Musings of a Bookish Kitty

Bookish Thoughts: Trevor's Song by Susan Helene Gottfried

2012-05-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Susan Helene Gottfried first came to my attention through blogger Florinda of The 3 R's Blog. Susan writes the blog West of Mars and began recording her characters various adventures on her website several years ago, giving readers a taste of what to look forward to in her novel. I never really followed her blog and so was unfamiliar with the Shapeshifter rock band. It took me awhile, but I finally purchased a copy of Shapeshifter: Demo Tapes, Year 1 (2008, 134 pgs) and Trevor's Song (303 pgs) to see what all the fuss was about.

I really wasn't sure what to expect going into Trevor's Song. I hadn't read a synopsis of the book going in. All I knew was that it was about a rock band, and probably one you wouldn't find me listening to if Shapeshifter was a real band. Heavy metal is more my husband's type of music. When have I let a little something like that stop me from reading a book, however? I was curious and so I dived right in. One thing I especially liked about Shapeshifter: Demo Tapes, Year 1 and Trevor's Song was how real and normal the characters were. And by normal I mean like you and me. They could have been teachers at a school, for instance. Only they weren't. They are part of a pretty popular rock band. Only, fame hasn't gone to their heads.

Mitchell seems like someone I wouldn't mind hanging out with--he and Kerri. Sure he has a bit of a temper, but he's got it pretty well under control. The rest of the band seems pretty cool too. Even Trevor who leans toward the drama queen. He tries a bit too hard to perfect the rocker image. Trevor and I didn't mesh right away, I admit. He grew on me after awhile--although I never stopped seeing as that lost puppy dog that needs caring for. Let's just say he has a lot of issues--both past and present.

There is a degree of humor mixed in with the serious in Gottfried's writing. She tackles some pretty difficult topics from child abuse to breast cancer. I really came to care about her characters and enjoyed spending time with them.

If I could do it over again, I think I would have read Trevor's Song before diving into Shapeshifter: Demo Tapes, Year 1. Some readers will appreciate trying the sampler first, getting to know the band that way. It certainly was a smart way to get her blog readers invested in her characters before the novel came out. I, on the other hand, would have preferred the novel first.

I look forward to moving on to Shapeshifter: Demo Tapes, Year 2 soon.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Short Stories on Wednesday: Shooting an Elephant by George Orwell

2012-05-23T00:00:00.002-07:00

Hosted by Risa of Breadcrumb Reads.

"Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell

First published in 1936, George Orwell’s "Shooting an Elephant" tells the story about a disgruntled white police officer in Burma who hates his job. He is a symbol of imperialism and therefore disliked by the masses. He is called upon to find and take care of an elephant who on the loose wreaking havoc and violence everywhere. He finds the elephant eating peaceably in a field and is reluctant to shoot it. Behind him, however, is a crowd of Burmese anxious for him to shoot the elephant. To give into the crowd or save the elephant? The narrator must decide.

There is some question as to whether George Orwell’s essay is a true account or based purely in fiction. Regardless, it’s a suspenseful story and well told. I am not the biggest fan of short stories, often coming away from them wishing there was more. In this case, George Orwell does an excellent job of introducing his reader to the main character and setting up the story. I wasn’t left wanting in the end.

The essay carries with it a deeper meaning, beyond just the surface story. The anti-European is heavy in Burma at the time the story is set and the narrator himself is clearly opposed to imperialism, having grown more so based on his experiences as the masses see him as a symbol of that imperialism. The question of how far will a person go to please a crowd even if it may not be the right thing to do is also raised. It’s particularly significant given the role of the narrator.

It’s a fairly easy read if you have a few minutes to spare. "Shooting an Elephant" is a disturbing tale—so be forewarned.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Thoughts: Before the Poison by Peter Robinson

2012-05-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Before the Poison by Peter Robinson
William Morrow, 2012
Crime Fiction; 358 pgs

Author Peter Robinson steps away from his Inspector Banks series briefly to bring readers Before the Poison, a stand alone novel.

As I read through the first few chapters of Before the Poison, I was coming to the conclusion that the novel would be good but nothing that would stand out. I hate to form judgements so early on, but we all do it to some degree, don't we? I liked Chris Lowndes, the narrator and main character, well enough. He has an interesting background as a music composer who scores films. He lost his wife to cancer nearly a year before and decided to move home to Yorkshire after almost thirty years in the U.S. He bought the Kilnsgate House sight unseen, only going off of photos on the internet. Like many old houses, the house has a history. And part of this particular house's history was the death of its master, a prominent doctor. The doctor's wife, Grace Fox, formerly a nurse, had been having an affair with a much younger man at the time. The affair became the cornerstone for the prosecution's case against Grace. The conviction came quickly and she was hung as a result. Chris is convinced she is innocent and sets out to prove it; only the more he learns, the more he questions his initial impression--the only thing he knows for sure is that there is more to the story than the public believed.

Much time is initially spent getting to know Chris as he settles into his new life in Yorkshire. He is prone to moments of depression, which is understandable given the recent loss of his wife. He drinks too much. He is thoughtful and introspective. He seems like an all around nice guy--and he is. He is just learning to live life again and his crusade to uncover the truth about Grace helps him find his way. His friends think he's obsessed--and maybe he is. Well, if he is, so was I, as the novel went on. I confess there were a couple of times I wanted to speed through Chris' ruminations and get back to the meat of the story--or at least when I consider the meat of the story--that is, Grace Fox.

For the first several chapters, each chapter opens with notes from the trial which eventually makes way for journal entries by Grace herself from her time as a nurse during World War II. For me, that's where the book went from good to great. I became just as enamored with Grace as Chris was. She was such an interesting character with such a rich past . . . Unfortunately (for you), this is one of those books that is layered like an onion; with each layer of skin removed, a little more is revealed. It makes writing a review with any substance a bit difficult. I will say that there is much more to this book than at first appears.

I confess I didn't quite buy into the present day love story, a minor subplot, but I liked the way the author tied Chris's own story into Grace's in the end, and I came to appreciate more the time the author took in building up Chris's personal story. It almost makes me want to go back and read the book again. Someday perhaps I will.

Even though Before the Poison is pure fiction, I couldn't help but do a little Google searching when certain names or incidents popped up. I had no reason to think they were real or made up and it certainly wouldn't have hindered the story either way. Still, I was curious and was impressed with how much research Peter Robinson put into his book. I learned about the last woman executed in England as well as more about The Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, including their role in World War II, and I learned more about Porton Down. I love it when a book sparks off the researcher in me, and Before the Poison certainly did that.

Overall, I walked away from Before the Poison satisfied, if not a little melancholy. I really must read more by Peter Robinson. He impresses me every time.

You can learn more about Peter Robinson and his books on the author's website.

Source: Review copy provided by publisher.

Sunday Salon: The Rambling Update

2012-05-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sundays are such lovely days. The mornings start off at a leisurely pace which lasts most of the day through. We wake up when we wake up. We take the day as it comes. No offices to go to. No schedules to follow.

In the pre-baby days, I would often spend Sundays reading and catching up with my fellow bloggers. I could spend all day on my computer if I wasn't careful--and sometimes I did. Post-baby, days like that are non-existent. I am not complaining. It's just how it is. Now my Sundays are filled with board books and miniature cars and dolls, pots and pans and utensils turned into musical instruments, water play, and leisurely walks. I almost dread when the next door neighbors officially move in. Will they mind that Mouse likes to climb the steps up to their front door and examine the yellow flowers along their driveway? There is the occasional tantrum when Mouse doesn't get her way or when she grows tired (oh, how she hates naps and fights us tooth and nail most days), but generally, our Sundays are filled with the activities of a 14 month old who barely takes time out to rest. Her smiles and laugh never cease to melt my heart.

Mouse has quite a few words under her belt now. I love hearing her say "apple" and will often say it myself just to hear her say it back. She can say "up", "down", "Daddy", "kitty cat", "shoes", "ball", "boat", "hi", "bubbles", "pizza", and "bye" among other less discernible words. She is learning the names of the children at her daycare. I am always amazed at just how much she understands. She waves goodbye and can blow kisses. She knows how to blow her nose and is learning how to brush her teeth (although there's still more biting than brushing). At her daycare she's discovered how to climb up the step stool to get to the sink--she can turn on the water and "wash" her hands.

Mouse also is at that "helpful" stage where all she wants to do help. I let her carry the cat food dishes to the sink for me, and will lift her up so she can put them in the sink's basin. We are still working on the part where she needs to leave the fresh food out for the cats and not pick the dishes up as soon as I put them down. She likes to play with the broom and "sweeps" the kitchen and dining area floor for us. She likes to move clothes from the washer to the dryer and from the dryer to the basket. Mouse has gotten good about putting her own clothes in the hamper in the evenings before bath-time. All seemingly simple tasks, sure. Still, seeing a child grow and learn . . . It's amazing and I couldn't be more proud.

Her knee bouncing dance has been taken to new heights. She loves to spin in circles, often making herself dizzy to the point of falling down. She has a magnet farm set on the fridge (thanks to Serena for the idea!) that plays music, and many afternoons or evenings you can find all three of us spinning to the magnet's tunes. When the music stops, Mouse walks over to the farmhouse, pushes the button and starts the music again. She makes sure her dad and I are dancing before resuming her spot and spinning again.

Anjin and I recently got a new bedroom set, our first after having used a hand me down set for the past 15 years. The bed is high and so I got a little foot stool to make it easier for me to get into bed. Mouse learned quickly how to climb up the steps and pull herself onto the bed. She also knows how to get down--although we're still working on completely mastering that trick. She recently went down our entire flight of stairs all on her own (my husband and I holding our breath the entire time). She has been going up them on her own for awhile now, but I could never interest her in practicing going down. Now we know she knows how to do it! Backwards and all.

It isn't just stairs Mouse is climbing these days either. She climbs everything. Or attempts to. It's exciting and thrilling, but scary as heck for us parents.

It wasn't too long ago I was worried about Mouse's lack of interest in books. No sooner had I come to accept it for what it was--just a young child too busy exploring her world--then suddenly she began bringing me book after book after book to read. She likes to climb onto my or her dad's lap for story time. I joke with friends that her first full sentence was, "Sit down!" Said with a pointed finger at the spot where she wants me to sit, often after she's dragged me by the hand to the location, book in hand. She loves to be read to--even if she sometimes still has difficulty sitting through the entire book.

She definitely has her favorite books. She'll go to her shelf and start pulling off books, throwing each one to the ground until she finds the one or two she wants. In one reading session, we'll read the same three books over and over and over again. The more often we read a book, the more she will take charge and start turning pages herself. And sometimes she'll "read" to me. With a couple of books, Anjin and I noticed that she always stops us at the same place--right after the cuddle. We, of course, use voices and act out the stories as we go--and the cuddle seems to be one of her favorite moments. She'll get a big smile on her face and giggle as we squeeze her close.

Besides playing outside at her water table, Mouse seems to love reading most these days. She will bring me a book to read to her no matter where we are in the house. As a fellow reader, I love it and only hope her interest in books continues to grow.

My own reading has flowed at a relatively steady pace. I rarely open a book on the weekends, unless it is to sneak in a page or two before I fall asleep, and so most of my reading is done during my lunch break at work. My usual preference of reading one book at a time has shifted somewhere along the line to reading two at a time. One at work and another at home before bed time. At one point last month I had four books going at once. In fact, I think I'm at that point again right now.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain failed to win me over, and I doubt I will return to it. I just can't bring myself to care about the characters or to find out what happens next. For me, that's always the kiss of death for a book. The book is basically a fictionalized story about Hemingway and his first wife--about how they met, fell in love and about their relationship. I can't complain about the writing--it's actually well written from what I read of it. It just wasn't my cup of tea. Since I don't have a lot of time to read, I've gotten a lot more picky about how long I'll stick with a book that isn't capturing my interest.

One of the books I have going is a paranormal romance involving fairy magic called Twixt by Diane J. Reed. I finished reading the first chapter, but got sidetracked by Lost in Shangri-La by Mitchell Zuckoff and then decided I really needed to finish another nonfiction book I had started reading a month before . . . I do plan to get back to Twixt one of these days. My only gripe about the book so far is the use of italics. It seems like every other sentence contains a phrase in italics (used for emphasis) and I am finding it distracting. The premise of the book is interesting, however, and I hope I can get past my issue so I can enjoy the book.

Tim Powers' Hide Me Among the Graves is another book I have been reading--a horror novel of sorts--featuring ghostly vampires and well-known (and real life) literary figures. I am about half way through right now. I am finding it fascinating, but it is one of those books that requires a bit more concentration than some of my other current reads, and so it is taking me a little while to get through.

I also am reading Love is Murder, an anthology of short stories edited by Sandra Brown, for an upcoming tour. I will be highlighting some of the short stories over the next few weeks leading up to my final review of the book.

As I was straightening my desk the other day, I came across a book my friend and fellow blogger Stacy was kind enough to send me, I Was a Really Good Mom Before I had Kids: Reinventing Motherhood by Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile. And of course, I had to open it up and start reading. I am liking it quite a big so far--the humor and the truth of it.

Anjin has been bugging me to listen to Jenny Lawson's Let's Pretend This Never Happened, and I began listening to it Friday as I straightened the house before heading out to get my hair done. I have been a follower of Jenny's blog, The Bloggess, for awhile now and just love her sense of humor. Her book is no different.

Suddenly my four books have turned into five. How did that happen?!

What have you all been up to lately? What are you reading?

Kid Konnection: Mouse's Favorite Downstairs Books (Part 3)

2012-05-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

To share your children's book related posts stop by Booking Mama’s feature,
Kid Konnection and leave a comment as well as a link to your posts!

It isn't just the little board books that have won Mouse over. Seeing her coming with Olivia the Magnificent by Sheila Higginson (Simon Spotlight, 2009), a rather large book, is a sight to see! Olivia the Magnificent was a birthday gift from a friend and her twins and it became a fast favorite.

I admit there is a part of me that cringes every time Mouse brings me Olivia the Magnificent to read to her. Olivia the Magnificent is a flip flap book. While it's a board book, there are flip pages, hiding parts of the story behind them on each page--and those pages are easy to bend and rip. She's already ripped one flip page off, resulting in some doctoring of the book. I know, I know. Children will be children--and it's just a book. As I try to teach Mouse to be gentle with her books, she isn't quite there yet--and so it's a bit of a balancing act on my part--keeping it fun for her without keeping her away from her favorite books. And keeping the book in one piece.

While Mouse is mesmerized by the flip pages, I like the story. Olivia and Ian's grandmother comes to visit one day and performs a magic trick. Olivia is determined to become a magician herself and so practices on her brother. She makes herself disappear. I believe the story is also a Nickelodeon show. I especially like the artwork--it tells the story well on its own, although it's nice to have the narrative as well.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Thoughts: Lost in Shangri-La by Mitchell Zuckoff

2012-05-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Mission Rescue of World War II

by Mitchell Zuckoff

Harper, 2011

Nonfiction; 400 pgs

I love to give books as gifts, especially to my dad. When the anniversary of his birthday came last January, I caught myself picking out books I would like to have given him if he was still alive. It’s become such second nature. As much as he loved mysteries and thrillers, I never quite seemed to put my finger on what he liked most (I sure did try though!)—but when it came to nonfiction, it was easy peasy. Mitchell Zuckoff’s Lost in Shangri-La is exactly the type of book I would have gotten for him (with the stipulation that he loan it to me after).

World War II has always been a particular interest of mine (thanks, Dad!) and so it was only natural that I would gravitate towards Lost in Shangri-La for myself as well. It’s an amazing story as well as a tragic one.

The author provides an inside view to the events leading up to and after that fateful Mother’s Day, May 13, 1945, when the Gremlin Special went down in the remote mountainous jungle of Dutch New Guinea. Twenty-four American serviceman and Women's Army Corps (WACs) were on board the plane that day. As a bit of fun, their commanding officer was treating them to a trip to see “Shangri-La” first hand. Shangri-La was a supposed paradise with natives still living in the stone ages, untouched by the world war going on around them.

Despite the loss of their friends and comrades and life threatening injuries, the three survivors did what they could to survive, hoping against hope for rescue. Meanwhile, efforts to send in a rescue team were underway and a group of eager paratroopers were called upon to assist.

I got to know many of the victims and survivors as well as the major players involved in the rescue, including the natives. Mitchell Zuckoff conducted in-depth interviews with survivors and family and friends of those who were touched by the event in some way, dug through declassified military documents, relied on personal diaries and journals, and viewed film footage. He did an excellent job bringing it—and the people involved—to life.

Lost in Shangri-La reads like a novel, proving yet again how interesting real life can be. Even as sensational a story as it is and the media made it out to be at the time, Zuckoff takes great care with the story and with those he writes about. This book is much more about the people, about their will to survive, and about the human spirit.

The area in which the survivors found themselves was (and is) extremely remote. Very few outsiders had ever been there before. The terrain was very rough, dense with growth and rocky in many parts. The survivors were very lucky in many respects and the rescuers even more so. The rescue itself was quite harrowing. The military had to be creative in determining how to get into the area and get out again. I found myself holding my breath several times throughout the book and praying alongside Margaret Hastings, one of the survivors, even though I knew the outcome of the events of that time were already sealed.

I appreciated the author’s research and thoughts about the natives in then Dutch New Guinea. The misunderstandings between the Americans and natives were at times humorous, admittedly, but, when you think about it, had circumstances been different, it could have proved to be very dangerous and deadly for all involved. I couldn’t help but feel a bit sad for the natives knowing how much their way of life was about to change once their existence was fully known. “Progress” was about to come their way—and, as we all know, “progress” isn’t always favorable.

Lost in Shangri-La did not disappoint. It was an emotional journey for not only the real life people involved but for this reader as well. I don’t know that I would have been as strong in such circumstances.

I was fortunate enough to receive a paperback copy of the book for this tour and included in the back were letters written to the author, responses by friends and family of those involved in the crash or rescue effort. I had to stop several times as I read through the letters because they were causing me to tear up.

I can’t say enough about this book. I am sure my dad would have loved it as much as I did.

To learn more about the Mitchell Zuckoff and his book, please visit the author's website.

I hope you will check out what others had to say on the TLC Book Tours route!

Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. Copy of In My Father's Country provided by the publisher.

Kid Konnection: Mouse's Favorite Downstairs Books (Part 2)

2012-05-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

To share your children's book related posts stop by Booking Mama’s feature,
Kid Konnection and leave a comment as well as a link to your posts!

Mouse's interest in books has grown over the past few months, and it is fun to see which books she is most drawn to. Here I highlight another couple of books which have gained her affection, evidenced by the number of times she brings me the book to read to her.

One of my aunts is a strong believer in giving books as gifts to children. She'll get no argument from me! For Easter, she and my uncle gave Mouse a set of animal books, one called Kitty Kitty and the other Farm Friends. Both are board books that Mouse has grown quite attached to. Farm Friends teaches children the various sounds that farm animals make. Mouse loves it when I make the donkey sound--probably because I get a little too into it. The Kitty Kitty book discusses a kitty's behavior, using real life pictures of cats. I try to engage Mouse as we read, asking her if her cats do the same as the cats on the pages. Both books are more instructional than entertaining story wise, but they are perfect reading for a toddler learning about the sights and sounds around her.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Thoughts: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

2012-05-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Viking Adult, 2011

Fiction; 592 pgs

Oh my gosh! I got so consumed by my reading I forgot I needed to sit down and share my thoughts on Deborah Harkness's A Discovery of Witches. How does that happen?! Okay. Don't answer that. We all know how that can happen . . .

From the Publisher:

When historian Diana Bishop opens a bewitched alchemical manuscript in Oxford’s Bodleian Library it represents an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordinary life. Though descended from a long line of witches, she is determined to remain untouched by her family’s legacy. She banishes the manuscript to the stacks, but Diana finds it impossible to hold the world of magic at bay any longer.

For witches are not the only otherworldly creatures living alongside humans. There are also creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires who become interested in the witch’s discovery. They believe that the manuscript contains important clues about the past and the future, and want to know how Diana Bishop has been able to get her hands on the elusive volume.

Chief among the creatures who gather around Diana is vampire Matthew Clairmont, a geneticist with a passion for Darwin. Together, Diana and Matthew embark on a journey to understand the manuscript’s secrets. But the relationship that develops between the ages-old vampire and the spellbound witch threatens to unravel the fragile peace that has long existed between creatures and humans—and will certainly transform Diana’s world as well.

I remember when A Discovery of Witches first came out. I knew I had to read it. It was rather thick though and so I hesitated. Not because I was daunted by reading all those pages--but rather I was worried about hefting such a big book everywhere. I could wait for the paperback, I figured. I ended up buying the book on my Nook, however, which worked just as well.

I love stories about witches. I've always been fascinated by magic and the tie witches often have to the earth. Vampires are fine, but witches . . . I find tales about them irresistible. This is why A Discovery of Witches caught my eye initially.

I've often heard that those who loved The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova also loved A Discovery of Witches. And those who didn't like the one didn't like this one either. I also heard Harkness's novel described as the adult Twilight, something I took with a grain of salt. I suppose one could find some similarities--but then, I can find similarities between any two books if I look hard enough. Anyway, I am one of those who loved The Historian--yes, every word--and so it was with great anticipation and some hesitation that I read A Discovery of Witches.

It's not The Historian. Let me just get that out of the way. However, I really enjoyed A Discovery of Witches on many levels. I liked the characters and the world building--the author's use of both established ideas as well as her own imagination. And I especially loved the way the author eased into the story, taking her time as she introduced me to her characters and world. Then BAM! From leisurely Cambridge life to total immersion into the volatile and dangerous life of vampires, daemons and witches. It could have been like reading two separate books, but it wasn't. I enjoyed every minute of it, although I admit I liked the first half best.

My eyes did glaze over a bit when the characters spent too long on Darwin and the various theories about origin. It was interesting to be sure, but I would rather read about history than science, to be honest. However, whenever the history of science (alchemy in particular) came up, I was quite interested. I did like the other historical references, although I was reminded of Forrest Gump when Matthew Clairmont would recount his own history--you know, how Forrest seemed to be at just about every major event in U.S. history during his lifetime. I am making fun, I know, but I really did enjoy even that aspect of the novel quite a bit.

I am quite taken with the world Harkness has created and I enjoyed my time spent with Diana and Matthew. I came to really like both of them--and it wasn't hard to do. Diana is fiercely independent, or maybe it seems so next to Matthew's old school ways. The two have good chemistry and play off each other well. I know some think Diana gives in to Matthew all too often, but I don't agree. Harkness explains the nature of vampires in her world quite well--and Matthew himself reminds us more than once of his ~~desire~~ need to control and how easily he can lose control if tested--his need is almost visceral. Diana tests his control over and over.

I also liked the side characters and am so glad the author took time to weave many of their histories into the novel as well. A couple of my particular favorites were Ysabeau, Matthew's mother, and his son Marcus. I was also quite taken by Hamish and can't wait to learn more about him in future books--at least I hope Harkness will take us there.

A Discovery of Witches is the first book in a trilogy and I am anxious to read the next book Shadow of Night, which is due out this summer.

You can learn more about Deborah Harkness and her book on the author's website.

Source: I personally purchased an e-copy of this book.

Bookish Thoughts: In My Father's Country by Saima Wahab

2012-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

In My Father's Country by Saima Wahab

Crown, 2012

Nonfiction (Memoir); 346 pgs

I didn't expect the first few pages of In My Father's Country to impact me the way it did. As I read the author's initial recounting of an incident that nearly left her dead at age five, about her father shooting his pistol off in honor of her birth despite the fact she was a girl, a tradition saved solely for boys, and then his prediction that she would go far in life, I thought of my own dad. And it made me sad. I had to stop reading at that point, take a deep breath, wipe the tears away and then begin again, this time with my mind in the right place.

My interest in reading Saima Wahab's book has much to do with my interest in the Middle East and current events. It also stems from my love for my daughter and wanting to expose her to strong and resourceful women. She's too young to understand or even care about much of anything outside of her own family and friends right now, of course, but that will one day change. I want her to be proud to be a woman and know that she can do just about anything she sets her mind to do.

Saima Wahab was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, her father a radio talk show host who stood up for his beliefs. His courage to speak out led to his arrest by the KGB and eventual death in prison. His family joined one of many families seeking refuge with relatives in a small village and later Pakistan. Fortunately for Saima, her grandfather honored her father, his son, by continuing to push for Saima's education, something unheard of for a Pashtu family. Boys went to school, but girls stayed home and learned domestic tasks, their job to take care of the home. Saima knew from a very young age she did not want to live like that, especially if it meant being under the thumb of a man. She saw the way men treated the women in their family, and Saima longed to be free and independent.

In her memoir, Saima shares the story of her childhood, of becoming a refugee, of her time in Pakisan and eventual move to to Portland, Oregon. She also talks about the culture shock she endured in the process. She was fortunate to immigrate to the U.S. with her brother and sister and cousins. Still, the experience was eye opening. The uncles who had taken them in wanted the teens to fit in in terms of outward appearance, however, they were still very conservative--and at times restricting--in the home. Saima, who was sometimes outspoken, caused them quite a bit of grief, even when it wasn't warranted. In one instance, a boy called Saima to ask for help in a class. It was a completely innocent situation, but the fact that a boy called for Saima was enough to send the uncles off the handle. They questioned her reputation and accused her of things that weren't true. It was behavior like this on the uncles part that eventually caused Saima to take her leave of them, striking it out on her own.

Saima always felt she was destined to do something big and she longed to return to Afghanistan to better understand the country her father loved so much. When the opportunity arose to go as an interpreter for the U.S. Army, she jumped at the chance. That experience opened many doors for Saima both career and personal wise.

I came away from In My Father's Country with a sense that the author had learned much about herself during her years in Afghanistan and yet still has a ways to go. Given she's still relatively young, it's to be expected. She is very westernized in her thinking and it came across in her expectations and desires for the Agfhanis, particularly the Pashtu women. She really wasn't given much of an opportunity to interact with the native women in her position and job duties in Afghanistan. When she finally was able to sit down and have a heart to heart with some of the women, it was an eye opening experience for her.

I wish Saima had been able to interact more with Afghani women. It would have been interesting to get a more clear picture of their perspective of life and the situation in their country. There was some of that included in the book; however, it was limited--and understandably so given Saima's access to who she spoke with. It would be really interesting to read something written from their perspective. I think I hoped to find some of that with Saima's memoir, but it wasn't meant to be.

Even so, Saima does a great job of describing the culture of the American military and its relationship to the people of Afghanistan, both the good and the bad. She also was able to get across the difficulties created when one country enters another without understanding the various cultures or the way the country is governed. Many mistakes were made early, including using the wrong interpreters--whether by deception on the part of the interpreters or ignorance. Would avoiding such mistakes have made a difference in the growing unrest and violence? Maybe not, but it certainly didn't help relations between the two countries.

I have great respect for Saima Wahab and all that she has accomplished in terms of reaching her dreams. I also admire her insight in not only the world around her but in her own personal life, recognizing her limitations and faults. I was fascinated with her various jobs in Afghanistan, both as an interpreter and later as a researcher, and enjoyed reading about her experiences. I could feel her frustrations when she hit a wall as well as joy when she was able to make a difference.

Saima clearly has genuine respect for the American Armed Forces. As the daughter of a Marine, I can't help but feel a sense of pride in that. They were lucky to have her on their team in Afghanistan. I only hope there are more women--and even men--out there like her who truly want to make a difference and do it right.

I hope you will check out what others had to say on the TLC Book Tours route!

Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. Copy of In My Father's Country provided by the publisher.

Kid Konnection: Mouse's Favorite Downstairs Books (Part 1)

2012-05-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

To share your children's book related posts stop by Booking Mama’s feature,

Kid Konnection and leave a comment as well as a link to your posts!

Mouse loves to bring me books, climb into my lap and sit for a minute or two as I begin to read. Rarely does she stay long enough for me to get through an entire book, no matter how short or how much I abbreviate the story. Sometimes she'll join in the page turning and other times not. It depends on what she has on her agenda at the time. The books that do have her sticking around tend to be the more interactive books: ones with squeaky buttons to push or different textures to feel. And then I or my husband can expect to have her wanting us to read the book to her over and over again. It's fun to see her so animated about reading, especially after worrying she would never sit still long enough to enjoy it.

One of her current favorites is Squeak Squeak (written by Gabby Goldsack, illustrated by Marie Allen, concept by Fiona Hayes) about a puppy who is trying to figure out where the squeaky noise is coming from. He asks all his friends, including a snake and a bear if they are the ones squeaking. It's a fun board book, encouraging the reader (or child being read to) to push the black nose to make the squeaky nose. Mouse loves pushing the nose.

Perhaps more than Squeak Squeak, Mouse loves Quack! Quack!, a baby touch and feel book. Each animal inside the pages sports a different texture for the reader to touch. Mouse particularly likes to poke the pig in the nose. I can't tell you how many times Mouse has brought me Quack! Quack! to read, sometimes multiple times during the same sitting. Besides getting to know the feel and sounds of the different animals via the book, I have also been working on teaching her "nice touch", a lesson we've been going over for months in an effort to teach her to be gentle with the real animals (humans included) in the house. She's pretty good at it, although sometimes her enthusiasm gets the better of her--and now that she's bigger her slaps can carry quite a sting.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Thoughts: Catherine the Great: A Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie

2012-05-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Catherine the Great: A Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie Random House, 2011
Nonfiction; 656 pgs

I confess I am not particularly enamored by royalty, whether past or present. And so when it comes to reading about the royalty (fiction or nonfiction), I tend to steer clear unless a book comes highly recommended. Add to it the fact I am not a big biography fan. I have read really good ones and some that are not so good--okay, a couple that were downright awful. Catherine the Great: A Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie falls into the really good category. Catherine the Great: A Portrait of a Woman was my book club's March reading selection. I probably would not have read it without their urging.

Having spent nearly a decade researching Catherine and her life, Massie's book is well documented. He captures Catherine's voice in the pages, something I've found can be difficult to do when it comes to biographies.

Catherine began as Sophia Augusta Fredericka, the daughter of a devout Lutheran general and governor and an ambitious and vain mother. She was precocious and intelligent. She loved to read, not to mention learn. Sophia was a girl after my own heart. I saw in the young woman a kindred spirit. She was someone I wish I could have known. Her family was not wealthy and her station relatively low, despite Sophia's princess status. As a result, her mother wanted Sophia to marry well and planned and schemed accordingly.

Sophia's marriage to Peter of Holstein-Gottorp was not only a match sought by Sophia's mother, but also by both Frederick II of Prussia and Empress Elizabeth of Russia for political reasons. It also served Sophia's purposes. It was a way out of her mother's household. Sophia, renamed Catherine by Elizabeth upon her conversion to Eastern Orthodoxy and marriage to Peter III, was to become one of the most well known and thought of leaders in Russian history.

Catherine was extremely bright and knew how to get what she wanted. She was ambitious, but her ambition for power was marked by her desire to better Russia--not just her own station. She was a relatively benevolent leader, interested in the arts and culture. She desired to better Russian society, including ending serfdom, something she was unable to do due to politics and various circumstances. She was a strong believer in the Enlightenment and tried to apply many of its teachings in her leadership of Russia, sometimes with success and often without. Catherine was a hands on leader, taking part in local government as well as issues abroad. She helped make Russia a country to contend with. She truly was ahead of her time.

Catherine's relationship with her husband was an interesting one. If sources are to be believed, she and he never consummated their marriage. Peter III was an interesting man. Peculiar is the word that comes to mind.

I was fascinated by Empress Elizabeth. I can see why Catherine was enamored by her initially. She could be very maternal on one hand and very cruel on the other. It broke my heart when she took Catherine's children from her and would not allow her to hold or see them right after they were born. And then to send away anyone either Peter or Catherine became close to . . . I also was appalled by her treatment of Ivan, the boy who could threaten her hold on the thrown. He had been an innocent child when locked away and was never allowed to have even a smidgeon of a normal life.

Over her lifetime, Catherine took on many lovers and, where she was skilled in her role as empress, she was less successful in her personal relationships. Even as a leader, Catherine did not use the best judgement, sometimes giving in to vanity or fear. You would have thought she'd learn from the way she had been treated to not make the same mistakes, and yet she did. But then, Catherine was only human and we are all guilty of that.

The biography covers a lot of ground and explores nearly every facet of Catherine's life, including offering in depth descriptions of the influential people in her life. I was never bored, although I did favor the first half of the book over the second. The war and political maneuvering in the second half took more careful reading to get through.

Russian history is not my strong suit and so I knew very little about Catherine going into the book. Massie clearly thinks highly of Catherine and it shows in the presentation of his book. Just the same, I believe he was fair in his assessment, sharing both the good and the bad. I walked away from the book wanting to know more--and I look forward to reading more about Catherine in the future.

Source: I purchased my own e-copy of this book.

Bookish Thoughts: The Cut by George Pelecanos

2012-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Cut by George Pelecanos

Regan Arthur Books, 2011
Crime Fiction; 304 pgs

From the Publisher:
Spero Lucas has a new line of work. Since he returned home after serving in Iraq, he has been doing special investigations for a defense attorney. He's good at it, and he has carved out a niche: recovering stolen property, no questions asked. His cut is forty percent.

A high-profile crime boss who has heard of Lucas's specialty hires him to find out who has been stealing from his operation. It's the biggest job Lucas has ever been offered, and he quickly gets a sense of what's going on. But before he can close in on what's been taken, he tangles with a world of men whose amorality and violence leave him reeling. Is any cut worth your family, your lover, your life?
When I think of George Pelecanos, I think atmosphere. I think character driven. I know that when I pick up one of his novels, I will likely be in for a story full of angst and ethical questions. The Cut had all of these things to varying degrees.

The author wrote occasionally for one of my all time favorite shows, The Wire, and so I expect a lot from him when I crack open one of his books. Given that this was also an Independent Literary Award short-listed nominee for the Mystery category . . . Well, he had a lot to live up to with The Cut.

Pelecanos captured the underbelly of Washington D.C. and his characters quite well. Spero Lucas is a character who doesn't always play by the rules as we know them, but he's definitely the kind of man you'd want on your side if ever you find yourself in trouble. He is quick on his feet both physically and mentally and is ever persistent. I felt like I was right there on the streets with Spero (very glad he was by my side--he deals with some shady characters!), where survival can be a matter of a split second decision. As is common with his novels, the author raises questions about morality and how easy it could be to cross the line given the circumstances.

I didn't quite like The Cut as much as I did The Night Gardener which I read by him years ago. The characters, both the good and the bad guys, in the older book were much more fleshed out. Whereas The Night Gardener was much more character driven, I found The Cut to be spurred on more by the plot.

The Cut is dark and at times violent. It is well written and I can see why it made the Indie Lit Awards short list.

You can learn more about George Pelecanos and his books on the author's website.

Source: I personally purchased an e-copy of this book for review.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Thoughts: Fun & Games by Duane Swierczynski

2012-04-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Runner-Up for the Independent Literary Awards Mystery Category:

Fun & Games by Duane Swierczynski
Mulholland Books, 2011
Crime Fiction; 304 pgs

From the Publisher:

The first of three explosive pulp thrillers arriving back-to-back from cult crime fiction sensation and Marvel Comics scribe Duane Swierczynski.

Charlie Hardie, an ex-cop still reeling from the revenge killing of his former partner's entire family, fears one thing above all else: that he'll suffer the same fate.

Languishing in self-imposed exile, Hardie has become a glorified house sitter. His latest gig comes replete with an illegally squatting B-movie actress who rants about hit men who specialize in making deaths look like accidents. Unfortunately, it's the real deal. Hardie finds himself squared off against a small army of the most lethal men in the world: The Accident People.

It's nothing personal-the girl just happens to be the next name on their list. For Hardie, though, it's intensely personal. He's not about to let more innocent people die. Not on his watch.

And I thought The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes was high octane. Wow. Fun & Games is even more so. And like Sakey's book, Fun and Games is also movie perfect--plenty of action with high suspense.

My husband was excited to see this title among the Independent Literary Award short-listed nominees for the Mystery category. He is familiar with the author in his capacity as a comic book writer. That made me even more curious, although I really had no idea what to expect. From page one, I had trouble tearing myself away from the book when I had to. It didn't help that the chapters often ended with little teasers leading me straight into the next chapter. I have a love/hate relationship with those types of chapter breaks. I tend to read on, not even noticing I'm going from one chapter to the next--something that hampers finding a good stopping point. Of course, with chapter endings like that there is no good stopping point, is there? The author really knows how to build on suspense, creating an intense read.

I was caught up in the Hollywood landscape. Swierczynski did a good job of setting up his characters and the story as well as in creating his version of L.A. I love it when an author researches the area he writes about, adding in a little history here and there. It ties me a little closer to the setting, making the story more real.

I really am not sure what else to say about this novel in terms of content, frankly. As cliche as it sounds, with every new chapter, it was like peeling back the layers of an onion. To say much at all about the content of the story or the characters would be to give too much away.

I will say that I really liked Hardie. He comes across as a nice guy trying to do the right thing. He is very hard on himself, especially because of his past. It colors just about everything he does. He is up against some very deadly people who are not only cunning but smart. I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like in Hollywood if The Accident People truly did exist. Parts of the book seemed to be taken straight from the headlines, including the B-rated actress, Lane, who reminded me a lot of Lindsay Lohan.

Believability? With books like this, who cares? I had no trouble losing myself in the story and setting aside my disbelief. Swierczynski proved he is a talented writer who can take me out of my own life for awhile and transport me into the pages of his book.

The book did slow down for me a little towards the end, but just a tad. The climax was well worth the wait. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book in the trilogy.

You can learn more about Duane Swierczynski and his books on the author's website.

Source: I personally purchased an e-copy of this book.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Thoughts: A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny

2012-04-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Winner of the Independent Literary Award Mystery Category:

A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny

Minotaur Books, 2011
Crime Fiction; 339 pgs

Just about everyone I know who reads mysteries and has read Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache's series loves and recommends it. I actually have the first book in the series in my TBR collection. Several books into the series later, I'm finally reading one of her books--just not that first book in the series. I was a big stickler for reading series books in order until I began blogging. I am not sure what's happened to me. Of course, in this instance, I didn't have time to play catch up with the series--seven books total. A Trick of the Light was short-listed for an Independent Literary Award and so I was under a deadline to read it.

No matter. Like with a lot of mystery series, the book stands well on its own. In this case, however, I really do wish I had read the previous books as I have a feeling many of the characters have made appearances before, all tied to another mystery. And that other mystery, well, could it be from another book that is now spoiled? Spoiled in the sense of my knowing the outcome as opposed to being ruined, I mean. There's also the characters' personal stories, which take place over the course of the books--there is so much I feel I missed out on. Yet, the author did a good job of putting enough of the pieces together in this one novel to make it okay that I didn't start with the first book in the series. I just wish I did.

Anyhow, I went into Louise Penny's novel with high expectations. Not only was it a nominee for an award but it also came so highly recommended. Fortunately, I wasn't disappointed. I loved just about everything in this book: from the depth of the characters, including many of the minor ones; the easy and sometimes comical banter between the characters; the serious and sensitive handling of the crime and the issues surrounding it; the atmospheric setting; and the superb writing.

From the Publisher:

“Hearts are broken,” Lillian Dyson carefully underlined in a book. “Sweet relationships are dead.”
But now Lillian herself is dead. Found among the bleeding hearts and lilacs of Clara Morrow's garden in Three Pines, shattering the celebrations of Clara's solo show at the famed Musée in Montreal. Chief Inspector Gamache, the head of homicide at the Sûreté du Québec, is called to the tiny Quebec village and there he finds the art world gathered, and with it a world of shading and nuance, a world of shadow and light. Where nothing is as it seems. Behind every smile there lurks a sneer. Inside every sweet relationship there hides a broken heart. And even when facts are slowly exposed, it is no longer clear to Gamache and his team if what they've found is the truth, or simply a trick of the light.

I am not well versed in the art world. My mother-in-law paints beautiful landscapes and my husband can put together a lovely sketch, but I'm a stick figure woman all the way. Stick figures with big heads. So, the setting was one that was a bit foreign to me (besides being set in Canada). I felt right at home in Three Pines, however. It sounds like a place I wouldn't mind living.

There was one scene in particular that was difficult for me to read, the one where the detectives have to tell the parents of the victim that she's dead. It was heart breaking. All I could think about was how horrible it would be to be in their shoes and how I hope I (or you) never have to experience anything like that in our lives. I have read and seen lots of scenes like this over the years, but having just had a child of my own, I am a little more sensitive to it right now, I think.

The other aspect that of the novel that really got to me was the focus on addiction, particularly alcoholism. It is a problem that touches many of us in one way or another. For me it was in living with an alcoholic parent. The author approached the topic in a very hands on way, offering different perspectives through the various characters, many of which were in different stages of addiction. I don't think it's a major spoiler to mention this--although I won't get more specific.

I really appreciated how the author presented the characters--how she used the theme of light and dark in drawing them out. Everyone, including the main protagonist, Inspector Gamache, had many shades to him. On one hand he was near perfect, admired by just about all; on the other, he had his share of secrets and doubt.

Will I read another Louise Penny novel? Absolutely! I will never get caught up with all the series I want to read if I keep this up!

You can learn more about Louise Penny and her books on the author's website.

Source: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Thoughts: Missing Daughter, Shattered Family by Liz Strange

2012-04-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Missing Daughter, Shattered Family by Liz Strange

MLR Press, 2011
Crime Fiction; 286 pgs

I went from the high octane action novel The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes into the more laid back classic P.I. novel, Missing Daughter, Shattered Family. David Lloyd is a former police officer turned private investigator who is hired to find the missing daughter of a prominent Toronto family. The young woman has not contacted her family in months, something highly unusual for her. Her history of drug abuse and mental illness make it all too easy to assume she either took off or possibly overdosed. As the case unfolds, David finds that not all the facts are lining up--nor are all the people he is interviewing being completely honest with him. The closer he gets to the truth, the more feathers he ruffles, and the more someone turns to violence to warn him away.

Missing Daughter, Shattered Family was refreshing in its old school detective approach. David does a lot of leg work, interviewing friends and family of the missing woman. The novel starts out slow admittedly, but it didn't take long for me to be hooked in, wondering what the author had in store for me--and her characters.

David is a likeable guy. He has all the makings of a good detective. He is ethical and diligent. He isn't easily intimidated and he is ever persistent. He looks beyond the words spoken to him and seems to be a good judge of character. He knows how to turn on the charm and use it to his advantage.

David's past comes back to haunt him as he works on the case and he comes face to face with the police officer who got him kicked off the force. Beaten severely, resulting in a knee injury and hearing loss, as a result of being gay, David had no choice but to step down from his position on the police force. He knows the men who beat him were fellow police officers, but unfortunately he has no proof. Memories from that incident come flooding back and David struggles to deal with his past as well as search for the missing girl. The author could have taken this in several different directions, but I like how it was kept in the background. It clearly was a significant and horrific event in the protagonist's life, shaping who David had become, but it never overshadowed the main story line.

On the home front, David is dealing with personal issues as well. His long time partner, Jamie, has still not come out to his family and coworkers. This has created some tension between the two men, which finally comes to a head. I really got a feel for how both men must have felt and my heart went out to Jamie.

The personal story line played nicely into the main plot--giving it a nice balance. As with any mystery, such a side story makes the characters more real in the reader's mind. It helps paint a fuller picture of the character as a human being. And it did for me in this case.

As an aside, kudos for the author for throwing in the paperwork! How often do you see the protagonist in a mystery actually complete any of the required paperwork? It was realistic touches like this that made me especially appreciate the novel.

The mystery was at times predictable and formulaic, but I enjoyed getting to know David and following him along on his investigation. Overall, I enjoyed Missing Daughter, Shattered Family. I wouldn't have heard of this novel had it not been for its being short-listed for an Independent Literary Award, and so am grateful to have had the opportunity to read it.

You can learn more about Liz Strange and her books on the author's website.

Source: Copy of the book provided by the publisher for review.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Thoughts: The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey

2012-04-03T00:00:00.002-07:00

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey

Dutton Adult, 2011
Crime Fiction; 400 pgs

Sometimes I come across a book that reads like a movie. One that would be perfect for the big screen. Each scene and character is presented in such a way I can see it in my mind's eye. Marcus Sakey's The Two Death's of Daniel Hayes is one such book. The car chase, the action sequences, the angst and sense of betrayal. The doubt and frustration. And what's more, the characters are movie perfect. I was reminded most of Momento and No Country for Old Men as I read The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes.

A man wakes up on a beach, shivering from the wet and cold. He has no memory of who he is. He discovers a car with the name Daniel Hayes on the registration, which he assumes is him. He does the only thing he can think of to do, he follows the leads in front of him, hoping to regain his identity and past. He isn't sure he likes what he discovers: a dead wife that he may or may not have killed; a man searching for him and threatening his friends; the police, hot on his trail; and the public who has already convicted him.

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes is one of those edge of your seat type books. It takes off at a run and doesn't let up until near the end. I confess I wasn't too sure about Daniel at first. And I couldn't help but ask myself what I would do in his shoes. I am not sure I would have immediately gone into flight mode the way he did--but then, I doubt I would find a gun in my glove compartment. The twists and turns weren't too difficult to see coming in all honesty. I really can't say too much more without giving something away I shouldn't.

I should point out that this particular book was on the Independent Literary Awards, short list in the Mystery category. As a result, I went into it with high expectations and a more critical eye than I usually do with the books I read. I mean, this was an award contender, right? I can see why it made the short list. The writing was good (although I wasn't a big fan of the screenplay narrative bits), the characters fully formed, and the story well told. It didn't quite hold that wow factor for me, but it was a good ride while I was reading. It certainly kept me flipping pages as fast as I could to reach the end. And I definitely would catch it in the theater if it made it to the big screen.

You can learn more about Marcus Sakey and his books on the author's website.

Source: Copy of the book provided by the publisher for review.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Merely Mystery Reading Challenge 2012 April/May Reviews

2012-04-01T21:18:00.003-07:00

If you haven't already, please sign up for the Merely Mystery Challenge here!

One of my favorite parts of challenges is supporting and cheering on my fellow participants--not to mention all the great new-to-me book recommendations I come across! Please leave direct links to your April/May review posts for qualifying reviews for the challenge here. Participants without blogs can post reviews on general review sites such as LibraryThing, Goodreads or Shelfari. And if you have the time, stop by and check out some of your fellow participants reviews as well! I am sure they would love to hear from you!

Please include your name or blog name along with the title of the book you reviewed as well as a direct link to your review post (not just a general link to your blog). Thank you!

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

2011 Independent Literary Award Winners

2012-03-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last year may not have been my best reading year, but it was a great year for literature. Earlier this winter the short-lists for the Independent Literary Awards were announced, the list of books nominated by you the readers. The voting panels for the awards read the short-listed books in their categories and discussed and voted on the final winners and runners-up. I was on the voting panel for the mystery category. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting my thoughts on the five short-listed nominees for the mystery category. In the meantime, here are the results for all 2011 award categories:

Biography/Memoir
Winner: Little Princes by Conor Grennan
Runner-Up: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua

GLBTQ
Winner: Nina Here Nor There: My Journey Beyond Gender by Nick Krieger
Runner-Up: Huntress by Malinda Lo

Fiction
Winner: Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones
Runner-Up: Dance Lessons by Aine Greaney

Mystery
Winner: A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny
Runner-Up: Fun and Games by Duane Swierczynski

Non-Fiction
Winner: Lost in Shangri-La by Mitchell Zuckhoff
Runner-Up: Berlin 1961 by Frederick Kempe

Poetry
Winner: Catalina by Laurie Soriano
Runner-Up: What Looks Like an Elephant by Edward Nudelman

Speculative Fiction
Winner: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Runner-Up: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Thoughts on the final results? Have you read any of the winners or runners up?

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

The One in Which I Answer Melody's 11 Questions

2012-03-21T00:00:00.005-07:00

My friend Melody from Melody's Reading Corner tagged me for the 11 Question Meme and, of course, I couldn't resist participating. It's been so much fun answering Lisa's & Susan's questions.

Being the rule breaker that I am, I am not tagging the required 11 people to answer questions of my own making. Instead, I am appealing to all of you wonderful people. I hope you will answer one or all of them. If you do, you can create your own post or leave your answers to one, two or however many in the comments. And because I was tagged three times for this meme, I divided the eleven questions between each post. That way, I only had to come up with eleven questions and not thirty-three. The first two sets of questions can be found here & here.

1. Who’s your idol? It can be anyone and doesn’t have to be a celebrity or a public figure.
When I was growing up the song The Greatest Love of All made famous by Whitney Houston took on special meaning to me. Like for so many others, the song became my anthem for many years. Cliche, I know, but true. What made this song stand out to me were the lyrics, particularly the lines about how everyone is "searching for a hero" and yet "I never found anyone who fulfilled my needs," and then "I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadow." I have never really had an idol. Not when I was growing up and not now. I have admired many people over the years and certainly they have had qualities I would like to emulate--but never as a whole person.

2. If you could be someone famous, who would you like to be?
As I was thinking of an answer to this question, I realized that I tend to associate famous with wealth--on top of being well known. The first name that popped into my head was James Patterson. He has good business sense and his name on many book covers. Sure, he's a bit controversial, but he's worked hard to turn his name into a trademark and he's helped a lot of new authors off the ground. So while I might not like to be him exactly, I appreciate what he's accomplished and don't think it'd be too bad a gig to have.

More seriously though, but along the same lines, Tom Hanks comes to mind. He's someone I greatly admire. I wouldn't mind walking in his shoes for a week, even. He seems like such an upstanding man, both professionally and personally. He is talented too. That's a great combination.

Ideally, I would be famous as myself. I am not sure how I would accomplish that. Maybe I would be a bestselling author. Or a rock star. Or perhaps a superhero. Yes, I think I like that idea best. Think of all the lives I could save . . .

3. What are your favourite TV shows or movies?
Hmm. I would have to say my favorite movies include Independence Day (yeah, I know), Sleepless in Seattle, Ever After, Lord of the Rings, and Empire of the Sun. I'm a sucker for a good romantic comedy (funny since I don't care for that type of book) and love action flicks. Drama movies have their place in my heart too.

My all time favorite television shows are Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, The Wire, and How I Met Your Mother.

4. Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? Why?
Such an unfair question! I don't know that I can choose. I loved all of the books. Character and world wise--I love them both equally. Lord of the Rings is such an amazing tale--and world. It has influenced so much of fantasy writing today. Harry Potter and his freinds are more personable--more like you and me--and that is what I love most about Rowling's books.

But for the record, my husband tells me, on good authority, that the Lord of the Rings video games are much better than the Harry Potter games.

5. Popcorn. Sweet or salty? Why?
Definitely salty. Some things just aren't meant to be sweetened.

6. Facebook or Twitter? Why?
I like them both for different reasons. My Facebook page is not book related nor is it any way tied to my blog and Twitter account. It's more for personal stuff--mainly pictures of the baby these days. While I do use Twitter for personal updates and such, I tend to think of it as a less personal venue for communicating. Though, the more I think about it, I like Facebook better for its interactiveness with others. More often than not, anything I post on Twitter goes into a void never to be seen or heard from again.

7. What are your pet peeves?
I once would have said tardiness, but I'm afraid since becoming a mother I am finding it hard to be on time myself. No matter how much I prepare the night before or get up early, I can't seem to make it out the door in a timely fashion. I keep trying though and one of these days I will be back on track!

One of my longstanding pet peeves is one-up-man-ship. It is one thing to commiserate and share experiences with one another. I am all for that. It is another to turn it into a competition of who has it best or worse. Please don't.

I also abhor arrogance in people and get annoyed (and bored) with people who think they are better than everyone else.

Another pet peeve of mine is listening to someone complain over and over about his or her situation with no intention or movement to do something about it. I do my share of whining and complaining about certain things--venting has its place--but there comes a point when enough is enough and a person needs to try to better or change his or her situation instead of just wishing it away.

Oh dear. I sure have a lot of pet peeves, don't I? Better stop here.

8. Where do you like to go on a vacation?
I so rarely get to go anywhere on vacation. Visiting family is always a priority, although I have to say my favorite vacations are the ones in which we go someplace new. My husband and I had such a wonderful time on our roadtrip of the Southwestern U.S. Visiting Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona was a real treat. Nothing compares to the fun we had in Hawaii though. Such a beautiful place!

9. Your most wonderful memories you had last year.
Oh my gosh! I have so many. This past year was crazy. My most wonderful memories: read here.

10. What’s your favourite holiday?
I love Christmas and everything about it. I love the music, the decorations, the atmosphere, the food, and the spark of generosity and kindness that people show at that time of year. And now I have the added joy of seeing Christmas through my daughter's eyes and sharing my favorite family traditions with her.

11. Finally, I couldn’t resist asking a bookish question: Would you read a book which has received lots of hype and positive reviews, even though the storyline isn’t what you like to read?
Hype and positive reviews will not stop me from reading a book I want to read, but it might not be enough to convince me to read a book with a storyline that I am not especially interested in. Those reviews would have to be very compelling!

My Questions to All of You:

9. What is your first ever memory?

10. How do you decide what book to read next (when you have no reading deadlines to meet and can read whatever you want)?

11. It's your birthday. I've sent you a package. What would you most like to find when you unwrap it?

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Thoughts: Dark Time by Dakota Banks

2012-03-19T00:00:00.001-07:00

Dark Time by Dakota Banks

Harper Voyager, 2009
Fantasy; 320 pgs

Dakota Banks' Dark Time has the flavor of an action thriller urban fantasy novel. There's quite a lot packed into the book as the author sets up the characters and their history and gets the story moving. Susannah is a healer during the 17th century. Accused of witchcraft, she is burned at the stake. An ancient Sumerian demon offers her a deal: immortality with conditions or death by fire. Susannah chooses life at the cost of being bound to the demon and required to do his evil biding. For three hundred years, Susannah kills for Rabishu. She is a master at her art with her supernatural strength and speed and well honed skills. Then, under the weight of the lives she's taken, Susannah rebels against her master, setting in motion a chain of events that could result in her freedom. She must balance the lives she has taken with lives she saves. The catch? She loses her immortality, aging with each life she saves. If she fails, she will forever be the demon's slave.

Susannah becomes Maliha Crayne as she sets out on her new journey. She is tasked with finding the one responsible for the death of two coders. Her investigation opens a can of worms that threatens to destroy more than just the lives already taken. Aided by her trusted friends, Maliha goes on the hunt.

This was quite an interesting novel. I liked it in many ways. The historical aspects and ties to Sumerian legends particularly intrigued me. And I really liked the way the author developed Susannah/Maliha's character. She had the typical earmarks of an urban fantasy heroine--tough and independent--but there is something else to her. As young looking, agile and into high tech as she may be, Maliha comes across as a much older soul. It's easy to believe she is 300+ years old. And I really liked that about her. I appreciated the author taking Maliha there. More importantly, I liked that she was a hot chocolate drinker.

The author spends a lot of time setting up Maliha's background and overall goal to regain her freedom. Very little time is spent exploring the part of Maliha's life in which she establishes her new identity as a crime writer before jumping into her current investigation. The transition is very quick from past to present. I didn't mind so much since I found the background information the most interesting, including the flashbacks to Maliha's past, but it did leave me scratching my head initially. I will be curious to see what direction the author takes in future books of the series.

Overall, I enjoyed Dark Time. The ending is a bit of a cliff hanger, and it was hard not to rush out and buy the next book in the series just so I could find out how . . . well, find out what happens next. I do plan to read more in the series, but I really need to get back to my book club selection for the time being.

You can learn more about Dakota Banks and her books on the author's website.

Source: I purchased an e-copy of this book for my Kindle.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Sunday Salon: Random Thoughts

2012-03-18T00:00:00.001-07:00

I think I finally may be shaking this nasty cold that has made me miserable for the past two weeks. It has been making the rounds at my office, and so I can't blame Mouse's daycare this time. Being sick made hosting a birthday party and entertaining a houseful of out of town guests last weekend a bit of a challenge, but Mouse had a great first birthday, and I think everyone else had a good time too.

Mouse received quite a few books for her birthday, including three cloth books my mother sewed together for her. I am sure those cloth books will be a real treasure to her someday. One thing I noticed about many of the books she received was the lack of inscriptions written inside the front cover by the giver. A few of my own childhood books which I recently unpacked have my name, the date given and the person who gave me the book written inside. It's sure taken me down memory lane! It made me wonder why no one bothers anymore, especially when giving a child a book she's too young to enjoy on her own just yet. I don't mean board books or just any book for that matter--but favorites of the giver that he or she want to share with the special child in his or her life. I know not everyone likes having their books inscribed. Maybe I'm being overly sentimental since this was her first birthday. My mom suggested I write the date received in each book along with the gift giver--and that's exactly what I did. She won't likely remember her first birthday, but at least she can look back on some of the books she received and know how long they've been with her and who thought to give them to her.

When giving a book to a child, have you ever written a brief note inside the cover to commemorate the occasion?

My book group is reading Catherine the Great: A Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie this month. I didn't know much about Catherine before beginning the book, and I have to say I am fascinated by her and her life. I would love to have known her back then. I confess I'm finding the second half of the book more slow going than the first. I imagine it has a lot to do with the politics and maneuvering being done now that Catherine is Empress of Russia.

Massie's book seems to have become my office reading material while at home, before falling asleep, I have been mixing it up with urban fantasy. I recently read The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton and Dark Time by Dakota Banks (review to come), both authors I discovered via Twitter. I am now reading Shapeshifter: The Demo Tapes - Year 1 by Susan Helene Gottfried, a book I first heard about through Florinda. It makes for good bed-time reading, being made up of short vignettes. I hope to give Gottfried's Trevor's Song a try next.

What are you reading these days? Have you read anything in particular you think I should read?

In other not so good (for you) news, I will no longer be posting photos of Mouse here at Musings of a Bookish Kitty. Yesterday's Saturday Snapshot photos will be the last. I may still post the occasional side or back of the head shot--just not those easy-to-identify pictures of her. When I first became pregnant, I swore I would not post pictures of my baby on my blog for professional and personal reasons. I couldn't resist though--your enthusiasm to share her life was contagious. I came to the decision then that I would only post photos from the first year of her life on my blog. That time has come. I will continue to post photos of Mouse on my Facebook page (you are welcome to join me there--just keep in mind it's not connected to my blog and has little to do with books). And for those who keep in touch via e-mail (or want to--my e-mail is literaryfelineATgmailDOTcom), I will be happy to send along a picture now and then as well. Just let me know. I have enjoyed sharing this first year of her life with you, and I will continue to share my experiences of motherhood and update you as to what she's up to. So, all is not lost!

Have a great week and happy reading!

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Saturday Snapshot: Smash Cake

2012-03-17T00:00:00.004-07:00

Hosted by Alice of At Home With Books

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

The One in Which I Answer Susan's 11 Questions

2012-03-14T00:00:00.003-07:00

I was lucky enough to be tagged with the 11 Questions Meme by my friend Susan from You Can Never Have Enough Books, I love answering questions like these.

As before, instead of following the rules and tagging eleven of you, I am asking questions of my own. I hope you will answer one or all of them. If you do, you can create your own post or leave your answers to one, two or however many in the comments. And because I was tagged three times for this meme (I will be answering the questions of the final blogger's questions later this month), I am going to divide the eleven questions between each post. That way, I only have to come up with eleven questions and not thirty-three. The first set of questions can be found here.

1. What is your favourite place in the world?
Being at home with my family.

2. Have you ever visited an author's home, and did the experience live up to your expectation?
I haven't. Someday I would like to visit a few authors' homes, but I have yet to do so.

3. Do you read biographies of authors you like, or do you prefer to let their words speak for them?
I confess biographies are among my least favorite types of books to read. As a result, I tend to prefer to let an author's words speak for them. Still, I find some authors' lives fascinating and enjoy hearing about them. The internet is a great resource for that sort of thing, I've found.

4. Do you have a comfort food?
Yes! Sweets like cookies and brownies. And ice cream. Definitely ice cream. Sometimes though there's nothing more comforting than a big plate of homemade macaroni and cheese.

5. Do you have a favourite classical author?
I adore Jane Austen. It always takes me a moment to step inside her world when I begin her books, but once I do, there is no going back.

6. Do you prefer to watch the movie first, or read the book first?
I almost always want to read the book first. I hate having books spoiled for me, and I love having the back story that only a book can offer before seeing a movie. There are times, however, when I think seeing the movie first has its place. Especially when it comes to Shakespeare.

I nearly always want to see the movie if I've read the book. Only sometimes do movies inspire me to go back and read the books they were based on.

7. Do you have enough bookshelves? (I know this question is a cheat, because really do any of us have enough bookshelves?)
I do! For the moment. It helps that I haven't been collecting books at break neck speed like I used to. And that I gave away about 500 books over the course of last year. My husband was gracious enough to allow me to turn our living room of the new house into a library. I still have bookcases in just about every room in the house.

8. Is there an author that you are planning to read this year for the first time?
Oh my gosh, there is! I can't tell you who though. I don't know what I will be reading in the upcoming days, weeks and months just yet.

9. Do you have a favourite historical period, and why is it your favourite?
Hmm. I am especially drawn to the World War II era for some reason. I think my dad had a lot to do with that as he enjoyed reading about that time period too. I also really enjoy reading about Victorian England. There is just something about the costumes, society and general atmosphere that I find interesting.

10. Name a book that you are anticipating reading that is being published this year.

I am so out of the loop when it comes to new releases these days. I haven't really paid close attention to what is coming out. I only know what you all tell me and even then I only remember if I write it down.

11. Name two of your favourite novels that you have reread more than once.
This is actually a very easy question for me to answer as I so rarely reread books. The Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

My Questions to All of You:

5. What historical figure would you most want to meet in a dark alley on a Wednesday night in March? Any particular reason why?

6. It's a lovely spring day. You have no obligations--just a free day to do whatever you want. How would you spend the day?

7. What is your favorite mode of transportation?

8. If you were to write a novel, what would the title be?

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Thoughts: The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton

2012-03-12T00:00:00.003-07:00

The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey by Rebecca Hamilton
Immortal Ink, 2012
Fantasy; 350 pgs

After finishing a book that dragged on a bit, I was anxious to read something that would be a little quicker paced--and something different from the thrillers and mysteries I'd also read recently. And so I opened my Kindle, looked through my bookshelf, and settled on The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton.

I discovered the author through Twitter and was curious about her book, so seeing that it was only $2.99, figured it was worth giving a try. I began reading the book one Friday morning while Mouse was sleeping in. Of course, she had to wake up at the worst possible moment, in a spot I really didn't want to have to stop reading. Isn't that always the way? It would happen several other times as I snuck in reading moments here and there--either the baby or my husband would interrupt me. Still, I stole those reading moments when I could--even in the car on the way to breakfast the Sunday morning I finished the book. Yes, I was that hooked.

The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey is the first in a series about a young woman with paranormal abilities. She suffers from an incessant hissing in her mind that she can't seem to shake. Those hisses eventually turn to voices. In an effort to silence the voices by breaking the curse she is sure was brought on by an ancestor accused of witchcraft, Sophia dives into her research. Through a friend, she is introduced to a world she never knew existed, one of magic and the supernatural. Her life is suddenly thrown into turmoil, where life and death become an issue and she is faced with difficult decisions, including whether to pursue forbidden love.

The Forever Girl was entertaining on many levels. I especially like the world Hamilton has created. While many of the supernatural characters are familiar (vampires, shape shifters, witches), Hamilton adds new and old layers to them, making them all the more interesting. She uses the five Wiccan elements to shape the mythology in her books.

The main protagonist, Sophia, is your typical urban fantasy/paranormal romance heroine. She is tough and has a few emotional scars from earlier hurts. She isn't quick to trust and is skeptical of people's motivations. I liked her right away. The other characters in the novel were quite intriguing, some I hope make more of an appearance in future novels so I can get to know more about them. I especially liked the character of Ivory, including her back story. I suspected something was up with her character early on but her actual story was much more complicated and fascinating than I anticipated.

There were certain aspects of the novel that I wish had been explored more fully, including the resolution to secondary storylines, like that of Mrs. Franklin. It seemed to end all too quickly and succinctly. And yet, in regards to the romance aspect of the novel, I felt as if it lingered on a bit too long in the middle. But that isn't to say I didn't like the romantic pairing or the conflict between the two. I found it quite interesting, actually.

Overall, I enjoyed The Forever Girl and am not too happy I have to wait to read the next book in the series. I like the world Rebecca Hamilton has created and am anxious to visit again.

You can learn more about Rebecca Hamilton and her book on the author's website.

Source: I purchased an e-copy of this book for my Kindle.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

One Year Ago Today

2012-03-09T01:21:00.009-08:00

Your father and I were enjoying lunch at the Cheesecake Factory one weekend in 2009 when I brought up the subject of having a baby. Your dad was used to my occasional maternal sparks, but I assured him this time was different. I had gone over my mental list of reasons not to have a child and none of it mattered. I knew in my heart I wanted you. We agreed though to revisit the subject a month or two down the road. Maybe the feeling would pass like it had before. Only, this time it didn't. And this time, your father was ready too.

You grew inside my womb for nine amazing months. I watched and felt my body change. As painful and difficult as it was at times, I knew it was for a purpose and that made it more bearable. I still remember those early days when I was always famished, often nauseous, and would go from a state of euphoria to being exhausted and oh so tired. As the months went on, I sang and talked to you endlessly while you were inside me, hoping you could hear me. I learned--and felt--what a round ligament was (Ouch!). I loved seeing you during the ultrasound, watching you transform into who you are today.

The doctor assigned your due date as March 8. I felt sure you'd come earlier somehow and yet a part of me hoped you would hold out until March 9th. It was your Great-Grandfather John's birthday and my half birthday. Truthfully, any day would have been fine. We were anxious to meet you.

I was determined to work right up until I went into labor. My coworkers had even come up with multiple plans to get me to the hospital should that happen. I remember one day, late in my pregnancy, when one of my staff requested to speak to me privately. We found a private office to meet in. As I was walking back to my desk after the meeting, someone approached me to say everyone was worried and looking all over for me. Evidently my cubicle mate thought I had gone into labor and was on my way to the hospital all on my own. To be fair, I had told her I might do that--but I had only been joking. The whole office was in a frenzy and were glad to see I was okay.

It was getting harder, however, even to work. I often joked with my coworkers that I should set up an office in the bathroom as often as I was running to use the toilet. I used to take lots of walks up and down the halls as sitting for long became uncomfortable. But then, so did being on my feet for long. I was constantly trying to find a good balance.

And so, I decided to take my doctor's advice and go out on maternity leave before you were born. The reason I was so hesitant, admittedly, was because I didn't want to waste any of my maternity leave. I had so few days as it was and I wanted to spend them with you after you were here. So, on March 8th of 2011, I began my maternity leave. And, on that same day, you decided it was time to start your descent into the outside world.

At 6:32 that morning, I felt my first contraction. It was mild, and I didn't think much of it. I must have known it was significant, however, since I remember so clearly the time. I went about my business. I had planned to run errands, sneak in a trip to Dairy Queen for a Peanut Buster Parfait (those things never seemed to affect my blood sugar level, thank goodness, so I cheated on my gestational diabetes diet every now and then), and maybe make a trip to the bookstore. First there was the visit from the man from a moving company though, who was there to make an estimate on the cost to move us. I showed the man around the house, the contractions getting stronger and becoming more frequent, coming about every 10 to 15 minutes or so. I wonder now what he would have thought had he known I was in labor at that time. As far as I was concerned, it was most likely false labor.

The contractions intensified and continued to get closer. I decided to stay home and forget about errands. I showered, hoping that would help. I guzzled down a bottle of water and walked around. I tried lying down for awhile. Nothing seemed to help. At some point, I decided to keep track of the contractions and so grabbed a piece of blank paper. Your dad, whom I was texting through it all, kept asking me if I wanted him to come home from work. I insisted he didn't need to.

Whoever says real labor means contractions come evenly spaced lies. For two hours, I documented my contractions, some coming 8 minutes apart and others 3 minutes apart. Fortunately, your dad was able to get off work early and we went to the hospital. It was 4:30 in the afternoon on March 8th.

In the pre-admitting room, the nurses hooked me up to an IV and monitors, one for you and one for me. The hope was the fluids provided by the IV would hydrate me enough to get my body to progress further than it already had. Sure enough, after a few hours, it was decided I was ready to go, and so at around 9:30 p.m. that night I was admitted to the hospital.

My midwife predicted you would come around 5 or 6 the next morning. I mentally prepared for the long labor. She set me up with pain medication and shortly after I was given an epidural. I am so glad I decided to go that route. It made a world of difference. Evidently you had turned somewhere between my last ultrasound and my going into labor and were facing the wrong direction, hence the excruciating back pain. The midwife was able to turn you, however. I don't remember too much after that as things seemed to happen so fast. The midwife broke my water and the next thing I knew I was told to push. You came into this world at 1:21 a.m. on March 9, 2011. I reached for you almost immediately and was told to wait while they wiped you down. Then you were placed in my arms. It was love at first sight.

This first year of your life has been an adventure like no other. Those early weeks were quite a challenge as we got to know each other, and your father and I adjusted to being parents. We took turns staying up with you at night because you refused to sleep unless being held. You and I spent hours on the couch, cuddling, nursing, and you sleeping. We played in the spare bedroom of the old house, the sunshine streaming in from the windows. You loved that room more than any other. I think it was the brightness of the room. You loved the sunshine even then.

We moved into the new house, and you adjusted well. I wish I could say the same for the cats.

You continued to grow and come into your own. I will never forget the first time you lifted your head, rolled over, spoke your first consonant, ate your first solid, crawled, and then walked. There is nothing more beautiful than your smile, my dear Mouse. Nothing I love to hear more than your laughter.

I have watched you become more independent: from sleeping only on your dad and me to sleeping in your bassinet and then in your crib. Where once we had to feed you, you now insist on holding your own spoon and feeding yourself. You own your own at daycare--those bigger kids know not to get in your way. You aren't afraid to run off on your own or take a risk.

Your risk taking is never without thought, however. You observe the world around you in such a thoughtful manner. You seem to be taking its measure, determining where to go next and who to trust. You aren't afraid to let us know when you are ready to go forward or want to change directions. You have a quiet determination about you that makes me so proud.

I love holding you close, whether nursing or cuddling with you, your warm body against mine. I love how in the middle of the night you can go from sleepiness to being wide awake, greeting me with a grin.

Meal times are an adventure all their own. You've always made it clear what you want and don't want, even it's taken your dad and me a bit longer to figure it out. Your father and I learned quickly to hold onto any plate or bowl we give you or else it will end up on the floor. I have lost count of the number of times you have thrown your food off your tray and onto the floor. You love bananas and your dad's white rice with teriyaki chicken. And, of course, Thin Mints. I can't help but think back to before you were born, how strict I felt about what you would and would not be able to eat. And I think how things are now--it's a good lesson in how reality and intentions don't always line up exactly as planned.

One of my most favorite times of day with you is bath time. You hated baths initially and upon the suggestion of a friend, I joined you in the bathtub. Now it is our nightly ritual. I read to you and sing to you as you play in the water. You especially like it when the animals come to visit.

I love how you have taken to the animals. You adore those cats and the dog. Even when our dog, Riley, has been less than tolerant of you, you haven't let it dampen your enthusiasm and love for him. I think your perseverance is beginning to pay off--all those times you throw his bone to him and offer him a bit of your food. Just this past weekend I watched as you leaned in and gave Riley a hug.

I've seen how our cat, Parker, seeks you out and purrs when you cuddle up next to him. Oh, and remember that time you were upset and crying and he came into the room to check on you? He stood on his hind legs, stretching as far as he could, just to make sure you were okay. He might wish you didn't grab at his ears and tail so much, but he knows you are still learning to be gentle. And Anya . . . I will never forget how she would curl up next to us on the couch, especially when you were upset, during those early days.

We have faced many illnesses together, some worse than others. You were always such a trooper when you were sick, rarely letting it keep you down for long. The nights were the hardest, some of which I kept you close to me. You made it clear you didn't want to sleep in your own bed as awful as you felt. I didn't mind too much, even it meant I got little sleep. Making you feel safe and secure and comforted was my top priority.

There have been tears. Lots of tears. On both our parts. I haven't always been at my best with you despite my best intentions. I have lost my temper, cried along side you, and become frustrated when I can't figure out what you want. And yet you always run to me, offer me hugs and kisses, are ready with a smile when the tears have been wiped away.

You have blossomed from a beautiful sweet tempered baby into a beautiful and determined toddler. You are smart and funny, kind and thoughtful. You are oh so active! You inherited a double dose of stubbornness thanks to your dad and me. Do you know what I love most about you, my little Mouse? Everything.

Today you are one year old. I couldn't be more proud. I couldn't be happier to call you my daughter. I love you, Mouse.

Happy Birthday.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.