This hardcover Chicken Soup book is 653 pages long, and is an exclusive sold at Wal-mart this holiday season. My own essay is included on page 426.[re...moreThis hardcover Chicken Soup book is 653 pages long, and is an exclusive sold at Wal-mart this holiday season. My own essay is included on page 426.[return][return]Most Chicken Soup books only have 101 stories. This one has many more, and benefits from it for a big reason: variety. It has every sort of Christmas story you can imagine, from a child's view on a memorable event, to the heartbreak of losing a loved one, to the religious and inspirational aspects of the day. When I started reading, I admit, I was not in the Christmas spirit. A few unpleasant things had just happened in my life and sucked all the holiday joy out of me. That changed as I began to read. Some of the stories made me laugh. Others made my eyes fill with tears. Some made me sad, like I wanted to reach out and give the author a hug.[return][return]It's a great collection, and one I hope my son will read in future years.(less)
I don't like vampires. That disgust goes back way before Twilight. I read a lot of good reviews of this book when it came out, but I never sought it o...moreI don't like vampires. That disgust goes back way before Twilight. I read a lot of good reviews of this book when it came out, but I never sought it out because of the vampire issue.[return][return]Reads like this are a good reason to set aside my biases every once and a while. Red Headed Stepchild is a solid book with just the right balance of action, moral quandaries, and humor. The heroine, Sabina, does actions right from the start that could make her a thoroughly repulsive character. As a credit to Well's writing, that never happens. Sabina is a half-mage, half-vampire assassin who comes across as complicated and quite human. She's the granddaughter of the leader of the Domina, but as a half-breed has never been accepted. However, as she comes across a sordid plot against the Domina, she questions her loyalties. The supporting cast, including a mage and a hilarious demon cat, create much strife and fun.[return][return]I definitely will seek out the rest of the series.(less)
I read American Gods a few years ago and found the concept interesting, but never connected to the characters. I was told at the time, Anansi Boys was...moreI read American Gods a few years ago and found the concept interesting, but never connected to the characters. I was told at the time, Anansi Boys was better.[return][return]Yes and no.[return][return]Gaiman is a brilliant writer, no question, but for several reasons this book didn't connect for me. The characters are fully realized, yet the main characters--Fat Charlie and Spider--are rather unlikeable. Fat Charlie is a hapless everyman, and Spider is every bit a trickster god's son. Following Fat Charlie is a bit like watching an episode of The Flintstones, where you know Fred will do something stupid, and all you can do is cringe. The plot threads also come together in a bizarrely tidy way at the end.[return][return]I appreciate the writing, but this book just isn't a keeper for me.(less)
In 1876, the Old West has been strengthened by the use of magic, steampower, and zombie mine laborers. Small-town mountain witch Emily Edwards is worr...moreIn 1876, the Old West has been strengthened by the use of magic, steampower, and zombie mine laborers. Small-town mountain witch Emily Edwards is worried about maintaining her disabled adopted father's charms business against the threat of mail-order magic. Those worries turn out to be petty when a mine accident ends up with a magical stone embedded in her hand--the famed Native Star. The haughty local warlock, Dreadnought Stanton, believes he has connections who can help remove the stone. Backstabbings and ambushes lead the two to trust no one as they flee across the country to find the secrets of the Native Star.[return][return]This fun historical frolic has a definite urban fantasy vibe even with the Old West setting. Some aspects reminded me of Cherie Priest's Boneshaker even though the authors do very different things using the same steampunk-tinged Reconstruction period. In some spots the book felt uneven--such as the very beginning and the end--but once Emily steps into the story, her situation immediately grabbed me. The romance with her and Dreadnought felt predictable, but the story had enough twists and turns to keep everything fun even if it felt like too many fantasy elements were crammed in sometimes. I enjoyed the book and would like to read the sequel (it seems to come out today) but I'm not in a rush.(less)
I haven't been fully grabbed by other urban fantasy books that deal with the fae, but this one snared me from the very start. Toby is a fantastic prot...moreI haven't been fully grabbed by other urban fantasy books that deal with the fae, but this one snared me from the very start. Toby is a fantastic protagonist who feels more human than fairy, and that humanity makes it easy to sympathize with her as she is attacked and brutalized and snubbed by the high echelons of the hidden side of San Francisco. Now I have yet another series I want to continue. No wonder my to-do stack is out of control.(less)
Jillian Madison struck gold when she created a website for horrible auto-corrections from (not-so) smart phones. I love Damn You, Autocorrect! so I ha...moreJillian Madison struck gold when she created a website for horrible auto-corrections from (not-so) smart phones. I love Damn You, Autocorrect! so I had to buy the book when it came out this week. It's a riot. I own a lot of humor books, and this one made me laugh on almost every page. I'm talking deep belly laughs that actually made my abdominal muscles a tad sore. The book is that good. Love the site? Get the book.(less)
I have heard about the Thursday Next series for years now. The book was a zany delight, depicting an alternative version of 1985 where literature and...moreI have heard about the Thursday Next series for years now. The book was a zany delight, depicting an alternative version of 1985 where literature and the arts ARE popular culture. Thursday is a fantastic heroine, very cool with a good aim. Some of the character names made it slightly confusing at times, but didn't detract from the pure fun of the story. I'll seek out more books in the series.(less)
Ah, Joanne. The lovely thing about these books is that Jo manages to find entirely new ways to screw up, and it creates a delightful ride for the read...moreAh, Joanne. The lovely thing about these books is that Jo manages to find entirely new ways to screw up, and it creates a delightful ride for the reader. There are many reasons why I consider this to be my favorite urban fantasy series, but a lot of it comes down to Jo. She's nice and approachable. Sure, she has a hard edge and can kick hiney in a fight if needed, but she's also a healer at heart. I can't help but love a Seattle cop-turned-shaman with a fondness for maple-covered donuts.[return][return]Another big bonus for this book: Morrison. He's her boss and the tension has sizzled between them since book one. This time around, the sizzles catch fire. Morrison makes a great forbidden love interest. Not only is he her boss, but he's also a forty-year-old guy who is handsome even as he shows his age. He's become surprisingly tolerant of Jo's mystical side, and this book really explores that aspect and slaps things back and forth and upside down.[return][return]Love these books. Every single one is strong. I can't wait for the next.(less)
Germs. Viruses. Nasty little things made even nastier by scientific manipulation. This book, published in early 2001, explores the United State's effo...moreGerms. Viruses. Nasty little things made even nastier by scientific manipulation. This book, published in early 2001, explores the United State's efforts in germ and biological warfare from the 1950s onward. Special attention is paid to the little-known food bar poisoning attack by the Rajneeshees in Oregon in the early 1980s, Soviet advances and the subsequent degrading of their program after communism's collapse, Iraq and the first Gulf War, and battles in Washington D.C. over funding and ethical problems.[return][return]I was reading this book for novel research, and I did place sticky tabs on various points of interest. However, I was more interested in the science itself and the creations and preventative measures more than the battles for funding or the see-saw regarding weapons inspectors in Iraq in the 1990s. There's also the issue of the book's timing of publication in mid-2001. The final chapter on the future had ominous notes about the potential for attacks by figures such as Osama bin Laden. I have a feeling this book would have had a different focus if it had come out six months later, after the 9/11 attacks and the anthrax mailing scare. Still, it made for an interesting (in parts) if slow read--it took me two weeks to finish it.(less)
I have absolutely no interest in The Da Vinci Code or any books of that sort, but I picked this up for two reasons: my last name is Cato, and it was o...moreI have absolutely no interest in The Da Vinci Code or any books of that sort, but I picked this up for two reasons: my last name is Cato, and it was only $2 for a hardcover at the Phoenix VNSA sale. Personally relevant and cheap![return][return]I was pleasantly surprised by this massive book. Once it got going, I was completely snared. The main character, Ottavia, is a high-ranking nun working in the Vatican. She specializes in ancient manuscripts and research, and therefore she's stunned when her superiors need her expertise in a new assignment - identifying unusual tattoos on the corpse of a dead Ethiopian. To complicate things more, the dead man was carrying along bits of the True Cross - the one Jesus died upon - and bears scarification that suggests a long-lost religious order may not be lost after all. Along with a stoic Swiss Army captain and brilliant Coptic Egyptian, the three of them work through linguistic riddles and discover the key to everything is hidden in plain sight - Dante's The Divine Comedy. As other churches around the world reel from the theft of their fragments of the Cross, Ottavia and the others rush to join this hidden order so they can stop the pilfering and confront the enigmatic leader of the group, Cato.[return][return]Reading the book reminded me of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. This is an intelligent, well-researched book and it was a great deal of fun. The ending had a nice twist that was followed by a bit of a cliche, but that was fine. I was concerned that I'd go through all 458-pages and be disgusted by the ending, as I was recently with Edgar Sawtelle, but that wasn't the case here. It ended like it should. I have no regrets about this $2 purchase.(less)
This is the fourth book in A Song of Ice and Fire. I continue to be amazed at Martin's consistent writing and intricate plotting. He has no scruples a...moreThis is the fourth book in A Song of Ice and Fire. I continue to be amazed at Martin's consistent writing and intricate plotting. He has no scruples about killing off his major characters or having bad things happen to them, even the children. This book focused on King's Landing, and Jaime, Cersei, and Brienne in particular, with many other character perspectives not even touched. I can only imagine how frustrating this must be for folks who started the series when it was first released and have been waiting years to find out what happens next.[return][return]It says a great deal about the impact of the series and the characters when I can look at this 1000-page plus book and feel frustrated because it wasn't long enough. I'll be very glad when A Dance with Dragons has a firm release date. The cliffhangers will drive me bonkers in the meantime.(less)
Mike Resnick is one of the most prolilfic speculative fiction authors around, but I had never read his work before. When I saw this steampunk novel, I...moreMike Resnick is one of the most prolilfic speculative fiction authors around, but I had never read his work before. When I saw this steampunk novel, I jumped at the chance to give him a try and read more in one of my favorite sub-genres. Unfortunately, this novel doesn't encourage me to read him again.[return][return]First of all, the positive: the world here is fascinating, and Resnick has definitely done his research. His Tombstone is populated by people who really lived and died there. The tale is told through Doc Holliday, and his perspective is interesting and yet...[return][return]It's very hard to carry suspense in a book when your character is already dying of tuberculosis and doesn't fear death. A lot of dramatic things happen and Holliday doesn't really react. Actually, the entire cast consists of very stoic men. They make witty banter in conversation, but don't show any expression. It made the entire thing feel stiff and emotionless. The only women in the cast are Big Nose Kate, a madam, and her whores (which includes robotic ones). Most of the men in the book also frequent the whorehouse. That may be historically accurate, yet... meh. I also found the whole shiny steampunk robot sex thing to be a turn-off, and was glad it never showed a scene of it.[return][return]There was an entire subplot with Bat Masterson that seemed to be there to distract the others. I had been excited that Bat was a character, but he simply showed up, did weird stuff because of a curse, and never touched the main plot. Speaking of the main plot, the entire book works up to the big gunfight between Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo. Doc quickly figures out why Ringo hasn't killed him yet, but every time they meet it becomes a chat of, 'You here to kill me yet?' 'No. Let's talk classic literature.' It was cute at first but got old as it dragged on. And then when they do fight, it's anticlimactic; actually, that's the pattern of the whole book--lots of talking and very little action. Because it's a steampunk book, it's like Resnick had to force steampunk into the resolution and then did the most obvious and practical thing (which involves fire).[return][return]Actually, a number of the steampunk elements felt forced in but didn't really make sense. For example, the point of the book is that the gunmen are there to protect Thomas Edison and Buntline. Their houses are reinforced by bullet-proof brass and even has a FORCE FIELD to keep them safe. Yet the men, especially Buntline, keep wandering all over town with chest armor but nothing to protect their heads. If they are really in danger, don't leave the house! And no one ever shot them.[return][return]In case you couldn't tell, I was disappointed by the book.[return][return]The concept is incredibly cool. I loved the world. But it really felt like it would have been better as a novella focusing on a steampunk O.K. Corral battle.[return][return]I won't be picking up the other books in the series, and I'll hold off on reading Resnick for a while, too.(less)
This book is an ARC received through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program.[return][return]Ida Mclaird has returned to the isle St. Hauda's Land, th...moreThis book is an ARC received through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program.[return][return]Ida Mclaird has returned to the isle St. Hauda's Land, the place she visited on holiday only months before. However, this visit is not a vacation. Her feet are turning to glass, and a mumbled sentence from an eccentric islander leads her to believe she may not be the only one to suffer this disorder. As she searches for a cure, she encounters Midas Crook. Midas is a photographer and a loner, emotionally stunted by the torturous relationship of his parents and his father's suicide. As the glass spreads upward, Ida doesn't give up on herself - or on Midas - as they stumble across a landscape where small moth-winged bulls flitter about and jelly fish glow in the bay by night.[return][return]This is a beautiful, eloquent novel of magical realism. St. Hauda's Land is as real a character as the people who inhabit it, maybe more so. Some of Shaw's gorgeous descriptions made me gasp out loud. The theme of the novel is fairly straightforward: Ida, the girl with glass feet has lived vibrantly, and won't go down without a fight, while other characters such as Midas live as though they have glass feet and don't really live at all. This book really grew on me as I read, and I think it will linger with me for some time.(less)
Despite having a massive backlog of books to read, Urban Shaman snared me so utterly that I had to go out and buy the sequel, Thunderbird Falls. I thi...moreDespite having a massive backlog of books to read, Urban Shaman snared me so utterly that I had to go out and buy the sequel, Thunderbird Falls. I think this was a wise decision.[return][return]Thunderbird Falls picks up Joanne's story just three months after the end of the first book. Jo grudgingly accepts her shamanistic powers and knows she saved the world, but can't let go of her cynicism. Then, as luck would have it, she finds another dead body. Then her spirit guide vanishes. Adrift and desperate, she accepts a new teacher in the spirit world and is embraced by a coven who is looking to end the abnormal heat streak Seattle is enduring. However, things aren't what they seem, and the horrible heat suddenly seems like a minor blip compared to the ancient spirits Jo just released in the real world. Whoops.[return][return]I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It wasn't *quite* as good as the predecessor, mainly because I had the feeling all along that Joanne was making one screw-up after another, but it was still good and Jo is still an awesome and very-real heroine. I love this series, and doubt I'll be able to resist buying the third book within the next few weeks.(less)
This is the second volume in the middle grade-level Carbonel series. I last read it was a library copy about 15 years ago.[return][return]A year after...moreThis is the second volume in the middle grade-level Carbonel series. I last read it was a library copy about 15 years ago.[return][return]A year after setting Carbonel free from a witch's spell, teenagers Rosemary and John reunite to spend the summer together. To their delight, King Carbonel returns. After going to a pharmacist for a special prescription, the two drink an elixir and can hear Carbonel again--and all the other animals and insects around. Carbonel has a special request. He must leave for a meeting of kings, and he's concerned about the well-being of his two young kittens. Rosemary and John agree to tend them, but soon enough trouble merges. Carbonel's old witch is up to mischief again, this time plotting with the ambitious cat-queen of a neighboring city. The two children must do everything they can to save the kittens and keep Cat Country from falling into outright war.[return][return]This book is as charming as I remembered. It's so delightfully British, full of eccentric characters with magic revealing itself in unexpected ways. I'm so grateful that these books were finally reprinted! Mind you, it does feel dated in some ways (this second book was published in 1960) but that's all part of its charm.(less)
The last two books have been absolute stinkers, so I desperately needed something to break that pattern. I've been wanting to read some of Elizabeth B...moreThe last two books have been absolute stinkers, so I desperately needed something to break that pattern. I've been wanting to read some of Elizabeth Bear's novels for a few months now because I enjoy her LJ.[return][return]My first impression of the book: Wow. Bear's voice and weaving descriptions bring the story to life. I felt dropped into a world like my own, but different, and it mesmerized me. Her style of writing adds suspense because she doesn't state everything outright - characters abruptly go places, talk to people we don't know, and then understanding dawns. For this reason alone, I want to read more of her books and study her eloquent voice and pacing.[return][return]There was a downside, though. About halfway through, the book began to lose its grip on me, and I'm still not fully sure why. The characters were still compelling, and the plot was propelling forward. The only problem, I think, was my own expectation. I thought it would involve more time on Earth, where I was very curious to see how the Prometheans used magic and how the world of Faerie interacted with Man. Instead, the story dwelled more and more in Faerie, where magic and political intrigue are endless and at times overwhelming.[return][return]Even though I was not as captivated as I was initially, it was still a strong and enjoyable story. I will seek out more books in this series, and I also have Bear's book Hammered to read in the coming months.(less)
Harry Dresden is a wizard for hire in Chicago. Lately, though, there hasn't been much hiring. He's low on money and his contact at the police departme...moreHarry Dresden is a wizard for hire in Chicago. Lately, though, there hasn't been much hiring. He's low on money and his contact at the police department isn't calling. Even worse, there's a rumor going around that he's in league with a scumbag mob boss. When badly mutilated bodies begin to pile up around the full moon, Dresden is called in to the police... only to be blocked out by jerks in the FBI. But with some type of werewolf on the prowl, Dresden isn't backing down.[return][return]I read the first book in this series over 3 years ago, and even though I liked it, I never got around to continuing them until now. Harry Dresden presents a like-able mix of wizard and private investigator, and the two elements come together beautifully. The stakes are very high throughout, and more than once I really worried if Dresden would survive, which took a bit of skill considering that hundreds of pages remained. Butcher also has an impressive visual style of writing, with evocative character descriptions and a gory way with words. In all, a solid and enjoyable read, and I'll continue with the series.(less)
Do you have any interactions with people of the opposite sex? Read this book.[return][return]Do you ever wonder why even your own gender acts in such...moreDo you have any interactions with people of the opposite sex? Read this book.[return][return]Do you ever wonder why even your own gender acts in such a particular why? Read this book.[return][return]Seriously, I thought this book would be a very dull, dry, read. Gender and linguistics aren't the most exciting of subjects, usually - but in Tannen's expert hands this becomes a fascinating and balanced read. It's not anti-woman or anti-man, but tries to study the reasons - cultural or otherwise - why we communicate the way we do. It gets to the very root of gender differences. Most women seek commonalities with other women (one complains of an ailment, the other sympathizes with a similar tale of woe) while men tend to one-up the other in a hierarchcal scramble for dominance (a guy has an ailment, so the other guy ignores it, dismisses it, or elevates his own standing). The book cites studies of children and shows how they show many of the same communicative patterns of adults. The author also refers to a variety of literature and personal anecdotes to illustrate situations.[return][return]My husband even picked up this book and flipped through and said he was impressed by it. My husband rarely reads books.[return][return]As a writer, I think this book will be an excellent source for honing dialog and creating conflict. This is a keeper.(less)
Long before Harry Potter, the Carbonel series captured that same British magical whimsy. Carbonel and its sequel were among my favorite books at the l...moreLong before Harry Potter, the Carbonel series captured that same British magical whimsy. Carbonel and its sequel were among my favorite books at the library when I was about 9-12. Imagine my delight when this book, originally published in 1955, was re-released... followed by two sequels! I didn't even know it was a trilogy. I completed my set, and now I'm reading through them from the beginning.[return][return]Young Rosemary plans on cleaning houses to make her summer break pass by. However, when she buys a ratty broom from an odd old lady at the market, a black cat is thrown into the bargain. But this cat is no ordinary cat: he is Carbonel, a kidnapped Prince of Royal Blood. He has spent his entire life as the witch's minion. Rosemary's purchase broke part of the curse, but there is still a spell of Silent Magic that holds him in bondage. To make things worse, his now-dead father's kingdom is in disarray with cruel usurping alley cats in charge, and Carbonel cannot take his rightful throne as a human's minion. Rosemary and her new friend John set out to solve the mystery and set the cat free by hunting out the artifacts used in the original spell.[return][return]This book is just as magical as when I first read in twenty years ago. I look forward to reading this with my own son in the coming years.(less)
I read Roach's book STIFF a few months ago, and loved it more than I ever thought possible considering the subject matter (i.e. the things you do with...moreI read Roach's book STIFF a few months ago, and loved it more than I ever thought possible considering the subject matter (i.e. the things you do with dead people). She applies that same humor in PACKING FOR MARS. Though the subject matter isn't as morbid, it's still not your normal dinner-with-the-parents conversation material. But that's all part of the perverse joy. There are full chapters devoted to motion sickness and why it happens, the possibilities of sex in space (wherein I learned about dolphins and their prehensile anatomy), and the enormous problems caused by space food and toilet issues. It's fascinating, it's informative, it made me giggle like a 3rd grader hearing a naughty joke.[return][return]Really, if you love space and obscure trivia and always wanted to know how toilets work (and don't work) in space, get this book. I can already say that this will be one of my favorite reads of the year.(less)
Alexia Tarabotti, despite the social connections of her family, is rather resigned to her condition as an old (late-20s) spinster in Victorian society...moreAlexia Tarabotti, despite the social connections of her family, is rather resigned to her condition as an old (late-20s) spinster in Victorian society. After all, there are several factors against her: a rather plain appearance, olive-toned skin and dark hair as a legacy from her deceased Italian father, and the fact that she completely lacks a soul. The latter ends up being a gift when a socially-inept vampire attacks her in a library, and Alexia's touch nullifies his supernatural powers, enabling her to kill him in self-defense. To further complicate matters, Queen Victoria's agent Lord Maccon, an insufferable Scottish werewolf, is sent to investigate. Alexia soon realizes that a wider scheme is afoot, and she needs the help of all of her friends - ranging from a foppish vampire to the gruff Lord Maccon - if she is to survive.[return][return]I loved this book. Out of over a hundred books read this year, this is among my very favorites. It was just outright fun. Carriger does a lovely job of creating a Victorian England where werewolves and vampires have openly been in society for centuries, with added steampunk touches as well. Alexia is a fantastic heroine, smart, well-read, and not afraid to wield her trusty parasol in defense. She and Lord Maccon create wonderful chemistry. I didn't expect the romance element to be so strong (or exist at all), but it really sizzled at points. I don't have a thing for werewolves, but wow, Lord Maccon is indeed quite a catch. The voice of the book is thoroughly British and only added to my delight. I will be buying the sequel to this as soon as it comes out.(less)
I first read of this book back when we subscribed to Experience Life Magazine, and I was glad to find it in a thrift store earlier this year.[return][...moreI first read of this book back when we subscribed to Experience Life Magazine, and I was glad to find it in a thrift store earlier this year.[return][return]Hyman's basic theory is this: Americans are obese because of widespread misinformation about diets (especially low fat and low calorie diets) and how our DNA is programmed to gain weight. Many pre-packaged foods contain additives and fats that are not natural and our bodies don't know how to process them. Therefore, Hyman's Ultrametabolism Prescription advises that people eat as their ancestors did a hundred years ago with lots of raw fruits and veggies, ancient grains, nuts, and lean meats, and avoiding white flours, sugars, and many pre-packaged products.[return][return]I've tried various diet plans before to dismal results. Even though I exercise six days a week for 30 minutes to an hour, my weight stays at the same plateau. Hyman's theory does have merit, I think, in citing that a lot of cheap and easy foods are actually rather toxic. I don't agree with everything he espoused; one thing he said is that we need to eat as we did a hundred years ago, but at the same time he says we need to avoid flour. Um, flour has been pretty important for a long time. I can't afford to dump out all of my gluten-y foods (or buy all organic), but I do plan to try out his recipe suggestions and read labels more carefully. Moderation seems to be the key, as with anything. I've been eating a lot of produce this year, and I hope to increase that intake, stop buying frozen Lean Cuisines, and see if I really can boost my energy and metabolism.(less)
Atticus O'Sullivan, a 2,100-year-old Druid, is masquerading as a 21-year-old bookshop owner in Tempe, Arizona. He can't catch a break. First, he had t...moreAtticus O'Sullivan, a 2,100-year-old Druid, is masquerading as a 21-year-old bookshop owner in Tempe, Arizona. He can't catch a break. First, he had to deal with a few angry gods from his own pantheon. Now, as he's finally reached an uneasy alliance with a local group of Polish witches, something of a witch epidemic hits Phoenix. These newcomers want to rule the turf, and they are an especially nasty sort who happen to be bearing demonic babies. Oh, and they tried to kill Atticus back in World War II. It's time for the Druid to clean up the neighborhood-again.[return][return]This second book is just as fun as the first one. The pace is rapid with near-constant action and wit; some might argue it's too much wit, but I loved it. It reminds me of Firefly but with a Druid and deities/creatures of all pantheons clamoring for attention. And hey, I love a book that speaks to me at my level, dropping mentions of Star Wars, Shakespeare, and Chun-Li of Street Fighter. Atticus's dog Oberon is still a joy, though doesn't steal the show quite so much... which isn't a bad thing, as the supporting characters sparkle with life and deserve more attention. It's just plain a fun read.(less)
Continuing to slog through this very good but oh-so-long series. Sometimes the suspense is unbearable, and I feel rather mad at Martin for torturing t...moreContinuing to slog through this very good but oh-so-long series. Sometimes the suspense is unbearable, and I feel rather mad at Martin for torturing these characters so much. Just want ... a little break, a little happiness for them, a family reunion, not all the constant ROCKS FALL EVERYONE DIES.[return][return]But I keep reading. I've been with these people for over 3,000 pages, I don't want to stop halfway. I do want them to get that bit of happiness eventually. I hope. Maybe. Or at least an instantaneous death without any pain involved.(less)
In summary: A very strange book, yet somehow compelling.[return][return]As ancient gods from around the world begin to gather, a man named Shadow is p...moreIn summary: A very strange book, yet somehow compelling.[return][return]As ancient gods from around the world begin to gather, a man named Shadow is pulled into their battle against the up-and-coming forces of the world. I loved seeing deities of all sorts in various places and roles through America, all where you would least expect them. I didn't like the sudden, graphic sex scenes that did nothing to further the plot and only seemed to exist to shock the reader. Some of the back stories on gods were very good as stand-alone short stories, but didn't seem to connect with the larger plot. Shadow comes across as a good guy pulled into bad situations; I didn't expect to like his wife because of some things she does, but she grew on me through the book.[return][return]I've been told this isn't Neil Gaiman's best work. I really like the concept of it and the ending had some delicious twists (the trunk!), but I don't think it is worth keeping. I read Stardust in 2003 and found it mediocre. However, I would like to read more of Gaiman's work because I love the spins he puts on old tropes.(less)
This isn't my usual sort of fantasy novel, but when it was selected by my book club, I decided it was a chance to broaden my horizons. It proved to be...moreThis isn't my usual sort of fantasy novel, but when it was selected by my book club, I decided it was a chance to broaden my horizons. It proved to be a smooth and fast read. The tone of the book is completely conversational, like I'm sitting at the storyteller's feet as they tell the tale. I have read Neil Gaiman's Anansi Boys, and that already introduced me to the basics of the trickster mythology in Africa. Redemption in Indigo goes deeper, but after the first few pages, I never felt like I was out of my depth.[return][return]The characters are especially strong. Paama is a genuinely good person, but she's not perfect. Her husband is appalling and comedic and tragic all at once; the djombi are incomprehensible, yet make sense at the same time.[return][return]I don't think this will be a keeper for my crowded shelves, but it was a good read, and I'm glad I was challenged to pick it up.(less)
I bought this for research purposes for my novel. I didn't end up getting any information out of it in that regard, but it was a fascinating read. Thi...moreI bought this for research purposes for my novel. I didn't end up getting any information out of it in that regard, but it was a fascinating read. This book was published in 1996 in the heyday of the TV show ER, and is an anthology of different bizarre, funny, or sad incidents submitted by doctors and nurses from across the U.S. I felt rather voyeuristic while reading, but the material was so intriguing that I couldn't resist reading more. The stories range the regular drunks that filter through the system to some outright insane stories that I'll remember for a very long time.[return][return]In all, a good book that only raises my respect for those who work in emergency medicine. It's no wonder these folks burn out so quickly.(less)
I've wanted to read this book for ages, and I'm so glad I finally acquired and devoured it.[return][return]Joanne Walker's having a lousy week. On a r...moreI've wanted to read this book for ages, and I'm so glad I finally acquired and devoured it.[return][return]Joanne Walker's having a lousy week. On a return flight to Seattle, she notices something peculiar in the street below - a woman fleeing a pack of dogs, and a sinister man with a knife. Super-rational Jo has trouble believing what she saw, much less convincing anyone else so she sets out to find the woman on her own, and finds her own share of trouble. The Wild Hunt is on the loose. They want that woman. And now that Jo's in the way and manifesting some peculiar powers of her own - like instant healing from fatal wounds - they want her, too. Oh, and then there's the dude with the knife. He's even worse.[return][return]I loved this book! It was a fast, enjoyable, yet intelligent read. A few things were obvious, but the ending still surprised me and made it all the more delightful. Jo is a spunky and modern woman, but thoroughly like-able and easy to relate to. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and Murphy's other books.(less)
This is the second book in the Song of Ice and Fire series, and it has over 1000 pages. Egad. You see a page count like that and think of how it must...moreThis is the second book in the Song of Ice and Fire series, and it has over 1000 pages. Egad. You see a page count like that and think of how it must be a dull paperweight; the magic in Martin's writing is that each of the characters are compelling in their own way, and each chapter ends on a suspenseful note. The reader is then forced to wait five, ten, maybe fifteen chapters until it returns to that character again. Gah! That takes incredible skill. Martin isn't afraid to kill or mutilate anyone, but fortunately my favorites have managed to stay alive so far.(less)
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