S. Krishna's Books

Book Review: The Newlyweds - Nell Freudenberger

2012-05-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: The Newlyweds
Author: Nell Freudenberger
ISBN: 9780307268846
Pages: 352
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Knopf
Genre: Literary Fiction, Cultural Fiction (South Asian)
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:

Amina Mazid is a woman living in Bangladesh, and at twenty-four, she is about to be married. Not to just anyone, though - Amina is going to move to Rochester, New York with her new husband George Stillman, whom she met on an online dating site. Amina is excited to build a future in a new country with her new husband, but she has unrevealed desires and hopes of which she tells George nothing. What Amina doesn’t know, though, is that George is harboring his own secrets that could tear their delicate marriage apart.

Review:

The Newlyweds is a beautifully depicted cross-cultural story of two very different people. The novel is told from Amina’s point of view, and her story is, in some ways, a very sad one. She is leaving everything she knows and loves in hopes that she will have a better future with George in America. But, at the same time, she doesn’t feel that she can truly confide in George. From the beginning, she wants her parents to come live with her and George in Rochester, yet she knows that George isn’t willing to invite them into their home permanently. This lack of communication is telling and characterizes the marriage for much of the novel.

It’s interesting when the main character isn’t necessarily the most sympathetic, which is the case in The Newlyweds. That’s not to say that Amina isn’t likeable, but that it’s George who many will likely feel for the most. The cultural differences between Amina and George are vast, yet it’s often him, rather than her, who is willing to bridge the gap. It brings up the question of compromise, which is so important in marriage and is relevant whether your marriage is cross-cultural or not. It also will provoke thoughts of what Amina might owe George - is she beholden to him for marrying her and providing her with a chance at a better life, or is that to be expected because he’s in love with her?

That being said, Amina is a woman that readers will fall in love with, despite her flaws, or rather, because of them. She is torn between what she wants and what George wants, what her culture dictates versus what might make her marriage a little better, a little easier. Her experiences in Rochester with a brand new culture make for a quintessential immigrant tale, and Amina’s thoughts about the process illustrate it beautifully.

Nell Freudenberger’s writing in The Newlyweds is poetic and beautiful. She constructs her characters so carefully, with such art, that the reader comes to know them intimately by the end of the novel. It’s difficult to remember that Amina is part of Fredenberger’s imagination, rather than a woman living her life in Rochester, beyond the confines of the book.

This is a quiet novel that speaks in whispers, in hushed tones that contain incisive observations and profound thoughts. It’s not about explosive revelations or twists and turns; instead, it’s about subtlety. In fact, it’s difficult to understand exactly what the driving force of the novel is. In a less talented author’s hands, it could have easily been boring, dragging on for chapters where nothing happens. But Freudenberger makes this beautiful novel as compelling as any fast-paced thriller. Readers will race to discover what happens to Amina as she tries to find her way in the United States. Freudenberger has left the novel open-ended, and readers will clamor for a sequel as no one will be quite ready to let go of Amina and George when the last pages are finished.

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Book Review: Queen of the Conqueror - Tracy Borman

2012-05-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Queen of the Conqueror: The Life of Matilda, Wife of William I
Author: Tracy Borman
ISBN: 9780553808148
Pages: 336
Release Date: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Bantam
Genre: Non-Fiction, History, Biography
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

Matilda, the wife of William the Conqueror, is a woman surrounded by fascinating legends and tales. Historian Tracy Borman wades through all these stories to discover the true story of this remarkable woman and to illustrate how she changed Europe through her words and deeds.

Review:

Matilda, the queen of William of Normandy, is shrouded in myth. For example, one of the most famous stories about her is that she refused marriage to William at first because he was a bastard, and therefore unworthy of her and her illustrious lineage. In response, William (whose thunderous temper was well-documented) sought Matilda out and beat her senseless. Instead of becoming incensed by this turn of events, Matilda declared that she would marry no one but William. Confused? It’s understandable. In Tracy Borman’s Queen of the Conqueror, the author dissects these stories and presents an entirely new look at Matilda.

Borman writes in an engaging, accessible way, and as a result, her history of Matilda is never dry or difficult. While this book would be a delight to fans of history, those who aren’t regular biography readers will still appreciate this book, as it will appeal to multiple audiences on different levels. It’s clear that Borman did an extensive amount of research for Queen of the Conqueror, and though she doesn’t often detail her research processes or sources in-text, there is an extensive bibliography at the end of the book for readers.

Readers are treated to an interesting portrayal of Matilda in Queen of the Conqueror - a strong, confident woman whose loyalties were often torn between her husband and sons. She was religious and grateful for all that she had been given in life. She valued her daughters and ensured they received educations, whether they were destined for strategic marriages or for the church. It’s really an appealing woman that Borman presents, and it’s surprising how progressive she was, given that she lived in the eleventh century CE.

Queen of the Conqueror is an excellent biography - well-researched, engaging, and it brings the figure of Matilda to life for the reader. She was an amazingly powerful woman, especially considering the time period, and she served as an influence on her tempestuous husband, encouraging moderation. It’s fitting that she receives a new biography, and the fact that it’s so interesting and easy to read is just icing on the cake for history buffs.

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My BEA Bag

2012-05-21T20:00:00.000-04:00

I’m so excited to be going to BEA this year (my third year!), especially since I didn’t think I’d be able to make it. But happily, the stars have aligned such that I’ll be heading to New York City in June for a week full of books, blogging/publicist friends, and some great parties!

Newbies to BEA often puzzle over what they should bring, so to help out, I’ve created a Pinterest board that highlights what I’ve found useful, as well as what I stock in my BEA bag. I’m no expert, but I know for my first time at the conference, I used every single resource out there to plan my BEA trip. I’ll keep adding to it up to the conference this year, and I’ll leave it up for years to come (and continue to add to it), so feel free to bookmark the page or follow the board on Pinterest!

My BEA Bag - A Pinterest Board

Book Review: The Reckoning - Jane Casey

2012-05-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: The Reckoning
Author: Jane Casey
ISBN: 9780312622008
Pages: 384
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Genre: Crime Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

Detective Constable Maeve Kerrigan is back, and this time, she has a very strange case to deal with. Someone is murdering accused pedophiles in horrible ways, and though many believe these men got what was coming to them and aren’t interested in wholeheartedly pursuing the serial killer, Maeve believes that they deserve justice, no matter their crime. What makes things worse is that Maeve was assigned to the case along with Detective Derwent, someone new to their department, and he clearly has a problem with women in general, and Maeve in particular. As Maeve continually tries to prove herself, she must deal with shocking revelations at every turn as it becomes more clear what exactly they’re dealing with.

Review:

It’s rare that a second novel in a series lives up to everything the first promised it would be, but The Reckoning does just that. Once again, the reader has Maeve as a capable, smart, and savvy detective who must face discrimination and prejudice at work because of her gender. It’s not as blatant as it is in The Burning, but it’s definitely present, especially through Derwent, who should be an incredibly unlikeable character. It’s a testament to Casey’s writing talent that, though the reader’s initial opinion of him is negative, he really grows on the reader as the book progresses.

The case in The Reckoning is fascinating. It’s easy to understand the feeling of those who think that the pedophiles got what they deserved - after all, there is little that turns the stomach more than those who prey on innocent children. At the same time, though, Maeve’s conviction that these are human beings who deserve justice, no matter the nature of their crime, is admirable and speaks to her integrity. It’s also great to watch Maeve come up with theories about the crimes - watching her grow in her role as a detective and become more confident is very gratifying.

About halfway through The Reckoning, the storyline takes a drastic turn as new evidence comes to light. The case is seemingly wrapped up, only to have a whole new aspect and direction open up. For a regular reader of crime fiction, this presents something fresh and different. Instead of having a linear case (with twists and turns, of course) that is wrapped up at the end of the novel, the book moves along one path and then jumps completely to a different one that’s equally engaging. It’s very well done.

With The Reckoning, Jane Casey has become one of my favorite crime fiction authors. Both of her books are so well-written and gripping, and her primary and secondary characters are incredibly well developed. She writes such intricate layers in her novels, and it’s a joy to peel them back and see what’s underneath. I’m already eagerly anticipating the next novel in this wonderful series.

Other books by Jane Casey:

The Burning

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Book Review: Walking with the Comrades - Arundhati Roy [TSS]

2012-05-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Walking with the Comrades
Author: Arundhati Roy
ISBN: 9780143120599
Pages: 240
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Non-Fiction, History, South Asia
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

In this account, Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy goes into the jungles with the Maoists of India. She discusses the secret war the Indian government is fighting against these citizens, exposes their plight, and discusses the corruption inherent within India’s system.

Review:

In Walking with the Comrades, Arundhati Roy discusses the corporations that want to strip mine India. It’s a debate that happens in any industrialized economy - the struggle between maintaining natural resources and using them to fuel growth. However, India faces an added problem: that of the native population that lives in these areas. Roy’s main issue is that these corporations are willing (and able) to commit genocide against these tribes in order to accomplish their goals. The government is standing by and letting it happen. The only ones fighting for these tribal people? The Communists.

Roy’s account is by no means unbiased. It’s clear from the beginning that she sides with the Maoists, and that she has multiple issues with the current Indian government that go beyond the scope of this book. But the Maoists need an advocate, someone to tell their story on an international scale, and Roy is the perfect person for that. She describes the war - “Operation Green Hunt” - that India is fighting against its own citizens. It’s barbaric and frightening that this is happening in a democracy.

It’s horrible, yet fascinating, how India has launched a disinformation campaign against the Maoists. They’ve convinced Indian citizens that these people are bloodthirsty rebels seeking vengeance and destruction. Roy, who spent time in the jungles with the Maoists, delivers a different story. She shows people who have no food, no basic medical care, no access to clean water, no education - desperate people who have nothing but what they’re fighting for. It’s completely heartbreaking, but also very eye opening.

Walking with the Comrades is a short book, but it packs a punch. It’s not always the easiest book to read, but Roy writes with beautiful prose about the plight facing these people. It’s a book that will provoke questions and debate, which is what it’s meant to do. If you’re at all interested in Indian issues, or problems facing countries that are rapidly industrializing, definitely seek out this book.

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Book Review: Friendship Bread - Darien Gee

2012-05-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Friendship Bread
Author: Darien Gee
ISBN: 9780345525345
Pages: 400
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

When Julia Everts finds a bag of friendship bread starter on her front porch, she doesn’t know what to think. After all, she doesn’t really have any friends left since she shut out the world after the death of her son. But she and her daughter, Grace, decide to make the bread and share it around their small town, not knowing they will change their own lives and those of the people around them in the process.

Review:

Friendship Bread is a very interesting book. It’s uplifting and inspirational, bringing together families and community through these bags of starter. People learn to live again, love again, and give one another second chances, and the catalyst for all of these earth-shaking events are these little, innocent bags of friendship bread starter. This might make this book seem cheesy and silly, but the amazing thing about Darien Gee’s novel is that it isn’t. It’s heartwarming and sweet, but it never falls into the trap of being sappy or sentimental. Given the subject matter, it really should, but Gee’s artistry ensures that it’s a well-told solid novel in its own right.

The strength of Friendship Bread lies in its characters, namely Julia and Hannah. Julia is cloaked in her grief; she wears it as a warm blanket, ensuring she can keep the world at arm’s length. When the friendship bread intrudes on her solitude, she doesn’t realize that baking and sharing it is the first step in letting go of her protective shell and allowing herself to experience life once again. Similarly, Hannah, an award-winning cellist who is married to a celebrated musician must also find her own two legs to stand upon. For so long, she’s been able to hide behind her status as an internationally renowned musician, and then as the wife of one, but now that she’s in the small town of Avalon, she must figure out who she is and what she wants out of life.

Gee writes emotions very well in Friendship Bread. Readers will sympathize with each of the characters, even those that are only mentioned for a page or two. Indeed, the novel contains countless people within it, so readers will easily be able to find a “favorite” character - for me, it was Edie, the journalist who doubted the bonds present within a small town, only to discover how completely wrong she was. This is the book to read when you are losing faith in your fellow man and woman and need to be reminded that there is some good out there in ordinary people.

Friendship Bread is a sweet novel; the bakers among us will love how this bread brings an entire community together around it. If you love reading about food and also enjoy a heartwarming story, this is definitely the perfect novel to pick up. Admittedly, the premise is a bit silly, but you’ll soon find that it doesn’t matter because the book is so easy to become involved in. It’s a quick read, but one well worth putting your time into.

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Book Review: Seriously…I’m Kidding - Ellen DeGeneres

2012-05-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Seriously…I’m Kidding
Author: Ellen DeGeneres
ISBN: 9780446585026
Pages: 256
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (Print) / Hachette Audio (Audio)
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Audiobook
Source: Library
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

In the third of her memoirs, comedian and popular talk show host Ellen DeGeneres reflects on her career, her life, and gives the reader her thoughts on the world.

Review:

If you’re a fan of Ellen DeGeneres’ humor, then picking up her memoir is really a no-brainer. After all, readers know very well they will be entertained and laugh out loud more than once over the course of the book. And Seriously…I’m Kidding doesn’t disappoint. Though there are no sordid, juicy details characteristic of a celebrity memoir - and it’s unlikely anyone reading it thought there would be, after all, it’s Ellen - it’s lighthearted and fun, much like Ellen herself.

Seriously…I’m Kidding really isn’t a memoir. Instead, it’s sort of an essay collection, but even then, it only loosely relates to Ellen’s life. This is more about Ellen’s random thoughts on a variety of subjects, from how people need to slow down and enjoy life to being a judge on American Idol. It’s great fun, but it’s not the stuff of deep thoughts. It would make a great pick for when you’re in the mood for a whimsical read, perhaps on vacation or a plane ride.

I listened to Seriously…I’m Kidding on audio, and I have no doubt it was the right choice. In fact, I wouldn’t have been interested in the print version. Ellen herself narrates this audiobook, and it’s like she’s having a conversation with the reader. She really performs the audiobook, and it’s great to listen to. The audio version even includes some extra tidbits that the print version doesn’t have. Plus for those of you who have short attention spans for audiobooks, the unabridged version only runs about 3 hours.

If you’re an audiobook fan and an Ellen fan, definitely don’t hesitate to pick up the audio version Seriously…I’m Kidding. While I can’t speak to the experience of reading the print version, listening to the audio is fun and amusing. I seem to not be able to get enough of audiobooks of memoirs by female comedians, but really, they’re so entertaining to listen to!

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Book Review: The Ice Cream Girls - Dorothy Koomson

2012-05-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: The Ice Cream Girls
Author: Dorothy Koomson
ISBN: 9781455507139
Pages: 448
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

It’s been over twenty years since it all happened. Twenty years since Poppy and Serena, two teen girls, were accused of killing their high school teacher, with whom each of them had been having an affair. Twenty years since Poppy was found guilty and Serena innocent. Now, Poppy is being released from prison, and the only thing that has carried her through her term is the fact she knows she’s innocent. Now she’s intent on finding Serena and forcing her to confess to the murder. When Serena discovers Poppy is being released, she fears that the life she’s built will come crumbling down, as she hasn’t told her husband the truth about what happened.

Review:

The Ice Cream Girls is a superb psychological thriller about two very different women with a tragic past in common. Poppy and Serena were both taken advantage of by their teacher. They were young, naïve girls who were manipulated and psychologically, emotionally, and physically abused by a man they should have been able to trust. Koomson doesn’t shy away from depicting the horror that each of these women underwent as teenagers. It’s brutal, but very well done, and it helps to explain how damaged both Poppy and Serena are now.

Koomson tackles the question of innocence versus guilt very well in The Ice Cream Girls. From the beginning, Poppy maintains her innocence. Yet can the reader really trust her? And it appears as though Serena wasn’t the murderer as well. But memory is fallible and the reader is never entirely sure of who they can trust, especially considering it would be difficult to blame either of the girls if they had been guilty.

This question of guilt and innocence extends into family. Serena wonders whether her sisters actually believe that she didn’t commit the crime, while Poppy must grapple with the fact that her parents want nothing to do with her since her release from prison. Not only that, but they are keeping her from communicating with her siblings. Poppy’s life has been ruined by her prison time, but though Serena looks like she has gotten off scot-free, it’s clear that’s not the case. She keeps secrets from her husband and distrusts her sisters. Koomson deals with these nuances very well, making it difficult to paint anything as black and white in this book.

Because of the multiple issues it deals with, as well as the expertly drawn main characters, The Ice Cream Girls would make an excellent book club pick. Koomson’s thoughtful portrayal of both Serena and Poppy will speak to readers. It’s a psychological thriller with a lot of depth, which fans of the genre should welcome.

Other books by Dorothy Koomson:

The Chocolate Run – Dorothy Koomson
The Cupid Effect – Dorothy Koomson
Marshmallows for Breakfast – Dorothy Koomson
My Best Friend's Girl – Dorothy Koomson

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Book Review: Life Without Parole - Clare O’Donohue

2012-05-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Life Without Parole
Author: Clare O’Donohue
ISBN: 9780452297821
Pages: 288
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Plume
Genre: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Television producer Kate Conway still hasn’t gotten over the death of her husband, Frank. Okay, her then-soon-to-be-ex-husband. That had been cheating on her for quite some time before they decided to divorce. There’s no reason Kate should be pining over him, but it doesn’t change the fact that she’s alone and isn’t motivated to move on with her life. That is, until she receives two new jobs: one is a documentary on prisoners in for life who have no hope of parole, while the other is on a restaurant that will be opening soon. But when someone involved with the restaurant is murdered, Kate uses what she can learn from the prisoners about the minds of murderers to help solve the case.

Review:

Life Without Parole, the sequel to Missing Persons, has two main storylines, both of which are interesting in their own ways. For those who enjoyed the information about Kate being a television producer in Missing Persons, it’s the prisoner documentary that will be the most fascinating. From the restrictions Kate and her team face when they’re in with murderers to the profile given of the mind that would commit a murder, the storyline is fascinating from beginning to end. It takes a chilling turn as the book progresses, and for me, it was definitely the more interesting storyline of the two.

However, it’s the restaurant opening that has Kate personally involved, rather than professionally. Sure, she’s brought in because of a job, but she takes it upon herself to figure out the identity of the murderer. This storyline is done well, but it’s more of a straightforward mystery. It doesn’t have the juicy bits of information that the prisoner plot does, but it’s still well-written and engaging. Kate’s a great main character, though her character doesn’t develop much further in this book, so any project she embarks on is interesting.

It’s not really necessary to read Life Without Parole and Missing Persons in order. As always, readers would miss out on some character development and background plot if they treated Life Without Parole as a standalone, but O’Donohue explains everything necessary in this book. If you’re not interested in picking up another series book, you could easily read this book without the first.

Overall, Life Without Parole was an enjoyable read. O’Donohue has embarked on an interesting series with a great premise with these books. Kate’s an appealing, realistic character, and readers will look forward to seeing where the author takes her next.

Other books by Clare O’Donohue:

Missing Persons

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Book Review: The Fallback Plan - Leigh Stein

2012-05-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: The Fallback Plan
Author: Leigh Stein
ISBN: 9781612190426
Pages: 224
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Publisher: Melville House
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Esther Kohler has just graduated from Northwestern University with a seemingly useless theater degree and has been unable to find a job. Resigned to her "fallback plan", Esther moves back in with her parents. They line up a job for her as a nanny for a four-year-old child named May, and as Esther becomes a part of this family, she learns that nothing is as rosy as it seems on the surface.

Review:

The Fallback Plan was a novel that spoke to me (and likely, will speak to most liberal arts college graduates from the last ten years or so). I went to Northwestern University, though my degree was a bit more practical than Esther's. And most people, especially those who have graduated in the past few years during the down economy, can attest to the difficulty of finding a job. Therefore I was intrigued by this novel from the minute I heard about and was excited to get to know Esther and to see how she coped with moving back home.

The best part of The Fallback Plan is Leigh Stein's amazing writing style. She writes with a sparkling wit that will have readers laughing out loud. It's clear she poured herself into the character of Esther. While I definitely wouldn't assume Stein based Esther on herself, I have a feeling the author shares the main character's irreverent sense of humor. I would have loved to be friends with Esther; at times, it's difficult to remember she isn't a real person.

Esther suffers from heartbreaking, crippling depression in The Fallback Plan. While Stein writes about it in a hilarious way, it's important to remember how serious of an illness it can be. In this way, it reminded me of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath - a coming-of-age story in which the female main character realizes that life isn't just going to fall into place for her, and is unable to deal with it. It speaks to a modern audience in a smart way, which makes incredibly relevant.

Indeed, Esther definitely isn’t anywhere close to a perfect character in The Fallback Plan. She's flawed and realistic, looking for some sort of validation for her life, which she views as pathetic. It's frustrating when she spends time with her going-nowhere friends; sometimes she seems unable or unwilling to help herself, which is in line with her severe depression. It's through May that Esther finds a sense of purpose, though even that threatens to slip through her fingers.

The book does have a few weak spots - Esther tells a made-up story called The Littlest Panda, which is distracting, and despite her serious issues with depression, Esther never really gets the help she needs. Because of this, it makes for a dark read; readers will wonder whether Esther will go through life under the weight of her mental illness, or if she will finally seek help for it. Still, it makes for a provocative read; those who remember the confusion and frustration of finding a job after college will likely find value in this book.

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Sunday Salon

2012-05-13T10:53:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday, everyone, and happy mother’s day to all the moms out there! Today I’m hoping to relax after a very busy week at work. Last week was pretty crazy, and next week promises to be the same so I’m really trying to focus on blogging and reading today, for fear I won’t have time to do much of that next week!

I’ve been doing a lot of freelance writing lately. For The MindHut, here are five recommendations for The Hunger Games-esque novels and four classic novels/pieces of history I think would benefit from a horror-ification (I was pretty creative, if I say so myself!) For the SheKnows Book Lounge, I wrote a tribute to Maurice Sendak, author of Where the Wild Things Are, who died earlier this week. I also discussed my Fiction vs. TV picks - this month’s show was White Collar. I also picked 5 interesting novels that have released as Paperback Originals, which means they don’t always get the notice that hardcover books receive. I’m also giving away a copy of Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore on my own blog, you have a couple more days to enter!

I’m thrilled that I’ll be at BEA (Book Expo America) this year. For some time, I didn’t think I’d make it, but the stars aligned, and I’ll be able to go for a shortened period of time. I’m looking forward to hearing about all the new books and seeing those bloggers and publicists I only get to chat with in person once or twice a year! It’s only a few weeks away, and I’m very much looking forward to it.

Reviews posted this week:

Bring Up the Bodies - Hilary Mantel	The Legend of Pradeep Mathew - Shehan Karunatilaka
Guilt By Degrees - Marcia Clark	Overseas - Beatriz Williams
Shatter Me - Tahereh Mafi	Let’s Pretend this Never Happened - Jenny Lawson

Book Review: Let’s Pretend This Never Happened - Jenny Lawson [TSS]

2012-05-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir)
Author: Jenny Lawson
ISBN: 9780399159015
Pages: 336
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Publisher: Amy Einhorn Books
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction, Essays
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

In this memoir, popular blogger Jenny Lawson (also known as “The Bloggess”) chronicles her hilarious and incredibly unique upbringing in rural Texas. She discusses her most embarrassing and memorable experiences growing up, as well as covers her life as an adult with her husband, Victor.

Review:

If you are at all familiar with Jenny Lawson, whether through her blog, Twitter account, or somewhere else entirely, you know that she is absolutely and completely nuts, in the best possible way. She has an obsession with taxidermied animals (which she actually explains in her book) and a crippling fear of large groups of people. Her memoir Let’s Pretend This Never Happened explores the origin of her complete wackiness while also giving the reader a taste of her insane thought processes.

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened is absolutely hilarious. Jenny’s childhood was so strange and crazy that readers will almost be in disbelief as they read through her engaging memoir. She does exaggerate in some stories, but I agree with her when she says the most out there stuff is what she could never make up - who could? I found myself gasping and laughing out loud while reading this book. I loved this peek into Jenny’s world, though I am very glad I had a normal childhood, especially compared to what she went through.

That being said, the reading experience of Let’s Pretend This Never Happened left something to be desired. I have the book on audio as well, and actually wish I’d consumed it that way. The memoir is written very conversationally; Jenny thinks of how she’d tell a story, and then writes it out in the book. There are tangents and asides everywhere, which is normal if you’re telling a story out loud. It makes sense. But on the page, it seems scattered and difficult to follow. Reading this book is what it feels like to be in the head of someone with ADD, though the essay-style format does make it easier to read than if it were a continuous story.

That being said, I did enjoy Let’s Pretend This Never Happened very much and highly recommend it, but as an audiobook. I’ve talked to people who’ve listened to it on audio, and they agree - the memoir just works much better in audio, as it seems as though Jenny is right there, telling you about her incredibly weird childhood. If you haven’t been exposed to The Bloggess, I highly recommend checking out her blog, as you’ll get a sense of whether her sense of humor appeals to you. Either way, I’ll definitely be reading her next book and hope she’s saved some stories for it.

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Book Review: Shatter Me - Tahereh Mafi

2012-05-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Shatter Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
ISBN: 9780062085481
Pages: 352
Release Date: November 15, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Teen/YA, Dystopian
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary:

Juliette is seventeen years old and is a danger to everyone around her. It’s why she hasn’t spoken to or touched anyone in almost a year, and why she is in prison. But all of a sudden, she’s no longer alone. She’s given a cellmate named Adam, and slowly she realizes that he isn’t a stranger to her. As she begins to trust Adam, everything changes in the blink of an eye and Juliette finds herself free of the four walls around her, but not of the prison she’s been in.

Review:

Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me is a book that received a lot of pre- and post-publication buzz, which piqued my curiosity. The setup is familiar - a bleak dystopian future and a world that is dying. Unfortunately, Mafi doesn’t really delve into the intricacies of Juliette’s world. Instead, the reader is given sparse details about it, and as a result, readers will likely be left wanting. It’s clear that human waste and pollution created the world that Juliette lives in, but there isn’t much more information than that.

Mafi’s writing style is what really sets Shatter Me apart from other novels in this genre. She has a poetic, almost stream-of-consciousness style for Juliet. Her writing is emotional and very sensuous. It’s easy to become caught up in Mafi’s writing and let that carry you through the book. The style does have flaws, to be sure - for example, the overuse of metaphors - but it’s clear that the author is very gifted when it comes to writing. It’s Mafi’s talent with prose that carries the book, as many of the other elements are, unfortunately, too weak to stand on their own.

Juliette starts out as an interesting character, but it quickly becomes clear that she is completely overwrought. She has had a difficult life, to be sure, but it seems that everything is a matter of life and death to her. It’s incredibly annoying to read, but at the same time, when you’re so caught up in the author’s writing style, it takes time to realize how frustrating it actually is. It’s as if I was so taken by Mafi’s gorgeous writing that I didn’t realize for a time how much I was disliking the rest of the book. But unfortunately, that realization came. While I did like where Mafi took Juliette’s character, overall it was just too overdone for me and the story didn’t measure up.

While I can’t really recommend Shatter Me, I do understand the appeal of the book. It is beautifully written and looked like it was going to explore deep ideas and truths, but instead was waylaid by a huge case of teen angst that made the book completely overwrought and unpleasant. I completely respect Mafi’s writing abilities, and I look forward to reading her future books, but I don’t think I’ll be picking up any more novels about Juliette.

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Book Review: Overseas - Beatriz Williams

2012-05-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Overseas
Author: Beatriz Williams
ISBN: 9780399157646
Pages: 464
Release Date: May 10, 2012
Publisher: Putnam
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Kate Wilson is an analyst working at a prestigious Wall Street firm when she meets Julian Laurence, a notoriously private billionaire who also happens to be a client at Kate's firm. Julian shows interest in Kate, which she can't understand, but she doesn't realize that's just the beginning of the puzzles that are Julian. As she gets to know Julian, Kate sees that nothing is quite as it seems.

Review:

Overseas is a novel that has been compared to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander - a love story that deals with time travel. While it's unclear whether Overseas will develop into a series, one thing is crystal clear: the book can stand on its own two feet, comparisons or not. It's a beautiful story that's as engaging as it is easy to read. Williams creates memorable characters in Julian and Kate, though it's Kate's voice that carries the reader through the novel and encourages them to keep reading.

What struck me most about Overseas was how compulsively readable it was. While I was immersed in it, nothing mattered. I didn't have time to question the believability of the storyline or whether I liked Kate and Julian (which I did - I just didn't have time to think about it while I was reading) - important questions, especially for a reviewer. But I was completely and utterly hooked on the story. Despite its length, if I'd had time, I would have devoured the book in one sitting. That's how easy to read it was, and how badly I wanted to know what happened.

After I finished it, I of course, began to reflect on the novel, and I really did enjoy it. Williams has a way of sweeping the reader up with her words; this is escapism, pure and simple, and I loved that. The romance storyline didn't appeal to me as much, though. I just thought Julian and Kate moved awfully fast, especially considering Kate knew next to nothing about Julian. I realize it's romantic, though, which might be part of the reason I don't read many romance novels.

The time travel aspect of Overseas was certainly interesting. Williams does give an explanation for it, though whether it's plausible or not is for the reader to decide (I'll admit I wasn't fully convinced). That doesn't really matter, though, because the novel isn't about explanations or scientific happenings. Instead, it's about these two people who love one another and brave all sorts of dangers to be together. If you can lose yourself in it and appreciate it for what it is, like I did, you'll love immersing yourself in this absorbing read.

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Book Review: Guilt By Degrees - Marcia Clark

2012-05-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Guilt By Degrees
Author: Marcia Clark
ISBN: 9780316129534
Pages: 448
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Genre: Crime Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

Rachel Knight, D.A. in the Special Trials Unit in Los Angeles is back, and this time, she's taken on a very difficult case. When a homeless man is murdered and the assigned prosecutor doesn't seem to have any interest in pursuing the case, Rachel takes it upon herself to find the man some justice. But what she doesn't realize is that this murder has further reaching implications than she could imagine, and she may make herself a target as she pursues a murderer.

Review:

I mentioned this in my review of Guilt By Association, the first book in Marcia Clark's Rachel Knight series, but I felt like it was worth repeating in his review. Marcia Clark, prosecutor made famous by the O.J. Simpson trial, is a talented writer. This is not the case of some celebrity trying to cash in on her fame and be an author. While Clark's name had me skeptical on the first book in the series, she more than proved herself, and it was with eagerness I picked up this one.

Rachel is a wonderful main character, and the more I learn about her, the more I like her. She's not perfect; she's intensely private, to a fault, and can be very prickly. But she's realistic and a good person, and I loved how her character grew in Guilt By Degrees. Clark doesn't make the mistake of many first-time series writers; often, they abandon their main character's development in favor of plot in book 2, but Clark continues to flesh out Rachel well. It gives the book multiple dimensions.

The story of Guilt By Degrees is exciting and keeps the reader guessing. Clark takes the reader on unexpected twists and turns; I had no idea what to expect and was constantly surprised by where the story went. It kept me hooked, from beginning to end. There is a subplot involving Rachel's past that is equally interesting, and I was excited that Clark chose to explore it. I have a distinct feeling it will be playing an important part in books to come.

If you're a fan of mysteries or crime fiction and you haven't picked up the Rachel Knight series, you are really missing out. The writing is smart and the story moves at an exciting pace. Clark clearly knows what she's talking about with respect to working in a D.A.'s office and includes interesting tidbits for the reader. This is an incredibly fun series, and I'm only sorry that I have to wait for the next book in the series to come out.

Other books by Marcia Clark:

Guilt By Association

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Book Giveaway: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

2012-05-08T20:00:00.000-04:00

I really enjoyed Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore, so I was thrilled when Penguin Books approached me to do a giveaway of this wonderful book. I have copies to give away to two lucky readers.

To enter: Fill out the form below in its entirety, as this is the information I’ll be submitting to Big Honcho Media. Comments on this post will not be counted for entry. This giveaway runs through Tuesday, May 15, 2012. On Wednesday, May 16, I’ll use Random.org to pick two winners and will inform them via email of their good fortune. Because this giveaway is being fulfilled by a third party, US mailing addresses only, please. If you’re concerned about sharing personal information, please view my complete giveaway rules and privacy policy.

Good luck!

Book Review: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew - Shehan Karunatilaka

2012-05-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew
Author: Shehan Karunatilaka
ISBN: 9781555976118
Pages: 416
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Graywolf Press
Genre: Literary Fiction, Cultural Fiction (South Asian)
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

W.G. Karunasena (also called Wije) is a sportswriter who has spent his life drinking his days away. Now, his doctor informs him that, unless he stops drinking, he will die soon. Instead of doing the responsible thing, Wije chooses to continue with this lifestyle and decides to make a documentary about the history of Sri Lankan cricket. He wants to focus on Pradeep Mathew, a cricketer that almost everyone else has forgotten about, but finds difficulty at every turn in his search for information. Who was Pradeep Mathew, and why do people not want his story told?

Review:

When I first heard about The Legend of Pradeep Mathew, I had no idea it was the same book that had been published as Chinaman in other countries (though the change of name is wise, especially for US audiences, yes?). Chinaman won the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature in 2012, and when it was awarded, I lamented that the book wasn’t available in the US. Now it is, and that made me even more excited to pick up The Legend of Pradeep Mathew. (And let me add that chinaman isn’t meant to be offensive - it’s the word used to describe a left-arm spinner in cricket.)

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a fan of cricket. It’s not my game, I don’t really understand the rules, as much as I’ve tried. Therefore, the fact that The Legend of Pradeep Mathew is about a cricket player gave me some pause; that is, until I started reading the book. I was instantly taken in by Karunatilaka’s unique writing style. It’s at once engaging, but never pretentious. The words flow easily and beautifully, but the prose is never so lofty as to lose the reader or abandon the story in favor of poetry. It’s a lovely balance, and makes for a great reading experience.

The novel is centered around Wije’s search for Pradeep Mathew. It’s clear from the beginning that someone or something is standing in Wije’s way. Time and again, he’s promised full funding if he drops his inquiries into Mathew, or he watches as people come forward with information about the cricketer and then disappear. This mystery is one of the driving forces in the story, and Karunatilaka does a wonderful job renewing and keeping it fresh over the course of the book.

The Legend of Pradeep Mathew isn’t necessarily written for cricket fans, as the narrator states:

“If you’ve never seen a cricket match; if you have and it has made you snore; if you can’t understand why anyone would watch, let alone obsess over this dull game, then this is the book for you.”

That being said, an understanding of the sport can only help while reading it. I’ll admit there were times I was completely lost, though Karunatilaka does an excellent job explaining as much as he can without being repetitive. He weaves in Sri Lankan history with the cricket, and this is where the novel really shines. It’s smart and well-written; readers will close the book with a newfound understanding of both cricket and Sri Lankan history, politics, and the current issues the country faces.

In the end, The Legend of Pradeep Mathew is a genius of a book with a powerful twist at the end that will leave readers with dropped jaws. The novel is not exactly what you think of when you hear the term “South Asian literature”; it’s not tragic or heavy. In fact, it’s actually very funny, full of unique and well-developed primary and secondary characters that will stick with the reader long after the last pages are turned. It’s a story of real life, of love and obsession, of history and culture, and it’s an amazing thing to behold.

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Book Review: Bring Up the Bodies - Hilary Mantel

2012-05-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Bring Up the Bodies
Author: Hilary Mantel
ISBN: 9780805090031
Pages: 432
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt
Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:

It's after the events of Wolf Hall, and King Henry VIII is now married to Anne Boleyn. But, after fighting so hard to marry her and divorce Katherine of Aragon, the king is still unhappy. Thomas Cromwell, the king's secretary and a commoner, must navigate the treacherous waters of the king's court and protect his own future while also doing what he thinks is best for the king.

Review:

Bring Up the Bodies is the sequel to Wolf Hall, and while it can work as a standalone if you are very familiar with the history of Henry VIII, it works best as what it is - the middle volume in a trilogy about Thomas Cromwell. Usually, in trilogies, middle books are the weakest. They don't have the novelty of the first and have trouble living up to its promise, and often just function to set up an explosive third book. Happily, Bring Up the Bodies doesn't suffer from these issues, as it's a riveting book in its own right.

There is a certain sense of urgency in Bring Up the Bodies that I didn't necessarily feel was present in Wolf Hall. Henry VIII's divorce from Katherine of Aragon was a protracted, messy affair that took seven years. The downfall of Anne Boleyn, which is the focus of this book, only took three weeks. As a result, things move surprisingly swiftly. It makes for an absolutely compulsive read; though I knew exactly how things were going to turn out, I simply could not put this book down.

Mantel's interpretation of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn is very interesting. It was clear in Wolf Hall that the author wasn't the biggest fan of Anne, or at least, didn't want to cast her in the most positive light. This trend continues through Bring Up the Bodies; I was surprised at the direction Mantel took it, but found it absolutely fascinating. Henry VIII's dispassion when it came to the woman for whom he fought for so long was disquieting, to say the least. Because we see these characters through Cromwell's eyes, we only get to know them as he sees them, but Mantel's character development is so good that the reader still feels as though they are in each person's head.

It's clear that the last book in the trilogy will deal with Cromwell's downfall after Henry VIII's failed marriage to Anne of Cleves. Mantel has done an excellent job with these books, centering each on a pivotal event (or series of events) in Cromwell's career. As a result, this book is easy to read and engaging. The frustrating pronoun issue from Wolf Hall is dealt with much more successfully in Bring Up the Bodies, though I still maintain the book would have been more readable had it been written in first person. Still, I absolutely loved it and already cannot wait for the final novel. Mantel really immerses the reader in the time period; her details are excellent and it's clear her research is impeccable. If you're at all interested in Tudor history, I cannot recommend Bring Up the Bodies highly enough.

Other books by Hilary Mantel:

Wolf Hall

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Book Review: Ali in Wonderland - Ali Wentworth [TSS]

2012-05-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Ali in Wonderland: And Other Tall Tales
Author: Ali Wentworth
ISBN: 9780061998577
Pages: 272
Release Date: February 7, 2012
Publisher: Print: Harper / Audio: HarperAudio
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction, Essays, Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Ali Wentworth is an actress and comedian; she is the daughter of political journalists and her mother served as President Reagan’s social secretary. She is married to George Stephanopoulos, former staffer for President Clinton and current host of This Week on ABC and Good Morning America. In this memoir, Wentworth recounts her childhood in Washington, DC, her life as a struggling actress in LA, and her marriage to Stephanopoulos.

Review:

Ali in Wonderland: And Other Tall Tales isn’t exactly a memoir. Instead, it’s a collection of stories about Ali’s life, told roughly in chronological format. The reader is granted a peek into Ali’s privileged upbringing through her memoir, but it’s certainly not a tell-all. Instead, Ali shares some of the funnier and more zany stories about her life, and she isn’t afraid to embarrass herself and those around her in her quest for a giggle.

I consumed Ali in Wonderland as an audiobook, and I believe it had a significant impact on how I view the book. Ali Wentworth was the narrator, and she did a wonderful job with it. Hearing her share some of her most personal stories made me feel as if she were sitting in the room with me chatting. It was a very effective medium for this book, and I highly recommend it. I’m not sure I would have had the same experience, had I read it in print. The audiobook is unabridged and runs just over 5 hours.

Ali’s tone is light and funny; it’s clear she wants you to laugh through her memoir. And, luckily, that’s very easy to do because she’s so engaging. Ali did grow up with money, and while she doesn’t flaunt that, she doesn’t try to hide it either. More than one of her stories centers around the fact that her family had money, so if you’re sensitive to this, you may want to steer clear. If you’re happy to laugh along with her, though, one of my favorite stories in the collection was how, after anything bad happened to her, Ali took her mother’s advice and checked into the Four Seasons hotel.

If you take offense easily, I wouldn’t recommend this book just because you may not find it funny. However, if you love books (especially audiobooks!) that will make you laugh and you enjoy personal stories, you should give Ali in Wonderland a chance. I’ll admit that I had no idea who Ali Wentworth was prior to picking up this book, but that didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying her memoir. Now that I know who she is, I’ll make it a point to seek her material out from now on.

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Book Review: Bitterblue - Kristin Cashore

2012-05-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Bitterblue
Author: Kristin Cashore
ISBN: 9780803734739
Pages: 576
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Genre: Teen/YA, Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Warning: This review may contain spoilers for Graceling by Kristin Cashore.

Summary:

It’s eight years after the events of Graceling, eight confusing years since Katsa and Po killed the evil King Leck of Monsea, a man gifted with the ability to make others believe his terrible lies. His daughter Bitterblue is now queen of this realm, and she wants nothing more than to heal her people and help them move forward from their difficult past. But how can she help them if she doesn’t understand what they went through under Leck? Desperate to escape her ivory tower, Bitterblue begins sneaking into the city at night to meet her people for herself, but when what she finds there contradicts what her advisors tell her, she wonders who she can trust.

Review:

Bitterblue definitely starts off slow. Cashore takes time to build her story and put her characters in place. From the beginning, though, it’s clear that there is something desperately wrong with Bitterblue’s world. It’s not certain what that is, or if it can even be put into words, but a sense of wrongness pervades the entire novel. It’s this feeling that is the driving force in the novel, what pushes the reader to keep going. As Bitterblue begins to uncover the truth, things around her become deliciously complicated. It makes for an intriguing puzzle.

Bitterblue herself isn’t the most endearing character, admittedly. She is barely an adult, just eighteen years old, so it’s understandable why she acts like a teenager much of the time. But since this is a teenager who is queen of a realm, her immaturity does have consequences. That being said, this is a minor issue; Bitterblue becomes easier to like over the course of the novel, and by the end, when the reader is wonderfully buried in intrigue and conspiracy, issues with the main character will be the last thing on their mind.

I can’t say enough how compulsively readable Bitterblue is. Cashore’s writing is graceful and she builds the story so incredibly well. The reader is drawn into the queen’s tale, and while the story of her kingdom is more compelling than her personal journey, both are well-written and interesting. The mythology behind the book is rich and textured; I can only hope that Cashore chooses to write more books set in this world, as she’s creating such a wonderful fantasy realm.

Bitterblue is a sort of sequel to both Graceling and Fire. While it doesn’t matter which order you read those first two books in, be sure to read Bitterblue last. This book is a direct sequel to Graceling (yes, Katsa and Po make multiple appearances in Bitterblue and it is very satisfying) and there are some important references to Fire as well; if you haven’t read these two novels first, parts of Bitterblue may not make sense. However, you will still be able to muddle through and will likely enjoy it.

I thoroughly enjoyed Bitterblue and am not sure I have done it justice with this review. I absolutely loved how much Cashore drew me into this twisted, dark tale. It’s not for the faint of heart, as anyone who has read Graceling knows that Leck was a madman, but it’s well worth reading. The book has layer upon layer of deceit and lies, and peeling back each of these was incredibly entertaining. Despite the length, I read much of the book in one sitting because I simply could not put it down. I loved this book and can’t wait to see what Cashore does next.

Other books by Kristin Cashore:

Graceling
Fire

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Book Review: The Night Counter - Alia Yunis

2012-05-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

Title: The Night Counter
Author: Alia Yunis
ISBN: 9780307453631
Pages: 384
Release Date: July 13, 2010
Publisher: Broadway
Genre: Cultural Fiction
Source: Author
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Fatima Abdullah is eighty-five years old, and she knows she doesn’t have much time left. Scheherazade, the queen of 1001 Nights fame, has been telling Fatima her stories, but now it’s Fatima’s turn. Fatima tells Scheherazade about each of her children and grandchildren and Scheherazade takes it upon herself to visit them on her magic carpet and spy just a little on each of their lives.

Review:

The Night Counter is the story of one large Muslim-American family. Fatima lives with her grandson Amir in California, and it’s her last wish to see Amir married to a nice girl. The only trouble with that is Amir is gay, and though he’s tried to tell his grandmother this many times, she simply doesn’t believe him. It’s details like this that will amuse and delight readers in this novel. Yunis takes Lebanese culture and puts it on display for the reader through Fatima; readers will enjoy seeing how much (or how little) her children and grandchildren have strayed from her example.

The main plot device in The Night Counter is Scheherazade herself, a storyteller who has since become an avid collector of stories. It’s something that readers will either love or hate; happily, I thought the inclusion of the fictional character to be a fun touch. It takes the novel into the fantastical and adds an overarching plot thread for the reader to follow as they are taken through these disparate stories from distantly related people around the country.

However, The Night Counter’s unique structure also presents some challenges. If you aren’t interested in people’s stories, this may not be the book for you. Scheherazade jumps from one of Fatima’s offspring to another and relates the story of each; though they are all connected, it feels disjointed at times, and readers may wonder where the narrative is leading. If you’re a fan of interconnected stories, however, you will likely appreciate what Yunis has done with her novel.

Overall, The Night Counter is a thoughtful, emotional book about the importance of family. Though Fatima believes her legacy is in her home in Lebanon, through Scheherazade, she begins to realize that her large family is the most important thing she will leave behind. These stories are well-written and engaging, and Yunis gives each of these disparate characters their own unique voice. Fans of cultural fiction should definitely consider picking this book up.

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Book Review: The Garden of Happy Endings - Barbara O’Neal

2012-05-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

Title: The Garden of Happy Endings
Author: Barbara O’Neal
ISBN: 9780553386783
Pages: 416
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Publisher: Bantam
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

After a horrible tragedy occurs in her hometown of Seattle, Elsa Montgomery finds herself in the midst of a crisis of faith. For Elsa, this is earth-shattering because she is a minister; if she can't lead by example, how can anyone trust her? Elsa flees to her hometown of Pueblo, Colorado, where she finds comfort with her sister, Tamsin. But all is not as simple as it seems in Pueblo - Tamsin's husband has disappeared and Elsa’s best friend and former lover, Joaquin, now a priest in the Catholic Church, serves to muddle Elsa's already complicated life.

Review:

When I first picked up The Garden of Happy Endings, I had no idea what it was about. I settled down with it, only to find it involved religion and church, something that always makes me wary. It's not that I have anything against it, just that I don't like it when the books I read preach to me. I decided to trust in Barbara O'Neal and continue with the book, and I was delighted to find that she treated the reader with respect when it came to religion. The book's brand of faith was a personal one, and while religion is a central theme in the novel, it was in no way preachy and I enjoyed this aspect of it.

There are a few major and minor characters in The Garden of Happy Endings, and I enjoyed getting to know all of them. Elsa and Tamsin were both strong, resourceful women going through major personal crises. They find healing through depending on one another, and it's a beautiful tribute to the power of sisters. At times, the issues and storylines that crop up in the book feel a bit random, but O'Neal does a great job of eventually bringing everything together.

Though The Garden of Happy Endings deals with serious issues - murder, gang violence, loss of faith, misogyny, and more - it has a hopeful, upbeat tone. The reader never doubts that Elsa will find a place of comfort and happiness. She will find some sort of solution to her crisis of faith by the end of the book. I loved this sense of "right" that permeated the book, the message that, even in the worst of times, there is always something to hope for.

The Garden of Happy Endings is a sweet novel that fans of women's fiction will enjoy. If you've ever experience a personal loss of faith in whatever higher power you believe in, especially if it was due to some sort of senseless tragedy, you must pick up this book. O'Neal's writing style is engaging and her message is uplifting; this is a great choice for when your soul needs a little soothing.

Other books by Barbara O’Neal:

How to Bake a Perfect Life - Barbara O’Neal
The Lost Recipe for Happiness – Barbara O’Neal
The Secret of Everything – Barbara O’Neal

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Book Review: The Lola Quartet - Emily St. John Mandel

2012-05-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

Title: The Lola Quartet
Author: Emily St. John Mandel
ISBN: 9781609530792
Pages: 288
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Unbridled Books
Genre: Literary Fiction, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Gavin Sasaki is a journalist living in New York City when he receives a shocking picture from his sister, Eilo, who is a real estate agent in their hometown of Sebastian, Florida. Eilo sends Gavin a picture of a young girl who looks exactly like she did at that age. Both Eilo and Gavin have to ask themselves if this girl could be the daughter of Gavin’s high school girlfriend Anna who mysteriously disappeared and may have been pregnant at the time. Gavin’s search for answers becomes all-consuming, as he finds himself unable to let go of the past.

Review:

Emily St. John Mandel’s third novel continues her trademark: literary fiction combined with an enticing mystery, driving the narrative forward as the reader absorbs Mandel’s beautiful writing. Once again, her prose is stunning as she takes the reader on the twists and turns of her story. Readers will want to fall into her lush writing and will be inspired by her vivid descriptions. It would be difficult to praise Mandel’s writing highly enough.

The story of The Lola Quartet is confusing, at first. It takes some time to get to know the large cast of characters and to fully understand what is happening. The novel also jumps around quite a bit, making it difficult at times to keep everything straight. But slowly, the book comes together, combining all of its narrative threads into one overarching detective story. This sense of discovery is one of the main delights of the novel; at the beginning, the reader doesn’t even know what the mystery is, much less how it fits into the overall narrative. It’s wonderful to watch all the disparate pieces across time and geography fall into place.

Gavin is an interesting character, if a depressing one. His desperation is palpable from the first pages of the novel; he doesn’t know what he’s doing or why, but what he does know is that something has to change. Indeed, the entire novel has a bleak, noir tone. It makes for fascinating reading, but doesn’t offer much room for hope or optimism. If you’re looking to be cheered up by your read, you may want to steer clear, but for those that enjoy the occasional dark novel, The Lola Quartet is a solid choice.

In the end, The Lola Quartet is a provocative novel that will leave the reader thinking. Gavin’s actions will have readers wondering what they might do in similar situations, and as a result, this novel would make a great discussion piece for book clubs. Mandel’s has proven herself a force to be reckoned with in the literary world with her first two novels, and The Lola Quartet lives up to the promise she’s shown thus far.

Other books by Emily St. John Mandel:

Last Night in Montreal
The Singer’s Gun

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Book Review: White Horse - Alex Adams

2012-04-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

Title: White Horse
Author: Alex Adams
ISBN: 9781451642995
Pages: 320
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

The world has come crashing down around Zoe. She had a job as a janitor at Pope Pharmaceuticals and everything is normal, until people around Zoe started getting sick. People keep getting infected until it’s revealed that a genetic mutation has effectively ended the human race. 90% of people will die, 5% will be fine, and the other 5% will mutate into something beyond recognition. Panicked, Zoe flees to Europe to find the one person who can help her make sense of what's happening.

Review:

White Horse presents a bleak, desperate world in which there is little hope. The human race is finished. For those who didn’t contract the mutation, all that’s really left is to live out their lives in peace, and then die, knowing their race is dying along with them. It’s a situation which most of us can’t even fathom, yet Alex Adams does an incredible job bringing this crumbling society to life through her wonderful descriptions.

The book is told in two different time periods simultaneously; that is, it jumps back and forth through time, so readers are able to see two different Zoes. She’s never naïve, but does have an innocence that she quickly loses over the course of the book. Pre-mutation, she comes across as a docile, almost shy woman who wants to keep her head below radar. In the scenes of the future, she’s a warrior. She fights for what she wants and what she believes in. She’s strong, capable, and resourceful. It’s wonderful to see the character growth and development over the course of the book.

Adams’ worldbuilding in White Horse is done expertly. Because we get to see the world falling apart in front of us, it’s not difficult to see how the world we know came to be the one Zoe experiences. She has to face the worst of humanity on her journey; it’s frightening, yet horribly realistic. Her musings as she wanders are fascinating. Somehow, despite her situation and what she’s seen, she never loses faith in humanity, a character trait that carried me through this dark book.

White Horse is the first in a trilogy, and it’s incredibly well done. It’s not clear where the sequels will go, but Adams set up a potentially explosive storyline with the last lines of the book. There are many dystopian and post-apocalyptic novels being written and published these days, but this is one that’s more than worth your time and effort. It’s beautiful and haunting, with a surprise around every corner

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Book Review: Straphanger - Taras Grescoe [TSS]

2012-04-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Straphanger: Saving Our Cities and Ourselves from the Automobile
Author: Taras Grescoe
ISBN: 9780805091731
Pages: 336
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Times Books
Genre: Non-Fiction, Travel, Social/Psychological
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

In his latest book, Taras Grescoe takes on the reputation of public transportation. While it’s conventionally viewed as a dirty last resort, Grescoe argues that a revolution in public transit is approaching. He examines public transportation systems in cities in the US and around the world to see if creating sustainable and affordable transit is an achievable goal.

Review:

Straphanger: Saving Our Cities and Ourselves from the Automobile is many different things rolled up into one neat, easy-to-read package. It’s a bit of a memoir, exploring Grescoe’s existence as a car-free human being. It’s a travelogue of sorts, examining different cities, countries, and cultures and how they have reacted to the demands of public transportation. And it’s a study of urban planning and culture, looking closely at the history of public transportation in the United States.

The book is divided up into different chapters, based on the city Grescoe is currently visiting. His adventures in New York City are easy to predict - he delivers the history of one of the most-used public transportation systems in the world. But he also discusses challenges facing the overtaxed system, such as expansion, maintenance, and profitability. But then, Grescoe moves on to a place like Los Angeles, where the idea of public transit is almost laughable. He discusses failed attempts at creating some sort of mass transportation and makes it clear as long as city regulations are too car-friendly (such as mandating parking spaces for every building), public transit will never take off.

Grescoe’s writing is clear and very easy to read. His style is engaging and will make readers want to pay attention and take note of what he is saying. Because the book is divided into many different chapters, each its own case study, it makes it easy to read this book in bits and pieces. Indeed, that may be the best approach, as Grescoe packs a lot of wisdom and information into each of his chapters, and it’s worth reflecting on each before moving to the next.

If you are at all interested in urban culture, Straphanger is a must-read. It’s a fascinating mix of how history, politics, and culture have affected the development of mass transit. While this may seem like a boring subject, Grescoe makes it very interesting. In the end, it may make you rethink your policy on utilizing the public transportation in your own city.

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