society through his novels, essays and lectures. It was quite a pivotal time in history; and I enjoyed reading about those years in the West, the South, and New England.
In Their Shoes Challenge: Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, was probably one of the most famous celebrities of the 20th century. In fact, Powers compares him to modern-day rock stars. This comparison almost made me quit reading, it seemed so ludicrous. Granted Clemens was mercurial, hot-tempered, and moody; he liked his liquor and cigars; he spent money at an alarming rate; but he was incredibly faithful and loving to his wife and family; didn't go around trashing hotels and trains; and was considered a good friend by those who didn't make him mad; and was certainly not a one-night wonder. He is considered by many to be America's greatest author and was a leading humorist of his time. There were a few instances when Powers seemed to be trying to be a humorist himself, again terribly distracting. "The Quaker City's crew had waged a three-night dockside brawl with some British sailors, and had ended up kicking some major Britannia butt." What?? There was enough fodder in the facts of Clemens' life to easily fill this book without annoying asides. Power's page and a half of trying to dispel any feeling that Clemens was a racist was a waste of time when a chapter later, he quotes a few very racist remarks from Clemens. I don't think anyone can argue that in his early years, Clemens was a product of his Missouri upbringing and that included racism. It seems to Clemens' credit that he overcame a lot of that prejudice later in his life and hated to see people misused. I really liked how Powers differentiated between the boy, Sammy Clemens; the man, Samuel or Sam Clemens; and the celebrity author, Mark Twain. Speaking of the changes in Missouri: "The "progress" that Samuel Clemens embraced as a businessman-investor was a betrayl of what remained of Sammy's faith. Against the sterilizing tide, Mark Twain needed to build a bulwark: a life on the Mississippi as permanent as words could make it." Powers also did some in-depth analysis of Mark Twain's writing and his talents. I think this part of the book would be very interesting to someone who was going to be teaching from his books. I was probably not as interested in it as I should have been. The section that dealt with his financial extravagances and mismanagement really put my banker's teeth on edge. He was such a mess that I had a hard time reading about it. For a person that famous and successful to come to the brink of bankruptcy was appalling. Mostly I just enjoyed reading about a person who truly was larger than life, who crammed a lot of living and traveling and experiences into his 75 years. Those experiences were definitely worth reading about. His love for his put-upon wife was so endearing and she was always struggling to refine and civilize him. "He promised Livy one morning he would swear off profanity, shortly before breaking two tumblers while trying to take some medicine--"then I released my voice. Mrs. C behind me in the door: 'Don't reform any more, it isn't an improvement.' " Would I like to meet the man? Probably not. He had a very forceful and abrasive personality and could be quite cruel in his sarcasm and humor. On the other hand, he was very funny and was a charming and entertaining host.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 6:07 PM

5 comments:
Booklogged said...
I'm not sure I could read that many pages about Mark Twain. And if I did, I know it would take way longer than 11 days. (Did I just give away where I live with that "way" longer thing?!)
3/10/2008 12:21 AM
Trish said...
Whew--750 pages! I have to admit that I don't know very much about Mark Twain, but I enjoy his fiction. I'll have to put this on my list to pick up (one day). If you're interested in biographies, I read one a few years ago on Lewis Carroll (by Morton)--very fascinating and misunderstood man.
3/10/2008 6:59 PM
writer2b said...
Whew, this is definitely a chunkster. Twain sounds like a mixed character--like the characters in his books. I enjoy his humor, but I can't read several in a row by him.Thanks for reading and reviewing this. I hope you're reading something light and fun now!
3/11/2008 1:48 PM
gautami tripathy said...
I am on my third chunkster! It is never ending!
3/12/2008 9:38 AM
Mo said...
Twain is one of my all-time fav's, and while I have read quite a bit about the man, I haven't read this particular biography.. it sounds interesting to me, tho.. would *I* have liked to have met the man?! You bet'cha!! Brash & sarcastic tho he may have been, from all accounts he was gracious and charming, still!Great review, BTW.

The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

2008-07-13T21:02:00.001-07:00

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Recommend by a co-worker
I had decided months ago that I did not want to read this book. But when my co-worker brought it to me at work, I wasn't going to argue with him about it. He's one of those types that are very passionate about what they like and it's pretty hard to argue with someone's passions. Besides what harm was there, it's a pretty short book. So after reading the other books he had lent to me, I began The Alchemist. Almost immediately, I thought, "Great, this is another self-improvement book like The Secret. Well, let's get through it and get it over with." In fact, I ended up really enjoying the book. Santiago is a youg shepherd who is told to find his Personal Legend. He is given omens and help along his journey to achieve this goal, and meets some wonderful characters. Instead of telling us how we can get all the things we want in life, Coelho is basically teaching about a spiritual journey and how we need to find our own paths and learn to listen to what our hearts tell us. While you can't avoid the lessons involved in the book, the story is wonderfully simple and refreshing and Coelho's writing is pretty mesmerizing. Very poetic. Here are some quotes I marked:
***
"When each day is the same as the next, it's because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises."
***
"We are afraid of losing what we have, whether it's our life or our possessions and property. But this fear evaporates when we understand that our life stories and the history of the world were written by the same hand,"
***
"What you still need to know is this: before a dream is realized, The Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way. It does this not beause it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams, master the lessons we've learned as we've moved toward that dream. That's the point at which most people give up. It's the point at which, as we say in the language of the desert, one 'dies of thirst just when the palm trees have appeared on the horizon.'
'Every search begins with beginner's luck. And every search ends with the victor's being severely tested.'
The boy remembered an old proverb from his country. It is said that the darkest hour of the night came just before the dawn."
***
I really don't care for self-help books, but this one, couched in a story, was pretty entertaining. The message was repeated consistently so you couldn't lose sight of it, but not really annoying.
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 8:28 PM

16 comments:
aart hilal said...
hello!I'm a big fan of Paulo Coelho! You will love this! He's the first best-selling author to be distributing for free his works on his blog:http://www.paulocoelhoblog.comHave a nice day!Aart
2/28/2008 11:03 PM
Trish said...
Interesting--I've heard a lot about this book but I didn't realize it was "self-help." By the way, I like the new? look!
2/29/2008 6:38 PM
Jeane said...
I've been curious about this book since I saw a fellow student reading it in class one day, four years ago! The incident stood out in my mind because the student was sorely chastized, and I thought hey, that must be a pretty good book for him to risk running up against this teacher. Glad to know more about it.
2/29/2008 8:24 PM
Literary Feline said...
I tend to think of this book more as a modern day fable than a self-help book, but I guess I can see why you might classify it as such. I really enjoyed this gem of a book and found it very refreshing. I am so glad you gave it a chance and enjoyed it.
2/29/2008 9:26 PM
writer2b said...
I share your feelings about self-help books! I'm glad reading this one didn't end up a waste of time. (The title sounds like it would be more of a fantasy tale.)
3/01/2008 4:53 AM
Framed said...
You can read this book as a fantas. The self-help is subtle and just part of the message Coelho includes about how to find your personal legend. I didn't feel I was being preached at or given a list of things to do.
3/01/2008 10:10 AM
gautami tripathy said...
I did manage to read this. A mad airport buying this was. I liked while I read it. But thinking over it, I found it to simplistic.
3/01/2008 11:28 AM
valentina said...
This book had a big impact on me as a teenager, I even quoted in on one of my essays in school. Sometimes I remind myself not to forget my personal legend because that's all that matters!but I wouldn't want to read any more book of his. Even though I heard Veronika decides to die is even better.
3/01/2008 1:50 PM
Danielle Blogging for Balance said...
I'm not much with self help books either. I will be adding this to my TBR GoodReads list!! thanks.
3/03/2008 7:21 AM
themarvelous said...
I feel exactly the same as Gautami. It's supposed to Bill Clinton's favorite book, and all the more reason to . . . .
3/05/2008 1:52 PM
Stephanie said...
Oh...I loved this book. I think the entire point of it WAS to be simplistic. It was almost like one of Aesop's Fables....a literary representation of one of life's little lessons. I thought it was wonderful!! I'm really glad you enjoyed it. It seems to be one of those books that tends to polarize people. They either love it or hate it!
3/05/2008 5:23 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
"not really annoying" is good . . .
3/05/2008 6:39 PM
Heather said...
I'm really glad you ended up reading and enjoying this book. It is on my top ten of all time list.
3/06/2008 11:06 AM
Booklogged said...
It was a nice fable with some good lessons woven into the story. I always like it when people share quotes. I especially like the one about recognized the good things that happen. I'm curious as to what passages I marked in this book - must go back and check.
3/06/2008 9:32 PM
sage said...
I'm glad you enjoyed this book--I've read three of his books and this fable is my favorite even though I also enjoyed the Pilgrimage.
3/08/2008 1:14 PM
Ana said...
This is one of my favorite books - I love Paulo Coelho. He is Brazilian as I am, and I have known him since I was a child (he also wrote great songs back in the 70s!) and respect him enourmously.
3/16/2008 2:25 AM

The Chase by Clive Cussler

2008-07-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

Monday, February 25, 2008

Recommended by a co-worker
This is the second book lent to me by my friend at work. He really raved about this one. And I can see why. The Chase is a great cops-and-robbers book set in 1906 and 1907. There is no mystery as to who is going around the West robbing banks and cold-bloodedly killing all witnesses. At least to the reader. None of the lawmen can find him as he seemingly disappears into thin air. Finally, the government hires the Van Dorn Detective Agency who brings in its top agent, Isaac Bell. Bell is tall, lanky and absurdly handsome with his icy blue-violet eyes. But is he good enough to catch the sociopathic killer who is a mastermind criminal? Following the two as they circle around each other in several western locales including Salt Lake City and San Francisco was just great fun. Bell seems to be a step behind all the time and the Butcher Bandit always gets away. The net closes in on the thief in San Franciso until the huge earthquake and fire puts another obstacle in Bell's path. The ending involves a break-neck locomotive chase across the Sierra's and the western desert to reach a titanic conclusion. There is some great historical facts included in the book especially dealing with the railroad companies and the San Francisco earthquake. Having said all that, I have to add that the romance in this book was some of the dumbest stuff I've ever read. And there are a few corny dialogues thrown in along the way. It reminded me a bit of Dudley Do-right, Snidely Whiplash, and Nell. Maybe Cussler intended the book to be a bit tongue-in-cheek. Judging from his author's picture on the back cover, he seems to have a wicked sense of humor. Anyway, aside from those small distractions, I thought it was a terrific adventure to read and I plan to read more of his books.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 7:50 PM

7 comments:
SuziQoregon said...
I think of Cusslers books as definitely tongue in cheek swashbuckler style adventures. Part comic book, part Errol Flynn movie.Just fun escapism.
2/25/2008 9:46 PM
Booklogged said...
Sounds fun. I'm always good for a humorous cop/robber story.
2/26/2008 12:53 PM
gautami tripathy said...
I like such books. Makes for verylight read. Thanks!
2/27/2008 3:07 AM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Hey there,For some reason, your e-mail won't let me talk to you! So I'm gonna have to do it this way!I'm doing a virtual book tour in April and wonder if you'd like to be one of the stops. I would send you a copy of the book and you'd choose a day to review it, and on that day, I'd send you a lot of traffic. Let me know if you are interested -- tristi AT tristipinkston.com
2/28/2008 8:59 AM
She Became a Butterfly said...
i found you via the tbr challenge!a friend and i just started a book lovers message board. we'd love for you to join!edenhttp://www.re-told.net
2/28/2008 2:58 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Your first e-mail didn't work for me, so come rescue me from your spam filter on the other one, okay? :)
2/28/2008 8:44 PM
Nicola said...
Now you've got me interested! Sounds fun.
3/01/2008 7:33 AM

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham

2008-07-13T20:51:00.000-07:00

Monday, February 25, 2008

Recommended by a co-worker
A few months ago, a co-worker asked me to lend him a few books as he had decided to start reading more and keep the TV off. So I did. When I later asked how he liked them, he was only half-way through one and not liking it at all. Then he proceeded to tell me all about the books he was reading that were absolutely fantastic. He returned two of the three books along with three he thought I absolutely must read. Jeez, I must have forgotten to tell him about the piles of unread books around my house. (He knows now so I probably won't be getting any more must-reads for a while.) I always get a little panicked when I borrow a book because I'm afraid I will forget where I got it and even that it's not mine if it hangs around the house too long. So I pushed all the challenges aside and started with this book.
*****
I had noticed Playing for Pizza a while ago but had dedided against it as I'm not much of a Grisham fan. His legal thrillers seem to follow a formula that bothered me for some reason. But Pizza is not a legal thriller, far from it. In fact, the whole premise is very amusing. Rick Dockery is probably the worst quarterback in the NFL; and. in one fateful playoff game, he proves it by throwing three interceptions in eleven minutes, blowing a 17 point lead and costing his team their first chance at the Superbowl. He wakes up in the hospital with a concussion and swarms of angry fans trying to get to his room with murder on their minds. Of course, he is finished as an NFL player, but not ready to give up his football dream. Somehow, he ends up quarterbacking a semi-pro team in Parma, Italy. The coach and the rest of the team are a great bunch of characters, and the food and wine in this city are almost as important to the plot as the game itself. If there is way too many football plays described, I suppose it is only to be expected. (sigh) Still, this was a light, fun book with a good-looking ,klutzy hunk as its hero. Not a bad reason to read a book at all.
Rating: 3.75
Posted by Framed at 7:33 PM

4 comments:
Booklogged said...
I think I can pass on a football themed book. It's great that you're reading some of your coworker's suggestions. I'm curious as to what you lent him that he didn't like.
2/26/2008 12:56 PM
Much Ado said...
Hmm, this sounds like a Grisham book I might like to read! Great review.
3/01/2008 2:51 AM
writer2b said...
I know what you mean about Grisham. Sometimes it seems like he's writing for the screen, and imagining certain actors and actresses... But this one sounds different. Thanks for the review.
3/01/2008 4:56 AM
Megan said...
I decided to buy this book after seeing it on your blog. Hope it was worth my $1.50 :P
3/11/2008 6:52 PM

Shadows on the Rock by Willa Cather

2008-07-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

Friday, February 22, 2008

Challenge:
The Canadian Book Challenge, Quebec
Recommended by Booklogged
I'm pretty sure I've read books by Willa Cather before, back in the Ice Ages, so I don't really remember. But I like the way she writes. Her prose is wonderful and she creates a picture of the town of Quebec in the year 1697 that is both picturesque and fascinating. Here's an example of her beautiful descriptions: "The autumn fog was rolling in from the river so thick that she seemed to be walking through drifts of brown cloud. Only a few roofs and spires stood out in the fog, detached and isolated: the fleche of the Recollet chapel, the slate roof of the Chateau, the long, grey outline of Bishop Laval's Seminary, floating in the sky. Everything else was blotted out by rolling vapours that were constantly changing in density and colour; now brown, now amethyst, now reddish lavender, with sometimes a glow of orange overhead where the sun struggled behind the thick weather. It was like walking in a dream. One could not see the people one passed, or the river, or one's own house. Not even the winter snows gave one such a feeling of being cut off from everything and living in a world of twilight and miracles. "
The story itself is quite simple and gentle. Cecile Auclair is a twelve-year old girl who lives with her father, the apothecary. Euclid Auclair had come to Quebec from France nine yers ago with his wife and daughter to serve the governor, Count Frontenac. His wife dies several years later, but Euclid and his daughter lead a rewarding life as they interact with a host of interesting characters, some fictional and others drawn from actual historical figures. In the year covered by the story, we learn about the isolation of the town from the rest of the world, the townspeople's allegiance to France and the Catholic church, the practice of medicine, the fur trade, common dining practices and town celebrations, etc. Even though the plot itself is pretty much a log of Cecile's day-to-day life, the book gives you a wonderful glimpse into the history and geography of one of the oldest settlements in North America. I do have a slight gripe about the French dialog since I didn't understand what was being said and Cather doesn't bring it out too much in the surrounding text. Other than that, I liked this book and thought it was a wonderful pick for the challenge.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 11:04 PM

5 comments:
Stephanie said...
Last year for the Decades Challenge, I read my first Cather book: O' Pioneers. I really loved it. I thought the writing was just wonderful. Sparse, but it perfectly portrayed the scenes, and I loved that the main character was a really strong woman. I think Cather is great. I really do mean to pick up some more of her work!
2/23/2008 8:18 AM
Les said...
I love Cather's descriptive language. Some of my favorites are O' Pioneers!, My Antonia, Death Comes For the Archbishop and Song of the Lark. I've visited her hometown, Red Cloud, (in Nebraska) and can easily picture her characters in several locations.
2/23/2008 6:24 PM
Booklogged said...
So glad you found a copy. I never did find mine. I liked the story, too. Your description of the book was right on. I think we need to visit Quebec City and check out the places, don't you?
2/24/2008 7:05 PM
John Mutford said...
I feel like I've read that passage before but I sure I haven't. In regards to the French dialogue, I've found that in other books as well.
2/27/2008 1:37 PM
John Mutford said...
I feel like I've read that passage before but I sure I haven't. In regards to the French dialogue, I've found that in other books as well.
2/27/2008 1:37 PM

I Married the Klondike by Laura Beatrice Berton

2008-07-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Challenges:
The Canadian Book Challenge-Yukon Territory
I had originally chosen "The Call of The Wild" as my book to read for the Yukon Territory, but I didn't really want to read it again. So I asked my old friend, Amazon.com, for suggestions and found this little gem. In 1907, Laura Thompson leaves Toronto at the age of 29 to teach kindergarten in Dawson City. She plans to leave after a year, but stays for twenty-five. In this fascinating and thoroughly delightful memoir, we are invited to experience the decline of the jewel of the once great Klondike Gold Rush. Laura includes everything from the strict social mores of the time, the regimented visiting schedules, physical hardships, northern lights, the rough miners, the ladies of the night, proper Englishmen and down-and-out social misfits hiding in the gulches above the Yukon and Klondike rivers. Her chatty but objective prose draws you into a frigid climate that almost seems appealing. Along the way, she marries and raises two children. Her son, Pierre Berton, grew up to become one of Canada's most prolific non-fiction authors. He writes this about his mother's book:
~~~
"I Married the Klondike has become a minor Canadian classic, read by thousands, first as an intensely human adventure and, second, as a piece of social history. It has been anthologized, serialized, translated and excerpted for the schools . . .In her twilight years it brought my mother a modicum of fame, which she thoroughly enjoyed."
~~~
Berton shares the history of the close of that era with humor and love. Here are a few quotes to illustrate:
~~~
"We had struggled for hours up a steep, tangled gulch, our feet deep in the wet caribou moss and our legs and ankles bruised by sharp rocks. Then, suddenly we broke out on to a sunlit hillside. On its upper reaches, fairly dancing with the joy of life, was a grove of young white birches. Lower down, towards the valley, lay acres and acres of wild flowers--clumps of blue lupins, larkspur five feet tall, monkshood and great feathery bunches of white Baby's Breath. We never spoke of that scene to each other again, but it was one of the reasons why we were returning."
~~~
"In the very cold weather a thick fog settled over the Yukon valley. It appeared as soon as the thermometer sank below forty, and, looking out from our windows, we could pretty well judge the temperature by its density. If the houses a short block away were invisible we knew it was forty below. If those half a block away were invisible, it was fifty below. If Service's** cabin across the street was shrouded, then we could be certain it was fully sixty below zero."
**Robert W Service was a Canadian poet who wrote "The Cremation of Sam McGrew", a poem Berton explains the origin of.
~~~
Klondike Rose, the old deaf prostitute, was asked by Berton if she would like something to read, but she replied that she did not care for books. "Someone gave me a Bible once and I tried my best to read it," she said, "but I came on so many dirty stories that I closed it up and never opened it again."
This book presents a birdseye view of a time and place that has been romanticized in books and movies. It is steeped in wonderful historical facts presented in an entertaining and charming manner.
Rated: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 8:24 PM

7 comments:
John Mutford said...
It's great that this was a pleasant read. I once read Claire Mowat's Outport People simply because she was married to Farley Mowatt and was very disappointed (then I've never been a fan of him either, so that shouldn't have been surprising). When was this published and do you think it would have been had her son not been Pierre Berton?
2/06/2008 8:01 AM
Nicola said...
I'm so glad to see you liked this book. I've always meant to read it but haven't really heard any opinion on it. Will have to make sure I get to it, sounds good.
2/06/2008 11:05 AM
Booklogged said...
Will you be mooching this book? Sounds like a good one to read on a hot summer day. To think we are shivering our little goosebumps off at -4 degrees!
2/06/2008 11:28 AM
Teddy Rose said...
Thanks for the review. I had heard of this book before, but didn't know much about it. On to my TBR it goes.
2/06/2008 5:22 PM
Framed said...
John, it was published in 1954. After I read about Pierre Berton, I thought he probably had a lot of influence in getting the book published. But I didn't know who he was until after I read it. I know you didn't care for his book that you just read. Are there any you would recommend?Nicola and Teddy, Thanks for visiting. I think you would enjoy this book a lot if you like delving into history. Booklogged, it's on its way.
2/06/2008 7:08 PM
Nicola said...
Framed, I'm not John but the Berton's that I enjoyed the most are Vimy (about the battle of Vimy Ridge during WWI) and The Dionne Years (about the Dionne Quintuplets).
2/07/2008 7:20 AM
John Mutford said...
I LOVED The Arctic Grail.

Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer

2008-07-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

Monday, February 18, 2008

Challenge:
Young Adult Challenge
From front book cover: As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again find herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob--knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewofe. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?
This book answered some of my questions from New Moon. It was good to see Bella realize some of the uglier aspects of vampirism that she has over looked in her consuming need to be just like Edward. And that decision is still pending. The conflict with the rogue vampire is resolved in another gripping and violent scene. Edward really is an oustanding character, very mature (he is 97 years old though he looks seventeen) and very selfless in his love for Bella. Bella is still pretty whiny and I don't quite get the whole thing with Jacob. I really like the character of Jacob, but can't quite buy the fact that Bella seems so torn between the two guys. I use the term loosely; one's a vampire and the other a werewolf. In "Eclipse," Meyer incorporates some great humor while describing the conflict between the vampires and the werewolves. I laughed at how they can't stand the way the other smells. And reading about Jacobs's and Edward's attempts to get the edge on Bella and their under-handed tricks was darn funny. Of course, Edward has the advantage so he's pretty smug and I even liked that. Like the previous novels in this series, "Eclipse" is a very intense book; the emotions, the suspense even the setting is intense. As ever, a very enjoyable and hard-to-put-down read. I can't believe I have to wait so long for Book Four.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 1:38 PM

11 comments:
Maw Books said...
I always preferred Jacob over Edward. August does sound a long way off. I know they are doing a midnight release party at The King's English Bookshop in SLC. Reminds me so much of Harry Potter. I may end up going . . .
2/18/2008 4:51 PM
Cassie said...
I'm so glad you liked the series. The rivalry between Jacob and Edward was pretty funny but it drove me to dislike Jacob even more. I don't understand why people prefer him but that's me.
2/19/2008 9:44 AM
Suey said...
My favorite scene was in the tent, with Jacob acting as a space heater and Edward listening to all his thoughts. I thought it was hillarious!
2/19/2008 5:36 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Framed, would you please e-mail me? tap AT tristipinkston.com
2/19/2008 10:33 PM
Bookfool said...
Everyone seems to prefer Jacob. I've only read the first book, so I'm anxious to meet him, so to speak. It'll probably be a while. :)
2/20/2008 8:31 PM
Framed said...
Suey, that was the scene I was thinking about when I wrote my review. As for Jacob vs Edward. I like Jacob a lot, he's easier for me to relate to, but Edward is, well, the total guy. Romantic, caring, thoughtful, sensitive and just plain hot. (Not temperature-wise. In fact, I find that his biggest fault. I could never cuddle with a stone-cold vampire.) Anyway, I'm rooting for Edward and I'm sure in Book Four, Jacob will find someone to imprint on. (Read the book to learn more about imprinting.)
2/20/2008 9:06 PM
April said...
I can't wait to read this series! I really need to just sit down and dig into it. It sounds so good and so many have said such great things about the books!
2/23/2008 5:12 PM
Stephanie said...
I really enjoy all the books in this series, although Twilight is still my favorite.
2/26/2008 10:47 AM
Alix said...
Great review. I laughed out loud a lot too. Although I did find Edward's constant nobleness annoying after a bit. So I was leaning towards Jacob and I kind of thought Jacob had imprinted on Bella. Maybe I got that wrong though.
2/29/2008 8:41 AM
Em said...
Thanks for commenting on my blog awhile back...sorry for taking so long to visit yours. I'm glad I did! :)I agree with you about the whole Bella being torn between the two guys thing. I just hope that Jacob imprints on someone else SOON.I added your blog to my google reader so I'll be dropping in from time to time. :)
3/04/2008 9:08 PM
Thea said...
Wow, I have to say this is the first place I've been that shows some love for Jacob! I am a huge Jacob fan and prefer him to Edward, probably for the main reason that Jacob does not need or desire Bella to change her very essence to be with her (the relationship w/ Edward IMO is terribly unhealthy as Bella needs to give up everything and everyone she loves to be with him...what kind of message is that to send YA readers?). I loved New Moon and Eclipse, and I find that Bella's struggle in these two books to be realistic (well, so far as realism extends to a vamp and a werewolf lol!) and endearing. Is it August yet? :p
3/16/2008 1:55 AM

New Moon by Stephanie Meyer

2008-07-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

Friday, February 15, 2008

Challenge:
Young Adult Challenge
What a bunch of moody characters!! Bella goes into a months' long depression when Edward, the love of her life, leaves town. Normally cheerful and happy-go-lucky Jacob becomes angry and morose as his body becomes larger and more muscular. And the beautiful Edward who was sardonic and wise just disappears. We don't hear about him again until he attempts suicide. In short, aside from the fact that we are reading about vampires and werewolves, it's all pretty average teenage angst. And I did enjoy this book a lot, just not as much as book one. Bella does spend so much time whining and feeling sorry for herself. And I felt she took advantage of Jacob. Jacob, who I really liked in the first book, is much darker, dangerous and less fun. Even Edward doesn't seem quite as smart and in control in this book. So what is good about this book? There is so much. Even though I tired of the whining, I felt Meyer's treatment of Bella's almost death-like existence for those months was incredibly effective. The opening dream sequence showing Bella's nightmare about growing old made me laugh out loud. Oh no, she's eighteen and Edward is still hanging in there at seventeen. Then I found the birthday party scene which precipates the Cullens departure to be both riveting and sad. And the action in Italy . . . absolutely spine-tingling. New Moon is definitely not a stand-alone book. I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much without reading Twilight first and it leaves you hanging at the end. There is no resolution with the vampire who has caused such an uproar on the La Push reservation and you are left wondering who is going to win the argument over will she or won't she make the big change. And after the goings on in Italy, I can certainly understand why Edward is reluctant and wonder why Bella hasn't considered that aspect of vampirism. Have I left anough teasers so that you will want to read the book just to find out what I'm talking about? I hope so. In spite of my criticisms, I think Meyer is a creative and talented storyteller; and this is a very engrossing series. I'm excited to start on Eclipse as soon as I post this review.
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 9:52 PM

9 comments:
Maw Books said...
Who actually wants to be blogging and writing reviews when you have books just begging to be read? Have fun reading Eclipse!
2/16/2008 1:16 AM
Les said...
I didn't care for this one as much as Twilight. Gave it a 3.5/5. It took me two weeks to read and I got very tired of Bella's whining. Having said that, I'll still read Eclipse (and the new one that comes out later this year).
2/16/2008 10:31 AM
Stephanie said...
I really have to start reading this series! And I'm the big vampire lover. Man....so many people just love it.
2/16/2008 11:15 AM
Andrea said...
I also didn't enjoy New Moon as much as the first and third books. I think you will enjoy Eclipse a lot more!
2/16/2008 4:03 PM
writer2b said...
I love this: "In short, aside from the fact that we are reading about vampires and werewolves, it's all pretty average teenage angst." :-) Thanks for your review; yes, it's full of teasers!I see 'The Blue Sword' in your sidebar. I read that recently too, and really liked it.
2/16/2008 5:11 PM
Chain Reader said...
I have read this series, and I think although it's not perfectly written, it is perfectly entertaining. You're review is right-on.
2/16/2008 6:56 PM
Booklogged said...
I think New Moon has one of the best covers ever. That said, I still have no desire to read it. You rated it pretty darn high, but I'm still not going to read it!
2/16/2008 9:28 PM
Alix said...
Great review. I really enjoyed this one I love Jacob though so maybe that helped.The ending in Italy was great and I'm hoping for lots of answers in Eclipse.Bella did whine a bit too much but the blank months thing nearly made me cry!
2/27/2008 9:19 AM
Anonymous said...
I have not yet read New Moon, but by the sounds of it, it seems boring. Are ther any parts that actually have a meaning to the story?
3/25/2008 7:17 PM

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley

2008-06-15T11:38:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Challenges:
The Royalty Rules Reading Challenge
Young Adult Challenge
What's in a Name Challenge (Color)
First in a Series Challenge
Wow, four challenges in one. And a great book to cover all four.
Royalty Rules: This book is mainly about Harry Crewe, a young orphan girl who is transplanted to a dry and arrid country. She remains curious about the people and place surrounding her. Raised as a tomboy, Harry does chafe at the restrictions placed on young ladies in her new home but she strives to comply. Her life changes with the visit of Corlath, the king of a neighboring and suspiciously different country. Corlath is compelled to kidnap Harry and train her to become one of his Riders, a select group of warriors.
Young Adult: The fantasy involved in the magical kingdom of the Hill People will delight most young people as will the characters of Harry and Corlath. Harry is stubbornly persistent is trying to achieve her goals, learning the ways and language of the Hill People, and just showing Corlath (not sure what but she shows him). Corlath is wonderfully puzzled by her. I loved Harry's horse, Sungold, and the hunting cat, Narknon. They are clearly devoted to Harry and McKinley endows them with some great human characteristics.
What's In A Name: This book was my choice for the color portion of the challenge. The blue sword doesn't actually show up until about halfway into the book, but it plays a key role in the final showdown between the Hill People and the invading force from the North.
First in a Series: Even though The Hero and the Crown takes place in an earlier era than The Blue Sword, the piece about the author claims this is the first book in the series. I am anxious to read The Hero and the Crown as I really enjoy the way Mckinley tells a story. Wonder if there are more books to the series?
Rating: 4.75
Posted by Framed at 8:20 PM

10 comments:
Melissa said...
Nope. Just those two. But McKinley's one of my favorite authors, for the reason you mention: I love the way she tells a story. She's got two different versions of Beauty and the Beast (Beauty and Rose Daughter), and I even liked her vampire book, Sunshine. But I have to admit that Blue Sword and Hero and the Crown are my favorites of hers.
2/14/2008 11:40 AM
Jeane said...
I love these two. They were the first McKinley's I read, and remain my favorites (although Beauty is a close third!)
2/14/2008 6:52 PM
Nymeth said...
I've only read Beauty but I really like the way she writes. This one sounds great too!
2/15/2008 4:29 AM
Melanie said...
Beauty is my favourite of hers, although these 2 books are also great. I liked Sunshine as well; I think it was the first vampire book I actually liked, and it got me started on a few others!
2/15/2008 11:29 AM
Islandsparrow said...
Have you tried the Kingdom series by Cynthia Voigt? Elske is my favourite - another strong female protagonist.
2/16/2008 6:11 AM
Andrea said...
I loved these books, too! For the longest time I thought they were a trilogy and I kept searching for the 3rd, but obviously it isn't out there. Beauty is one of my all time favorite books, you should add it to your TBR list!
2/16/2008 7:54 PM
Booklogged said...
A couple of my nieces on hubby's side of the family recommended this book to me. I really enjoyed it. From the comments I think I'll add Beauty to my TBR list.
2/16/2008 9:31 PM
valentina said...
How come I've never heard of this one?Must get it in! Sounds like a fantasy I'd like to read one day or another...
2/25/2008 2:56 PM
Katie Michelle said...
I'm glad you liked it. I LOVED it. Hope that you enjoy Hero and the Crown when you get to it. It's wonderful, in my opinion better than this one. Though this one is AMAZING!
3/02/2008 1:19 AM
Eigon said...
What I liked about this book was the flavour of the British Raj about it, quite different from what I was expecting.

Look Me In The Eyes by John Elder Robinson

2008-06-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

Friday, February 08, 2008

Walk in Their Shoes Challenge
All John Elder Robison knew his entire life is that he was different from everyone else. Not until he is forty does he learn that he has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism.
From the book cover:
"Look Me in the Eye is the moving, darkly funny story of growing up with Asperger's at a time when the diagnosis didn't exist. A born storyteller, Robison takes you inside the head of a boy whom teachers and other adults regarded as "defective," who could not avail himself of KISS's endless groupies, and who still has a peculiar aversion to using people's given names (he calls his wife "Unit Two). He also provides a fascinating reverse angle on the younger brother he left at the mercy of their nutty parents--the boy who would later become Augusten Burroughs and write the bestselling Running with Scissors.
Ultimately, this is the story of Robison's journey from his world into ours, and his new life as a husband, father, and successful, small business owner. It's a strange, sly, indelible account-- sometimes alien, yet always deeply human."
I found most of this book to be totally engrossing. As Robison describes his thought processes and how he can't understand "normal" people, you catch a unique glimpse into how his mind works. When a Laurie tells him that her friend is having an affair with a man who drives a motorcycle like John's, John's mind races to find the correct response. He failed.
"Thinking about conversations like the one I had with Laurie makes me mad. People approach me, uninvited, and make unsolicited statements. When they don't get the rsponse they expect, they become indignant. If I offer no response at all, they become indignant at that. So there is no way for me to win.
Given that line of reasoning, why talk to people at all? Well, many autistic people don't, possibly for that very reason. But, for some reason, I want the Lauries of the world to like me. To not think I am weird. I can be eccentric, but I don't want to be weird. So I persist. I try to say the things a "Normal" person would say."
The parts of the book I did not enjoy as much are the ones that deal with Robison in his work life. His career as the special effects engineer for the rock band, KISS, and later as developer of high tech games for Milton Brady just weren't as interesting to me although it certainly illustrated his impressive intelligence and abilities. I just found the descriptions of his struggle to learn to live and be accepted by most of the people he met to be truly inspiring. And his childhood was heartbreaking.
"As a functional Aspergian adult, one thing troubles me deeply abouth those kids who end up behind the second door. (Door Number Two being the choice to not be able to function in society.) Many description of autism and Asperger's describe people like me as "not wanting contact with others" or "preferring to play along." I can't speak for other kids, but I'd like to be very clear about me own feelings: I did not ever want to be alone. And all those child psychologists who said "John prefers to play by himself" were dead wrong. I played by myself because I was a failure at playing with others. I was alone as a result of my own limitations, and being alone was one of the bitterest disappointments of my young life. The sting of those early failures followed me long into adulthood, even after I learned about Aspergers."
I almost didn't read this book because I didn't like Running with Scissors, his brother's book (didn't finish it). I consider this book a must read for anyone who has a friend or family member dealing with Asperger's Syndrome. Robison's experiences of dealing with his shortcomings while developing his talents is a great lesson for anyone.
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 11:09 PM

9 comments:
Booklogged said...
I think I'm going to scratch a book I already have on my list for this challenge and read this one instead. It sounds good and that cover picture makes me want to gently hold that little boy. What a picture!
2/09/2008 1:25 AM
John Elder Robison said...
I'm glad you enjoyed my book and the insights into my differences. I see from your profile that you're in Utah. I'm appearing at the University of Colorado in Boulder in mid-March (schedule is on my blog)if you're within driving distance. We'll be talking about these very things.
2/09/2008 6:28 AM
Jeane said...
I've been interested in this book for some time now. I really appreciated your review, and now I'm even more convinced I want to read it!
2/09/2008 7:42 AM
Kristy said...
I read about half of this book last year. I didn't dislike it, but I temporarily lost interest. I have a nephew with Asperger's. I think I lost interest because it didn't surprise me all that much. I see my nephew accomplishing more and more each day. I do plan to finish it this year. I am glad you liked it and I hope it draws more attention to Aspergers.
2/09/2008 7:51 AM
writer2b said...
I had an adult student once in a writing class who had Asperger's Syndrome. Some real genius, as well as some real difficulty and frustration when it came to relating to others. It might have gone very differently for him if he'd been diagnosed younger.Thank you for this review, and for the excerpts. It sounds like a book that makes one rethink "normalcy" a bit.
2/09/2008 9:06 AM
Maw Books said...
The book cover alone has got me interested in this one. Sounds like an intriguing read, especially as I've just finished reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time an Rules. I might as well round out my reading about autism. Another one that was just recommended to me is Born on a Blue Day by Daniel Tammet, it's a memoir written by a man with the same diagnosis.
2/09/2008 12:12 PM
gautami tripathy said...
I love that book cover. It is gonna be on my TBR pile.Now, don't hate me. I have tagged you yet again. This meme is created by me:non-fiction all the way--a meme
2/13/2008 8:43 AM
SuziQoregon said...
This one sounds interesting - thanks for telling us about it!!
2/15/2008 10:16 AM
Susan said...
Thanks for the book review. I have a nephew with Asperger's, and he is going through some of the things the author describes - especially the loneliness, because he (my nephew) can't connect with kids his own age. he is desperate for friends, but that ability to connect isn't there. It is heartbreaking. I will have to put this book on my TBR pile for this year. Thanks!

I Married the Klondike by Laura Beatrice Berton

2008-06-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

2008-06-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday, February 03, 2008

Challenges:
Chunkster Challenge
TBR
Young Adult Challenge
First in Series
Chunkster Challenge: At 498 pages, this certainly met the criteria of a chunkster. However, it doesn't read like a huge tome. I finished it in two days. Then I read Salamander and decided to read Twilight again because I couldn't quite make up my mind how to review it. This time took three days. I liked it both times.
TBR: This book has been my TBR list for really a long time. However, it wasn't until my daughter raved about it that I started to move it up the list. I was waiting for all three books to come out in paperback and then I would buy them all. But my daughter loves me so much that she gave me Twilight in paperback for Christmas. Happy Holidays!!
Young Adult Challenge: I've enjoyed most young adult books that I have read recently. However, the first time I read Twilight, I thought the content a little too adult. That scene in the forest meadow was much more sensual (at least to me) than the explicit sex scenes that I have read in other books. Whew! And it was totally necessary for the progression of the story, unlike any other true sex scene I've read or skipped in other books. In case you're worried, there is no sex in this book, just a few kisses. Plus there is that one chapter that was very scary and violent. I expressed my concerns to a couple of colleagues and they let me know that teenagers are pretty darn knowledgeable these days. I guess I knew that. So I read it again and was completely fine with the whole book. I love the character of Bella. She doesn't really fit in with the other kids, though she tries. And what a klutz she is. How can you not love her? The amazing thing is that Edward loves her in spite of her clumsiness and her human failings. Maybe because of it. And admit it. Most women would love to have someone like Edward love us. He is so perfect. Of course, he's been around for 97 years so he's had time to become more perfect than most men. And many times girls are attracted to dangerous boys. What could be more dangerous than a vampire? There are some subtle messages that we wouldn't want to tell our young readers in case they avoid this book, but here's what I picked up: 1-Bella is willing to make sacrifices for those she loves; she moves to Forks, WA so her mom can spend more time with her new husband; she cooks for her dad without complaining; she puts her life on the line to save her family, Edward and his family. 2-Because he loves Bella, Edward is able to control his desires and urges in order to protect her and keep her safe. Of course, she would probably die if he didn't, but still the lesson of controlling urges is a good one. 3-Dang, there were a couple more that have completely left my brain. It is such a sieve. Oh well, I would recommend this book to most 14-year-olds girls up to 90-year-olds. I don't see it appealing as much to boys although there are some good lessons on how to romance a girl. One guy friend of mine objected to the theme of vampires; but most of these vampires are constantly striving to overcome their baser nature. As should we all. There's another lesson! I really didn't read this book looking for these lessons. It is a rolicking fun read that stands on its own. And it has it all: romance, suspense, adventure, and humor.
First in Series: There are two more books published in this series and another coming in the fall, I believe. I truly wish they were available in paperback; but I may have to borrow Cassie's 2nd and 3rd books even though I've heard No. 2 is not as good. It deals more with Jacob Black, a young Native American teenager who Bella befriends in Book One. He's another character I liked so I look forward to reading more about him.
Rating: 4.75
Posted by Framed at 6:57 PM

13 comments:
Maw Books said...
Ahh . . . The Twilight Series. I read this series this last fall. As I only started blogging well after that, I've been debating on whether or not to write a review on them. They certainly are popular. Especially here in Utah, as Stephenie Meyer is a BYU grad. So far I haven't actually met any teenagers reading this book. Everybody I know who loves these books are women, especially moms. I guess these books are a great escape! And guess what? Even my husband has started it.I enjoyed the entire series. Twilight was not my favorite, I thought that they got better as they went along. I own the first two and have yet to order the third. You will enjoy the next two. I'm looking forward to the fourth book although I'm not sure how she's going to extend the story. I thought the series could have ended with the third. Also very curious as to how the movie will turn out. Guess we'll have to wait and see.
2/03/2008 9:05 PM
Alyson said...
Excellent review! I'm glad you enjoyed this book...I can't believe you read it twice already!
2/03/2008 9:48 PM
gautami tripathy said...
Come, pick ypur award. It is on my poetry blog. Just clck on my name here.
2/04/2008 3:31 AM
Cassie said...
Yay!! Someone else who read it twice in a row...almost. You can totally borrow the other two books whenever you like.
2/04/2008 9:42 AM
Melissa said...
"I thought the content a little too adult. That scene in the forest meadow was much more sensual (at least to me) than the explicit sex scenes that I have read in other books."I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that... and it's why I won't let my 11yo read it. Yet. I have to admit, I'm curious about the movie, though.
2/04/2008 1:03 PM
Booklogged said...
Am I the only woman over 20 who didn't love this book?! I thought it was okay, but had no desire to reread it or to read the rest in the series. I say adult women should check out Colleen Gleason's Gardella Vampire Chronicles. I found them to be much better than the teen vampire series.
2/04/2008 4:38 PM
Framed said...
Yes, Booklogged, you are the only one. But you loved the Outlander series (it was okay) and Twilight was more romantic and shorter. Plus you loved Poisonwood Bible, need I say more? I am excited to read Colleen Gleason. I love my autographed copy.
2/04/2008 10:29 PM
Cath said...
Everyone I know seems to be reading Twilight so I think I'd better get a copy and get reading because it sounds like I'm missing something! Need to finish what I'm reading first though, which is, oddly enough, The Poisonwood Bible. :-)
2/05/2008 1:05 AM
Andrea said...
I couldn't have put it better myself! I didn't review this book because I didn't think I could do it justice, but you did a wonderful job of it.
2/05/2008 9:12 AM
Andrea said...
This post has been removed by the author.
2/05/2008 9:12 AM
Katie Michelle said...
I'm very happy that you liked it. I love this book, and the other two. I'm very excited for the Fall when the fourth book, Breaking Dawn, will be coming out. I am also looking forward to...well, I don't know when, but the author is also making a fifth book called Midnight Sun. It is Twilight through Edward's eyes. You can read the first chapter on Stephenie Meyer's website:http://stepheniemeyer.com/otherprojects_midnightsun.htmlYou'll have to scroll down and find the link. If you are going to read it, (which I suggest. It's hilarious!) then make sure to give yourself plenty of time. It is a full chapter, and her chapters tend to run about 10-12 pages long. So, give yourself a few minutes. Glad you enjoyed it!
2/08/2008 2:16 PM
April said...
I have this one as well as the 2nd and 3rd in the series and can't wait to read it/them! I have my copy listed as part of the Chunkster Challege also - so it works out well, lol.
2/08/2008 8:44 PM
Virginie said...
Hi! I read the series last year, and to be honest I was so hooked that aftr the third I couldn't read anything else, so I just read the three books again;o)