Hooked Bookworm

Hooked Bookworm has moved!!!

2013-01-05T17:26:00.003-05:00

For those of you who haven't seen the news yet, we have moved over to Typographical Era, where we are collaborating with a friend to bring you a new and improved resource for literary news, reviews, author interviews, and much more!

The content from Hooked Bookworm has been transferred over to our new site, but we will not be deleting anything from this location. You can also follow Typographical Era on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for all your support over the last year and a half. We hope to see you all at the new site!

Hooked Bookworm is moving!

2012-11-28T12:27:00.002-05:00

We are thrilled to announce that Hooked Bookworm and Opinionless have joined forces!! Our new site, Typographical Era, will officially launch on January 1, 2013, but in the meantime, we’ll be entertaining you with a countdown of our favorite books that we read in 2012. We'll be revealing one a day so stay tuned!

And don’t forget to like our new page and follow us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. The wait is over...welcome to the Typographical Era!

Save the Date!

2012-11-06T10:30:00.001-05:00

Pure by Andrew Miller

2012-10-30T16:06:00.000-04:00

     It's 1785 and John-Baptiste Baratte, a French engineer, has just arrived in Paris to begin a new job. He has been hired by the Minister to the King to clean up Les Innocents, an old, crumbling cemetery that is literally overflowing with bodies. In fact, the cemetery is so overcrowded that the graveyard walls have disintegrated and corpses are spilling into people's back yards. The entire city smells like decay, and some people have even fallen ill due to the toxic air. John-Baptiste arrives on the scene and is shocked by the state of the cemetery, but optimistic about his ability to improve Paris.

     Pretty soon, however, Monsieur Baratte finds that the task is much more challenging than he first expected. He thought his presence as the city's purifier would be a breath of fresh air to the Parisians, but they are strangely suspicious of Baratte's intentions. Les Innocents is rotting the city from the inside out, but the townspeople are curiously attached to it and hesitant to interrupt the eternal slumber of the dead. As the project progresses, Baratte finds himself increasingly paranoid and alone, despite his efforts to purge the city of its unsavory past. Baratte finds some solace in the friendship of Armand, a church organist, and Heloise, a Parisian prostitute, but it's not enough to make him forget that most of the city, including his workers, despise him.

     They say that Rome wasn't built in a day and Andrew Miller's novel reminds us that neither was Paris. The city of romance, the city of lights was, in Baratte's day, a city of filth and poverty, and even though his presence means progress for the city, Baratte finds that traditions are even harder overcome than stacks of bodies.

     Pure is a very fascinating piece of historical fiction. While John-Baptiste Baratte is a fictional character, the story of Les Innocents is solidly grounded in Paris history, and Miller's re-imagining of this volatile social and economic time is beautifully rendered, despite the unsavory subject matter. But even so, the book sometimes felt lethargic and detached, and Baratte's personal story felt somewhat withdrawn from the novel's themes. Perhaps this is due to his own misgivings about the task and his insecurity as a force of change and momentum. Despite this, Pure offers a bittersweet journey to 18th century Paris, and the subject matter, while grim and sinister, couldn't be more perfect for this time of year.

Overall Rating:

Favorite Fiction: Classics for Fall Reading

2012-10-27T14:14:00.002-04:00

I don't know about you, but something about cool, overcast fall days makes me want to snuggle into a giant chair with a mug of hot chocolate and a nice piece of classic literature. Maybe it's the introspective nature of the season, or the longer nights, but for me, autumn is a time for classic reading. Here are a few of my favorite works of classic literature that are just perfect for this time of year:

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Mr. Dickens's timeless tale of Orphan Pip and his relationship with the quirky, eccentric Estella is great for this time of year. With the dark, heavy nature of Victorian literature coupled with the infamous Miss Havisham, you have a perfect book to get you through the long, cold nights of late fall. I remember reading this novel for the first time in late October and feeling like there could not be a more seasonally appropriate book. Dickens's England is gloomy, wet, muddy, and dark. Just thinking about it makes me want to put on something made of wool. But I recommend reading it in an old, decrepit wedding dress, snuggled close to a roaring fire. Well, not too close...

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

This gothic tale of horror, romance, and suspense tells the story of Jane Eyre, an orphaned, abused young woman who acquires a job as a governess for a little girl named Adele, who is under the care of the broody, but devastatingly handsome Mr. Rochester. The longer Jane stays on the Rochester estate, the more hopelessly in love she falls. But something isn't quite right in the big, cold manor house. Strange things begin to happen and Jane is completely unprepared for the surprises that await her. Basically everything in this book is shadowy, grim, and morose, which is perfect for the gloomy, overcast days of this time of year. Although sometimes this book feels so cold that I recommend settling into this classic with a thick blanket and a hot cup of tea.

A New-England Tale by Catharine Maria Sedgwick

A lesser-known classic author, Catharine Maria Sedgwick paved the way for female authors in the 1800s. Published in 1822, A New-England Tale is a novel of domestic life in the early 1800s as well as a commentary on religious injustice - particularly in relation to Calvinism. The subject matter sounds rather dull, but Sedgwick's use of language and her impeccable descriptive abilities make you want to immediately plan a trip to Massachusetts and churn some butter. But at the same time, the book has the dark, ominous feel of an early gothic novel. They say there's something about Boston in the fall, and Sedgwick's tale will transport you to the early American Massachusetts countryside.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

You may have noticed an overabundance of vampire fiction on the market in the past few years, but if you've never read Dracula, let me assure you that this book is a whole different animal. With so many film/tv versions of Stoker's classic tale, you probably know the plot by heart, but seriously, this book is worth your time. Stoker's timeless Victorian horror novel is full of bumps in the night and stormy skies, not to mention the old, creepy castle filled with cobwebs, winding staircases, and heaving bosoms. Not only will Dracula make you want to plan a midnight picnic in Romania, but the story's diary-entry format may inspire you to to write out your own thoughts under a crooked, dead tree.

Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell

I'll admit it. I've never read 1984 or Animal Farm, but I do consider myself a big Orwell fan precisely because of this book. Published in 1933, Orwell's memoir recounts his impoverished living experience as a kitchen worker in Paris and London in the late 1920s (although some critics claim that much of the book is fictionalized). Let me warn you....it is gross and incredibly depressing, but it is a raw, honest account of bohemian life in two of the world's most thriving, artistic cities at the convergence of the naturalist and modernist movements. Poor Orwell....everywhere he went was enshrouded in fog, rain, detriment, and mud, but such is the life of a struggling artist, and not many writers struggled more than Orwell. This was Orwell's first book, and despite the horrendous subject matter, it is one of the most compelling, beautifully-written books I've ever read. It's one of my top 10 books of all time, and while I would recommend it for any time of year, it's just perfect between October and February.

Whenever I think of fall, I think of sweaters, scarves, cider, crunchy leaves and, of course, classic literature. These are just a few works that come to my mind as I'm looking out my living room window at the most gorgeously gloomy fall day we've seen all year. What are some of your favorite classic books for this season?

And the neverending Halloween reading list continues...

2012-10-23T15:28:00.000-04:00

Just in case my Halloween Books for All Ages post didn't satisfy your craving for ~~BRAINS~~ spooky stories, check out these Halloween reading recommendations from others:

The Broke and the Bookish: Top Ten Books to Get into the Halloween Spirit

A Bookworm Belle: Top Ten Books To Get You In The Halloween Spirit

Flavorwire: A Highbrow Halloween Reading List

Josh Hanagarne's list of 51 Scary Reads (as posted on Between the Covers)

Swimming Home podcast

2012-10-19T15:23:00.001-04:00

The Man Booker Prize hype is over and Hilary Mantel has taken home her trophy, but for those of you who are interested, here is the final podcast in our BookerMarks podcast series, where my fellow collaborators analyze and discuss Deborah Levy's shortlisted novel, Swimming Home.

2012 Man Booker Prize Winner Announced!

2012-10-16T17:07:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Hilary Mantel, the recipient of this year's Man Booker Prize. Mantel is the first British woman to win the prize twice...the only other authors who have won twice are Peter Carey and J.M. Coetzee.

If you've been following me and my collaborative bloggers on BookerMarks, then you also know that we successfully predicted Mantel as this year's winner. Yaaay!

To read more about the big announcement, head on over to the Man Booker Prize's website!

Favorite Fiction: 2012 Man Booker Prize Contenders

2012-10-15T14:27:00.000-04:00

Those of you who have been keeping up with me on BookerMarks already know that 6 other bloggers and I have been closely following the Man Booker Prize nominees since the longlist was announced in July. The original longlist of 12 titles was eventually whittled down to 6 finalists, and the winner will be announced tomorrow evening. Of the 12 longlisted titles, I was able to read and review 10, but based on my reviews and ratings, here are Hooked Bookworm's top 5 Man Booker Prize-nominated titles:

5. The Lighthouse by Alison Moore

Alison Moore's debut novel is slow and quiet, but still manages to be intense and haunting. The Lighthouse follows Futh, a middle-aged Englishman traveling in Germany after a recent separation from his wife. Throughout the journey, Futh is constantly reminded of painful and confusing aspects of his past, and these memories are triggered by various scents, sights, and sounds. Moore's novel is incredibly subtle, but her skillful prose and use of foreshadowing is what makes The Lighthouse a powerfully heartbreaking work of literature. Read the full review here, and check out what other BookerMarks members had to say about the book here.

4. Skios by Michael Frayn

Let's be honest, the MB Prize longlist is pretty heavy and soul-crushing this year, but Skios offered some much-needed comedic relief. The novel uses farce, satire, and situational comedy to tell a tale of classic mistaken identity. When Oliver Fox is mistaken in Greece airport for a distinguished scientist, Dr Norman Wilfred, Oliver can't help but wonder if his life would improve if he could just be someone else for a few days. And that's exactly what he does - he pretends to be Dr. Wilfred, while the real Dr. Wilfred is stuck on the island somewhere highly agitated and confused as to why nothing seems to be going his way. Skios did not make it to the shortlist, but it is definitely worth your time, especially if you could use a good chuckle. Read the full review here, and check out what other BookerMarks members had to say about the book here.

3. Narcopolis by Jeet Thayil

First of all, this cover is amazing, right? Jeet Thayil's first novel is an impressive and frightening portrait of addiction. The story takes place in Bombay, India during the late 20th century and chronicles the lives of several opium/heroin addicts during this time. Thayil, himself was an opium addict for 2 decades, so who better to tell their harrowing tales? But, it's important to note that Thayil never judges or condemns the characters because of their lifestyle choices, and Narcopolis is sometimes painful to read, but it's not a cautionary tale. Instead, it offers a multi-faceted, honest, realistic perspective of addiction. Even if you don't want to read the whole thing, I implore you to at least read the first sentence, which is seven pages of pure, drug-induced poetry. Read the full review here, and check out what other BookerMarks members had to say about the book here.

2. The Teleportation Accident by Ned Beauman

Beauman's novel is now one of my all-time favorite books, which is why I am incredibly disappointed that it didn't make it to the shortlist this year. It is one of the most hilariously clever and absurd books I've ever read. The Teleportation Accident is about love, war, sex, literature, film, theatre, performance, politics, Hollywood, WWII era Europe, and, well....teleportation of course! How could this not make it to the shortlist? It literally has something for everyone! And the book's narrator is perhaps the most hilariously deplorable and quotable narrators in literary history. Read the full review here, and check out what other BookerMarks members had to say about the book here.

1. Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel

In 2009, Hilary Mantel won the Man Booker Prize for her historical novel, Wolf Hall, which chronicles Thomas Cromwell's career as a confidant to King Henry VIII as Henry endeavors to annul his marriage to Katherine of Aragon and wed the infamous Anne Boleyn. In her 2012 sequel, Thomas Cromwell returns as the Master Secretary during a volatile time in British history. Henry VIII is still without a son and is growing weary of Anne Boleyn while simultaneously falling for Jane Seymour. Cromwell must tread lightly to ensure the king's happiness while also protecting his own interests and future. If Mantel wins this year, she will be the first British writer to win the award twice. I won't be surprised if it wins, because this book is absolutely amazing. Mantel's prose is unparalleled and her ability to bring history to life will lure in readers and fans of multiple genres. I actually liked it better than Wolf Hall. Mantel is currently working on the third installment of the Henry VIII/Thomas Cromwell trilogy, which is entitled The Mirror and the Light. Read the full review of Bring Up the Bodies here and check out what other BookerMarks members had to say about the book here. And if you're so inclined, feel free to also check out my review of Wolf Hall.

What did you think of the Man Booker Prize contenders? Which books were you surprised/happy/disappointed to see on the shortlist? Who do you think will win? Feel free to address any of these questions in the comments section below. The waiting is almost over!

The Lighthouse by Alison Moore

2012-10-14T12:20:00.000-04:00

     We all know that there is a deep connection between memory and the senses. Sights, scents, and sounds can trigger all sorts of complicated emotional responses, but for the main character in Alison Moore's Man Booker shortlisted novel, memory is hypersensitive, puzzling, and often devastating. Futh is a quiet, middle-aged man on Holiday in Germany after a recent separation from his wife, Angela. Their marriage has ended before Futh can accurately process exactly why, so he takes a short "vacation" to clear his head and try to figure out where things went wrong. Along the way, he stays in a small, locally-operated hotel referred to as Hellhaus. At the hotel, Futh finds the staff to be quite peculiar, especially Ester, who operates the hotel with her husband, Bernard. As Futh embarks upon his painful and tedious journey of memory and self-exploration, we are alternately transported back to Hellhaus, where Futh's presence has triggered a completely separate, but somehow connected resurgence of memories and abandoned thoughts.

   As Futh scratches the surface of why his relationship with Angela failed, he is unpleasantly reminded of the other various failed relationships throughout his life, including that of his father, various neighbors, friends, relatives, and of course, his wife. But while Futh is picking at old wounds, he is continually reminded of the deepest and most painful memory - Futh's mother abandoned him and his father during Futh's childhood, and he has never fully recovered from the tragic abandonment, probably because he never understood why his mother left in the first place. Futh is left with certain scents and images to remind him of his long-gone mother, but most of all, he is entranced by a silver lighthouse that once contained a vial of his mother's perfume.

     While Futh originally set out on a journey to achieve peace, quiet, and possibly clarity, he finds himself increasingly and mysteriously overwhelmed by the scent of oranges, cigarette smoke, violets, and camphor. All of these scents trigger various memories for both Futh and Ester, but neither are aware of how they intersect and why the emotional association is so strong. Alison Moore's novel is a melancholy portrayal of loneliness, abandonment, restlessness, and regret, but Futh and Ester's stories are quietly powerful, and their memories serve as reminders of the events in our past from which our senses will never let us escape.

This review was simultaneously published on BookerMarks on 10/14/12

Overall Rating:

The Lighthouse podcast

2012-10-14T11:35:00.001-04:00

The fifth installment of the BookerMarks podcast series is here! To listen to my fellow BookerMarkers discussing Alison Moore's shortlisted novel, The Lighthouse, head on over to BookerMarks now! I plan to have my own review up by the end of the day...

Narcopolis podcast

2012-10-11T10:42:00.002-04:00

Over at BookerMarks my collaborators and I have read/reviewed/discussed 4 out of the 6 novels on the 2012 Man Booker Prize shortlist. This week, we gathered to discuss Jeet Thayil's Narcopolis. To listen to our discussion of Thayil's controversial novel, head on over to BookerMarks now!

We also recently finished our podcast/discussion of Tan Twan Eng's novel, The Garden of Evening Mists. You can check that out over at BookerMarks as well.

Narcopolis by Jeet Thayil

2012-10-08T18:53:00.000-04:00

     Jeet Thayil's Man Booker Prize-nominated novel is set in Bombay, India during the 1970s and 80s, where the city's slums are overrun with dogs, children, and detriment, and the opium dens are always full. Narcopolis chronicles the lives of several addicts during the cultural shift from opium to cheaply-made heroin. We meet Rashid, who owns and operates the opium shop along with the help of Dimple, a eunuch prostitute known for making the best pipe in the city. Our narrator, Dom, wafts in and out of the story, and slowly, through flickering opium-blurred images, we see a cultural portrait emerge - one of religion, gender, sex, tradition, addiction, and the fine balance between pleasure and pain.

     Narcopolis explores the multifaceted nature of the "lowest of the low, prostitutes and criminals and drug addicts, people with no faith in god or man, no faith in anything except the truth of their own senses." And Narcopolis is indeed a novel of the senses. It's not always pleasant or comfortable, but Thayil's masterful, poetic prose is impossible to ignore - primarily because it will make you squirm and cringe. But at the same time, Thayil's language is honest, sorrowful, and filled with simple, but wise observations about the relationship between freedom and addiction.

     Jeet Thayil has said in recent interviews that he was himself an opium addict for 20 years, and this perspective has allowed him to write a book that is neither condemning nor glorifying drug culture, but rather presenting its reality from the perspective of the addicts. The characters are tortured and miserable, but they're also sympathetic and hopeful. With Narcopolis, Thayil enlightens readers to the true nature of obsession and addiction with no political agenda or judgements. For these characters, the addiction is consuming, but it does not snuff out their humanity. Only Thayil's empathy and memory can inject the hopeless and destitute wanderers of Narcopolis with the compassion and understanding that their reputations so often belie.

This review was simultaneously published on BookerMarks on 10/8/12

Overall Rating:

More Halloween books for all ages

2012-10-05T11:43:00.000-04:00

If you liked Hooked Bookworm's list of Halloween books for all ages, the check out the updated version to see more scary books for the most sinister time of year!!

The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng

2012-10-02T20:30:00.000-04:00

     In Tan Twan Eng's Man Booker Prize shortlisted novel, Yun Ling is desperately trying to preserve her memories before a neurological illness destroys her mind and body. Through this act of reconstruction and preservation, the horrifying experience of Yun Ling's life in a WWII Japanese internment camp is revealed, as well as her heartbreaking tale of sacrifice, survival and recovery. As the sole survivor of the war camp, Yun Ling is unable to forgive herself for leaving her sister behind, and seeks to preserve her memory through the construction of an elaborate Japanese garden. Soon, she begins an apprenticeship with Aritomo - a reclusive, but highly-respected Japanese artist and gardener. Aritomo was once the gardener to the Emperor, but he eventually settled in Malaya, where he meets Yun Ling, who is still incredibly suspicious of and frightened by the Japanese, but willing to endure Aritomo's teachings for the sake of her sister's memory.

     But soon, Yun Ling's apprenticeship with Aritomo develops into a quiet, but complicated romance, and she finds out that their paths have intersected since her childhood. Despite their intimacy, Aritomo is reluctant to share his history with his lover, and the couple compensates with a bond over nature and art. Aritomo soon reveals that he is a master of the art of horimono tattoos - a practice that is both sacred and controversial - and he recruits Yun Ling as his next subject. The tattoo takes months to complete, and when it is finished, Yun Ling is mesmerized by the skillful design of the tattoo. It is certainly beautiful, but there is something mysterious and cryptic about the patterns and markings. As Yun Ling completes her biographical account, she is enlightened to the true meaning of the horimono - a discovery that answers questions from long ago and allows her to finally complete her long-awaited journey of healing.

     The Garden of Evening Mists is a tender story of grief, faith, sacrifice, and redemption, and the plot is well-crafted, but for me, this is not the Man Booker Prize winner. As some other critiques of this novel have stated, the second half of the story is disappointingly predictable and the character development is somewhat underwhelming. Even so, The Garden of Evening Mists is a fascinating depiction of war-era Malaya - a period of WWII history that is often overlooked. Tan Twan Eng skillfully weaves the violence of war with the beauty and delicacy of Aritomo's garden to create a story that is quite a sensory experience. The lush, vibrant landscape becomes the novel's most compelling character and reminds readers of the harmonious healing powers that nature can exude.

This review was simultaneously published on BookerMarks on 10/2/12

Overall Rating:

BookerMarks Podcast #2: Bring Up the Bodies

2012-09-29T20:37:00.000-04:00

Those of you following our BookerMarks discussion of the Man Booker Prize nominees will be happy to know that podcast #2 is now available. In this installment, we discuss Hilary Mantel's shortlisted title, Bring Up the Bodies, and next week we will be talking about Tan Twan Eng's The Garden of Evening Mists. And just so y'all know, none of this would be possible without our amazing editor/organizer, Aaron. You can check out his literary musings over at Opinionless! Other contributors to BookerMarks include: The Literary Hoarders, A Reader and a Rider, and 40 Gigs and a Mule

Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel

2012-09-25T17:57:00.000-04:00

     Hilary Mantel's brilliant sequel to her 2009 novel, Wolf Hall, has once again earned her a spot on the Man Booker Prize shortlist. Bring Up the Bodies is a continuance of Thomas Cromwell's story as it intersects with Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. As the novel opens, it is the fall of 1535 - Former Queen Katherine of Aragon is on her deathbed and current Queen, Anne Boleyn, is also inching dangerously close to death. She has made many promises in her relentless efforts to become Queen, yet the most important promise - to produce a male heir to the throne - has yet to be fulfilled. In the meantime, rumors have begun to circulate that perhaps Anne has not been faithful to her husband, and that, perhaps their daughter, Elizabeth, was fathered by another man.

     Pretty soon, the swirling rumors reach the ears of the King, and although Henry is outraged at the prospect of his wife's extramarital encounters, he also sees it as an opportunity to rid himself of Anne Boleyn, who has turned out to be more trouble than pleasure for Henry. And of course, "Queens come and go," so Henry enlists the help of Master Secretary Thomas Cromwell to remove Anne Boleyn of her position so that a new (and hopefully more fertile) Queen can take her place. Luckily for Cromwell, "the affairs of the whole realm are whispered in his ear," so the process of Anne's removal is expedited. In fact, it takes just about a month for Cromwell to compile a case against Anne, have her tried in court, and finally beheaded. The crimes against the infamous Queen include treason, incest, and adultery, and her trial and subsequent death prove to be extremely consequential for the Tudors. Many others are sent to their deaths because of what they may or may not have said and done with Anne Boleyn, and Henry's Court is in disarray after living in the midst of potential conspirators and traitors.

   But even before the death of his second wife Henry's lust has found a new target - Jane Seymour. Miss Seymour is known for her reputation of purity, innocence, and humility, and Henry would love nothing more than to marry her immediately and impregnate her with (fingers crossed!) a son. And Henry is the King, so, with the help of the ever-faithful Cromwell, England has a new Queen less than 2 weeks after the death of Anne Boleyn.

   To British history buffs, the Tudors' story is nothing new. Henry VIII was one of the most infamous and highly-discussed English monarchs, and his relationships with his (count em') 6 wives have been fairly well documented throughout history. But Mantel isn't really interested in Henry or Anne or Jane or Katherine. Of course they're all important players, but none of them compare to the true mastermind of these Tudor events. Thomas Cromwell was always there, quietly listening in the shadows, writing everything down and memorizing every single detail of the King's personal and private affairs so that he would be prepared for anything and everything imaginable. Thomas Cromwell made things happen before the King even realized he wanted them to happen. He's been called cold, cruel, calculated, and evil. But he was also probably one of the most intelligent and well-informed men in Tudor history - despite what he may have accomplished or destroyed with such knowledge.

     Either way, Bring Up the Bodies offers readers a new perspective on Henry VIII's relationship with Anne Boleyn - one that focuses on the pragmatic aspect of the surrounding events rather than the emotional or romantic facets. As Hilary Mantel has said, Cromwell "is still in need of attention from biographers,"but even the most skilled biographer may have trouble bringing Cromwell's story to life compared to Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies.

     Mantel is currently writing the third installment of this Henry VIII trilogy, which is titled The Mirror and the Light. Bring Up the Bodies is on the 2012 Man Booker Prize shortlist (which she won in 2009 for Wolf Hall), and The Mirror and the Light is probably already nominated for the 2013 prize. I hope so. And I hope she wins!

This review was simultaneously published on BookerMarks

Overall Rating:

BookerMarks Podcast!

2012-09-23T11:30:00.000-04:00

If any of y'all have been following the other blog I contribute to, BookerMarks, then you'll be happy to know that our first podcast discussion of Will Self's Man Book Prize shortlisted novel, Umbrella, is now available for your listening pleasure. Check it out here!

Umbrella by Will Self

2012-09-18T11:24:00.000-04:00

     Buried deep under a mess of contractions, grammatical debris, and indecipherable Cockney slang lies a story - a nouveau modernist tale that reads kind of like a hybrid of Dada, Faulkner, Eliot, and Dr. Seuss. In Will Self's Man Booker Prize shortlisted novel, we are introduced to Zack Busner, a psychiatrist at Friern Hospital in London. Busner and his staff primarily deal with victims of Encephalitis Lethargica - an epidemic that spread around the time of World War I and leaves its victims in a catatonic state. Busner has been treating these patients for years with no luck, but eventually, Audrey Death begins to respond to his treatments.

     Audrey has been a patient at Friern for longer than Busner has been there, and as she slowly emerges from her catatonic state and the clouds of her mind clear away, Busner is shocked at how difficult and challenging it is to rehabilitate post-encephalitic patients in a modern world. While Audrey has absorbed more of her surroundings than Busner previously thought, most of her thoughts are stuck in the time before her affliction, and it is the hospital staff's unenviable task to modernize and rehabilitate these Sleeping Beauty patients. After a few weeks of this, Busner begins to wonder if perhaps patients like Audrey would be "better off" if their rotting brains were left alone, but it's too late to turn back now.

     Told in the alternating voices of Audrey and Dr. Busner throughout who knows how many time periods, Umbrella should be a compelling read about war, modernity, sex, gender, experimental medicine, and the lack of accountability in the mental health system - but it's not. Well, it might actually be about those things, but unless you're armed with a pretty highfalutin vocabulary, a working knowledge of Cockney accents and London slang, and the 3D decoder from the accompanying Umbrella cereal box, then you might just find yourself completely lost in the literary rain without a literate umbrella.

This review was simultaneously published on BookerMarks

Overall Rating:

The All of It by Jeannette Haien

2012-09-14T10:50:00.000-04:00

     Father Declan de Loughry has lived a relatively quiet life in a quaint little Irish town. When he's not serving his parishioners, he's usually fishing for salmon and meditating. As Haien's novel opens, Father Declan is fishing for salmon with very little luck and distracted by thoughts of Kevin and Enda Dennehy. The Dennehy's have been a staple in their small community for decades, and Kevin has just unexpectedly passed away. But Father Declan is not preoccupied by grief - yes, Kevin's death is tragic, but even more worrisome is the confession that Kevin made to his priest just before his death. Unfortunately, Kevin died before he could finish the story, so it's up to his wife, Enda, to deliver the rest of the tale and confess "the all of it."

     As Enda reveals secret after secret, Father Declan is overwhelmed by truth. Right before his death, Kevin confessed that he and Enda were never actually married, but he died before he got a chance to explain. Now it's up to Enda to reveal the truth - and the truth is painful, tragic, and controversial. Father Declan is so astounded at the depth and nature of her story that he is unsure how to handle the truth. His first instinct is to point fingers and condemn, but as Enda reveals more complications and hidden corners in her story, Father Declan's opinion of the Dennehy's shifts between amazement, horror, sympathy, and compassion.

     The All of It is a very small, but moving story built at the intersection of religion, morality, and circumstance. Father Declan's first reaction to Enda's confession is horror and embarrassment. He spits heavy words at Enda, saying "I'm personally mortified for the two of you. What have you been thinking these many years...before God with your sin...and deceiving your neighbors-" (p. 12). But the truth is more complicated than he ever imagined and by the end of the novel, Father Declan must face his own moral dilemma.

     Written in 1986 but still incredibly relevant, Jeannette Haien's debut novel is a compelling examination of a case where hard and fast religious boundaries are blurred by circumstance and tragedy - where blame is elusive and sin is uncertain. Haien's novel may not feel overtly powerful, but its grace and candor cannot be overlooked as readers are reminded that grief, guilt, desire, and empathy are profoundly complex human emotions, and that morality can prove to be baffling and indecipherable just when we think we've mastered it.

Overall Rating:

Man Booker Prize shortlist announced

2012-09-11T10:05:00.000-04:00

As you know, I've been working on a secondary blog, BookerMarks, with a few of my blogger friends to read through the MB Prize longlist. For the past 6 weeks, myself and six other bloggers have been reading through the nominees and attempting to predict the shortlist. Well, today the wait is over. This morning the MB Prize judges announced the shortlist, and uh, let's just say that there were a few surprises. For example, Will Self's novel, Umbrella, ranked consistently low among BookerMarks readers, but it is on the shortlist. And the overwhelming favorite, The Teleportation Accident, didn't make it. But then again, The Man Booker Prize is a British literary award, and I'm not a British audience. Anyway, without further ado, here is the 2012 shortlist:

Narcopolis - Jeet Thayil

Umbrella - Will Self

The Lighthouse - Alison Moore

Bring Up the Bodies - Hilary Mantel

Swimming Home - Deborah Levy

The Garden of Evening Mists - Tam Twan Eng

What do you think of this year's shortlist? To see reviews of titles on both the longlist and shortlist, head on over to BookerMarks. Over the next month, we'll be keeping a close eye on the shortlisted titles as we read through the list, but for now, check out our Shortlist Standings to see how we've ranked to eligible titles so far. The official winner will be announced on October 16.

Skios by Michael Frayn

2012-09-09T12:10:00.000-04:00

     On the Greek island of Skios, guests of the Fred Toppler Foundation are eagerly awaiting the keynote address of world-renowned scientist, Dr. Norman Wilfred. But the Dr. Wilfred who appears is not at all like they imagined - especially for Nikki, the overworked, under-appreciated and exhausted organizer of this high-profile event. Nikki is stunned to find that Dr. Wilfred is young, handsome, and extremely charismatic rather than the middle-aged, formal academic she was expecting to meet. In fact, Dr. Wilfred is so unbelievably personable, considering that he is a highly-acclaimed, brilliant scientist and researcher, that Nikki and the rest of the guests are stunned by his charm and wit. Dr. Norman Wilfred is seemingly a godsend for the stuffy, staunch Foundation, but there's just one problem....the man claiming to be Dr. Wilfred isn't Dr. Wilfred at all. He's just a young, bored, spontaneous man who happened to be mistaken for the distinguished scientist. Most normal people would quickly correct a mistaken identity, but not Oliver Fox. Oliver is tire of being Oliver, so why not be Dr. Wilfred for a few days? Everyone seems convinced enough.

     Across the island, a young girl named Georgie has just arrived at her vacation villa expecting to meet Oliver for a long, possibly romantic retreat, but instead of the handsome young Oliver, she finds the highly confused and overwhelmed Dr. Wilfred. He claims to be some sort of doctor who has arrived on the island to deliver a lecture, so why the hell is he in her villa? And where in the world could Oliver be? Such are the questions raised in Michael Frayn's longlisted novel of farcical comedy and absurdity.

     Skios isn't at all what I expected for a Man Booker Prize contender. It's outrageous, silly, and, well, kind of like a Monty Python sketch. But at the same time, it's also subtly poignant and thought-provoking. Skios reminds us that our identities are completely dependent on others' perceptions of us, whether we like it or not. And no matter how much you believe that "only you can be you," well.....all it really takes to screw that up is one case of mistaken identity and a guy like Oliver to play along. It's that easy.

     And as if the plot line weren't funny and ridiculous enough, the book is also filled with a very colorful and eccentric supporting cast. From Sheiks to former showgirls, the cast of Skios provide all the tools you need to properly make fun of academia and intellectuals. And what better place to do it than the birthplace of philosophy and western civilization?

     I must applaud Michael Frayn for successfully writing such an involved and complicated comedy, but sometimes the comedic elements did feel a bit overwhelming, especially toward the ending, where everything falls apart and comes together at the same time. It's basically like literary fireworks - loud, overwhelming, and extrasensory - but incredibly entertaining nonetheless.

This review was simultaneously published on BookerMarks on 9/9/12

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Decatur Book Festival 2012 Report

2012-09-04T16:15:00.001-04:00

     Well, I have returned home safely from Atlanta where I attended the Decatur Book Festival! The DBF is the largest independent book festival in the country, by the way, and it gets better and better every year. This year featured over 300 authors, including Erin Morgenstern, Chelsea Cain, and Julie Otsuka. The majority of the events were scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, and unfortunately, there was a great deal of schedule overlapping so I wasn't able to see everyone.

   Highlights from this trip include meeting Lauren Groff, author of Arcadia and The Monsters of Templeton, and Sheila Turnage, who wrote the charming new children's novel, Three Times Lucky. Turnage read a few chapters from her novel and answered some adorable children's questions. She also mentioned that there will be a sequel to Three Times Lucky, which I am already anxiously awaiting. Lauren Groff's presentation was much more intimate and conversational, and while I have not read any of her novels or her short story collection, I am now the proud owner of both her novels, which I am looking forward to reading...eventually!

     I was also able to attend a reading/book discussion by Gail Tsukiyama, which was incredibly fascinating. I really enjoyed reading The Samurai's Garden, and now I'm looking forward to Tsukiyama's newest novel, A Hundred Flowers. And I have to say, while I wouldn't really consider myself a huge Meg Cabot fan (I've only read one of her novels), her presentation was probably the most entertaining of all. She is absolutely hilarious, down-to-earth, and extremely personable. Seriously, you should have seen the line of folks lined up to get their copies of The Princess Diaries signed. It was nuts! But it was a small line compared to that of Captain Underpants series author Dav Pilkey. He must have signed over 1000 books! The line wrapped around a city block and Mr. Pilkey was at the signing table for hours. I must applaud that level of commitment to his fan base, because those kids were hopped up on popsicles and funnel cakes, screaming, and climbing trees while he patiently signed books in the 95 degree heat and humidity. What a stand-up guy!

     I was also able to see Michael Connelly and Michael Kortya, but I've never read any of their books, so it wasn't quite as exciting as the others. It's impossible to see everyone, and I regret the fact that I was unable to meet Erin Morgenstern, Amber Dermont, Julie Otsuka, and Rob Reid. My husband just finished (and highly enjoyed) Reid's new book, Year Zero, by the way. Plus, it's just so easy to get distracted by the tents and vendor tables. Literally, y'all, tents FILLED with books that are irresistably cheap, not to mention the book-related crafts, such as handmade journals and bookmarks, the amazing food, and free stuff. So much free stuff! One of the reasons why this post is a day late is because it took me forever to unpack everything I accumulated in Atlanta. And of course, I managed a quick trip to H&M, but I'm so proud of myself because I only bought 2 things!

     And just so y'all know, the DBF is completely free (unless you buy a ton of stuff), kid-friendly, family-friendly, and oh so fun. For a bibliophile like myself, it's like a little corner of heaven, except that heaven is probably not as hot and humid as Georgia. But such is the nature of summertime in the south!

Decatur Book Festival 2012!

2012-08-31T10:18:00.001-04:00

Well, it's that time of year again.....Tonight I'll be heading down to Atlanta, GA for the annual Decatur Book Festival. If you've ever been to Atlanta, then you know it has some of the best shopping in the south....especially some of the best book shopping. It seems like every time I go to Atlanta I come home with a huge haul of books and tons of clothes from H&M. I suppose I can't complain!

Last year, the DBF saw the likes of Clyde Edgerton, Tom Perrotta, and Karen Russell (among many others), and this year the festival will feature more than 300 authors, including Erin Morgenstern, Michael Connelly, David Levithan, Lauren Groff, Kevin Henkes, Sheila Turnage, Julie Otsuka, and Gail Tsukiyama. Seriously, y'all, it gives me chills.

If you want to know more about the DBF, check out their events schedule and full author listing. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. Now I'm off to finish packing! I shall return on Monday with a full report and an empty wallet. I hope y'all enjoy the holiday weekend as well!

Swamplandia! by Karen Russell

2012-08-28T18:28:00.001-04:00

     Karen Russell's debut, Pulitzer Prize nominated novel takes us deep into the Florida marshes to Swamplandia!, which was once "the Number One Gator-Themed Park and Swamp Cafe in the area." Swamplandia! featured all kinds of attractions, but their headliner was the famous Hilola Bigtree: wife, mother of three, and "world-famous alligator wrestler." But in the prime of Swamplandia!, Hilola died suddenly of an extremely aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Hilola's death is earth-shattering for the rest of the Bigtree family, but 13 year-old Ava Bigtree is determined to follow in her mother's footsteps and master the skill of gator wrestling.

     Unfortunately, the rest of the Bigtrees aren't as optimistic about the park's future. Ava's older sister, Osceola, has retreated inside herself and claims to be both possessed by and engaged to a ghost. Their older brother, Kiwi, decides to leave the swamp and find a job on the mainland, and their father, The Chief, is increasingly vague on the subject of their financial situation. But Ava is determined to save the swamp and reunite her family - a job that turns out to be much more perilous than wrestling gators.

     Swamplandia! follows a variety of themes, but more than anything, it is a novel about loss and grief. As Ava says in retrospect, "I didn't realize that one tragedy can beget another, and another - bright-eyed disasters flooding out of a death hole like bats out of a cave" (p. 9). But Ava soon finds out that dying isn't the worst part of death. Grief is much worse, especially the kind that tears your family apart, clouds your judgment, and challenges your sanity. Osceola is metaphorically "possessed" by grief. Ava's grief is suppressed by concern for her sister and the future of the park, but bubbling just below the murky surface in her desire to become a gator wrestler. And Kiwi's grief is played out in his descent into The World of Darkness - a rival mainland theme park where he is employed. The Bigtree family at first attempts an attitude of "the show must go on," but how can the show go on if the star is dead and the supporting cast is in mourning?

     The novel also explores the dichotomy of memory and reality. Osceola stays as far away from reality as possible, but Ava and Kiwi must slowly face the towering facts. While Hilola Bigtree is a superhero to her family, in reality, Swamplandia! was never much more than an obscure sideshow attraction. In the cold light of maturity, their shimmering childhood is not quite as bright as they remember.

     For the quirky, eccentric characters of Swamplandia!, life is full of haunted little surprises. This is especially true for Ava, whose narration serves to chronicle the end of her mother's story just as much as it charts the beginning of her own coming-of-age story. And this idea of a blurry convergence is where Karen Russell really shines as a writer. Whether it's the convergence of life and death, innocence and experience, or fear and courage, Swamplandia! couldn't be a more perfect locale for such a merging. After all, there's no better place for redemption than a southern swampland, right?

     This book received tremendous praise after its Pulitzer Prize nomination, and while I agree that Russell's prose is spectacular, it's important to keep in mind that Swamplandia! is a very character-driven novel. Compared to the level of character development, the plot may feel a bit lackluster, and even disjointed at times. But even so, Karen Russell's poetic prose and stylistic subtleties are more than enough to engage readers.

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