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.
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Valley of Light by Terry Kay
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
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
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.
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
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.
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)
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.
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
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
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
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?
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?
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