M.L. Sparrow's Blog, page 21
December 28, 2016
Hotel Iris
Hotel Iris, by Yoko Ogawa
Blurb:In a crumbling seaside hotel on the coast of Japan, quiet seventeen-year-old Mari works the front desk as her mother tends to the off-season customers. When one night they are forced to expel a middle-aged man and a prostitute from their room, Mari finds herself drawn to the man's voice, in what will become the first gesture of a single long seduction. In spite of her provincial surroundings, and her cool but controlling mother, Mari is a sophisticated observer of human desire, and she sees in this man something she has long been looking for.The man is a proud if threadbare translator living on an island off the coast. A widower, there are whispers around town that he may have murdered his wife. Mari begins to visit him on his island, and he soon initiates her into a dark realm of both pain and pleasure, a place in which she finds herself more at ease even than the translator. As Mari's mother begins to close in on the affair, Mari's sense of what is suitable and what is desirable are recklessly engaged.Okay, so I'm not a prude, I enjoy reading good erotica and I'd say I'm open minded when it comes to BDSM play and pushing boundaries as long as it's consensual, which I suppose it technically was in this book and yet... it just felt so wrong and ugly, which may have been the point, however, I didn't feel like this story told us anything, there was no message, it didn't really go anywhere and I can't say I enjoyed it all that much.I have to say that it was beautifully written, in a minimalist sort of way, and I may got on to read her other books but this particular story did nothing for me - I just felt that it didn't entertain me, nor did it teach me anything and I can't say I felt attached to, or even understood any of the characters.
Blurb:In a crumbling seaside hotel on the coast of Japan, quiet seventeen-year-old Mari works the front desk as her mother tends to the off-season customers. When one night they are forced to expel a middle-aged man and a prostitute from their room, Mari finds herself drawn to the man's voice, in what will become the first gesture of a single long seduction. In spite of her provincial surroundings, and her cool but controlling mother, Mari is a sophisticated observer of human desire, and she sees in this man something she has long been looking for.The man is a proud if threadbare translator living on an island off the coast. A widower, there are whispers around town that he may have murdered his wife. Mari begins to visit him on his island, and he soon initiates her into a dark realm of both pain and pleasure, a place in which she finds herself more at ease even than the translator. As Mari's mother begins to close in on the affair, Mari's sense of what is suitable and what is desirable are recklessly engaged.Okay, so I'm not a prude, I enjoy reading good erotica and I'd say I'm open minded when it comes to BDSM play and pushing boundaries as long as it's consensual, which I suppose it technically was in this book and yet... it just felt so wrong and ugly, which may have been the point, however, I didn't feel like this story told us anything, there was no message, it didn't really go anywhere and I can't say I enjoyed it all that much.I have to say that it was beautifully written, in a minimalist sort of way, and I may got on to read her other books but this particular story did nothing for me - I just felt that it didn't entertain me, nor did it teach me anything and I can't say I felt attached to, or even understood any of the characters.
December 27, 2016
12 Days of Christmas...
So you missed the 12 Days of Christmas book event?No worries, here they are! Just click on the image for the Amazon link!
So now you know what to read in 2017!
So now you know what to read in 2017!
December 23, 2016
Matilda
Matilda, by Roald Dahl
Blurb:Matilda is a sweet, exceptional young girl, but her parents think she's just a nuisance. She expects school to be different but there she has to face Miss Trunchbull, a kid-hating terror of a headmistress. When Matilda is attacked by the Trunchbull she suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to fight back. It'll take a superhuman genius to give Miss Trunchbull what she deserves and Matilda may be just the one to do it!I'm ashamed to say that I don't think I've ever read a Roald Dahl book. I've been meaning to correct this mistake in my childhood for a while and have finally read Matilda! Now I'm eager to get onto his other books, especially The BFG and James and the Giant Peach.But onto the review. I loved this story. Dahl is an amazing storyteller and even as an adult I found his writing amusing. There wasn't as much magic in Matilda as I was expecting, but the film stayed pretty true to the book when they created it. It was such a beautiful and uplifting story, a great book for children and adults alike!My favourite quotes from 'Matilda':'...the reading she had done had given her a view of life hat they had never seen.''... a bad girl is a far more dangerous creature than a bad boy.'' "Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog. Make sure everything you do is so completely crazy it's unbelievable. ..." '' "I hate her," Nigel said."Try not to make it so obvious." '
Blurb:Matilda is a sweet, exceptional young girl, but her parents think she's just a nuisance. She expects school to be different but there she has to face Miss Trunchbull, a kid-hating terror of a headmistress. When Matilda is attacked by the Trunchbull she suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to fight back. It'll take a superhuman genius to give Miss Trunchbull what she deserves and Matilda may be just the one to do it!I'm ashamed to say that I don't think I've ever read a Roald Dahl book. I've been meaning to correct this mistake in my childhood for a while and have finally read Matilda! Now I'm eager to get onto his other books, especially The BFG and James and the Giant Peach.But onto the review. I loved this story. Dahl is an amazing storyteller and even as an adult I found his writing amusing. There wasn't as much magic in Matilda as I was expecting, but the film stayed pretty true to the book when they created it. It was such a beautiful and uplifting story, a great book for children and adults alike!My favourite quotes from 'Matilda':'...the reading she had done had given her a view of life hat they had never seen.''... a bad girl is a far more dangerous creature than a bad boy.'' "Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog. Make sure everything you do is so completely crazy it's unbelievable. ..." '' "I hate her," Nigel said."Try not to make it so obvious." '
December 22, 2016
Her Festive Baby Bombshell
Her Festive Baby Bombshell, by Jennifer Faye
Blurb:Life-changing news this Christmas!Since their spontaneous and magical night together, Holly Abrams has avoided her boss, CEO Finn Lockwood. Neither of these two damaged hearts was looking for a relationship—least of all with a colleague!When they're thrown together on a charity project aboard Finn's luxury yacht, the tension between them skyrockets. When Holly starts to feel unwell, she puts it down to seasickness, until the doctor confirms that Holly and Finn can expect two unplanned gifts this Christmas—Holly is pregnant with twins…!It's been a long, long time since I've read a Mills & Boon romance and now I remember why. Basically I wanted sweet and simple, something I didn't really have to think too hard about, which is exactly what I got. The writing was decent and the characters were okay, although I never really got attached to them, but I just found it boring. The plot trudged along and it was extremely predictable.Fine if you like this type of book, but I've decided once and for all that they're not for me.
Blurb:Life-changing news this Christmas!Since their spontaneous and magical night together, Holly Abrams has avoided her boss, CEO Finn Lockwood. Neither of these two damaged hearts was looking for a relationship—least of all with a colleague!When they're thrown together on a charity project aboard Finn's luxury yacht, the tension between them skyrockets. When Holly starts to feel unwell, she puts it down to seasickness, until the doctor confirms that Holly and Finn can expect two unplanned gifts this Christmas—Holly is pregnant with twins…!It's been a long, long time since I've read a Mills & Boon romance and now I remember why. Basically I wanted sweet and simple, something I didn't really have to think too hard about, which is exactly what I got. The writing was decent and the characters were okay, although I never really got attached to them, but I just found it boring. The plot trudged along and it was extremely predictable.Fine if you like this type of book, but I've decided once and for all that they're not for me.
December 21, 2016
The Wrong Boy
The Wrong Boy, by Suzy Zail
Blurb:Hanna Mendel was going to be a famous pianist. But the Nazis had another plan. Thrown into Auschwitz, she plays piano for a camp commandant and wears a dead girl's dress pinned with a yellow star.And she is falling in love - with the wrong boy.I loved this book! I felt like it was carelessly titled, because there was so much more than a story of falling in love with the wrong boy and that really was't what the story centred on. It was an amazingly touching story about the holocaust and one that I will definitely be recommending to my friends and will probably end up reading again.Being meant for young adults it was simply written, but that didn't particularly bother me.Hanna was a great character and I think it would be impossible not to sympathise with her. There were several passages that were quite emotional, though it does't tell you anything that most people don't already know about the Holocaust.All in all, this was a very moving story and I look forward to reading Suzy Zail's adult book about the Holocaust.My favourite quotes from 'The Wrong Boy':'They'd put us in the ghetto and sealed the gate; what we did inside its grimy walls was our business.'' "Fathers lie," Erika shrugged. "It's part of the job." ''I'm proud to be a Jew. I live behind the barbed wire with philosophers, scientists, artists and teachers, with gypsies, poets and composers.'' "Hope's tiring." '
Blurb:Hanna Mendel was going to be a famous pianist. But the Nazis had another plan. Thrown into Auschwitz, she plays piano for a camp commandant and wears a dead girl's dress pinned with a yellow star.And she is falling in love - with the wrong boy.I loved this book! I felt like it was carelessly titled, because there was so much more than a story of falling in love with the wrong boy and that really was't what the story centred on. It was an amazingly touching story about the holocaust and one that I will definitely be recommending to my friends and will probably end up reading again.Being meant for young adults it was simply written, but that didn't particularly bother me.Hanna was a great character and I think it would be impossible not to sympathise with her. There were several passages that were quite emotional, though it does't tell you anything that most people don't already know about the Holocaust.All in all, this was a very moving story and I look forward to reading Suzy Zail's adult book about the Holocaust.My favourite quotes from 'The Wrong Boy':'They'd put us in the ghetto and sealed the gate; what we did inside its grimy walls was our business.'' "Fathers lie," Erika shrugged. "It's part of the job." ''I'm proud to be a Jew. I live behind the barbed wire with philosophers, scientists, artists and teachers, with gypsies, poets and composers.'' "Hope's tiring." '
December 18, 2016
Kidnapped for Christmas
Kidnapped for Christmas, by Evangeline Anderson
Blurb:Plus-sized and practical Jillian Marks is the responsible one in her family. She got all the common sense and her little sister Sabrina got all the skinny genes. When Sabrina plans a custom kinky kidnapping as a Christmas present for herself, Jillian tries to talk her out of it but her ditzy sister won't listen.Muscular and intense Kyle Stephens is a Dom who is looking for a permanent sub-a curvy woman who can submit in the bedroom but still think for herself. He takes Sabrina's file but mistakenly 'naps the wrong sister, grabbing Jillian instead of Sabrina.Now Jillian is bound and gagged in a dungeon, learning to submit to the man of her dreams who has her kidnapped for Christmas.Hmmm... So it wasn't the concept that I found unbelievable, it was the fact that he never checked with her that she remembered her safe word. However, though at the beginning Kyle kept implying that her fantasy was hard-core, it was actually quite light weight. Some parts were hot and it was a sweet story all in all, but to be totally honest it didn't really work for me.
Blurb:Plus-sized and practical Jillian Marks is the responsible one in her family. She got all the common sense and her little sister Sabrina got all the skinny genes. When Sabrina plans a custom kinky kidnapping as a Christmas present for herself, Jillian tries to talk her out of it but her ditzy sister won't listen.Muscular and intense Kyle Stephens is a Dom who is looking for a permanent sub-a curvy woman who can submit in the bedroom but still think for herself. He takes Sabrina's file but mistakenly 'naps the wrong sister, grabbing Jillian instead of Sabrina.Now Jillian is bound and gagged in a dungeon, learning to submit to the man of her dreams who has her kidnapped for Christmas.Hmmm... So it wasn't the concept that I found unbelievable, it was the fact that he never checked with her that she remembered her safe word. However, though at the beginning Kyle kept implying that her fantasy was hard-core, it was actually quite light weight. Some parts were hot and it was a sweet story all in all, but to be totally honest it didn't really work for me.
December 15, 2016
The Turn of the Screw
The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James
Blurb:Novella by Henry James, published serially in Collier's Weekly in 1898 and published in book form later that year. One of the world's most famous ghost stories, the tale is told mostly through the journal of a governess and depicts her struggle to save her two young charges from the demonic influence of the eerie apparitions of two former servants in the household. The story inspired critical debate over the question of the "reality" of the ghosts and of James's intentions. James himself, in his preface to volume XII of The Novels and Tales of Henry James, called the tale a "fable" and said that he did not specify details of the ghosts' evil deeds because he wanted readers to supply their own vision of terror.For 'one of the worlds most famous ghost stories' this was unimpressive. It wasn't scary at all. I liked the premise of the story, but it was very long winded - he took half a dozen pages to say something that which could have been condensed down to two, the effect of this was that the pace was very slow and it was hard to get into. I didn't feel any attachment to the characters and, therefore, the ending, which I'm guessing was supposed to be shocking, had little effect.All in all, I'm just glad I finished this book so that I can tick it off my list.
Blurb:Novella by Henry James, published serially in Collier's Weekly in 1898 and published in book form later that year. One of the world's most famous ghost stories, the tale is told mostly through the journal of a governess and depicts her struggle to save her two young charges from the demonic influence of the eerie apparitions of two former servants in the household. The story inspired critical debate over the question of the "reality" of the ghosts and of James's intentions. James himself, in his preface to volume XII of The Novels and Tales of Henry James, called the tale a "fable" and said that he did not specify details of the ghosts' evil deeds because he wanted readers to supply their own vision of terror.For 'one of the worlds most famous ghost stories' this was unimpressive. It wasn't scary at all. I liked the premise of the story, but it was very long winded - he took half a dozen pages to say something that which could have been condensed down to two, the effect of this was that the pace was very slow and it was hard to get into. I didn't feel any attachment to the characters and, therefore, the ending, which I'm guessing was supposed to be shocking, had little effect.All in all, I'm just glad I finished this book so that I can tick it off my list.
December 14, 2016
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, by Deborah Moggach
Blurb:When Ravi Kapoor, an over-worked London doctor, is driven beyond endurance by his obnoxious father-in-law, he asks his wife: 'Can't we just send him away somewhere? Somewhere far, far away.' His prayer seems to have been answered when his entrepreneurial cousin, Sonny, sets up a retirement home, recreating a lost corner of England in a converted guesthouse in Bangalore. Travel and set-up are inexpensive, staff willing and plentiful - and the British pensioners can enjoy the hot weather and take mango juice with their gin.After watching this movie, I was excited to read the book; the movie was funny, surely the book would be funnier? Unfortunately that wasn't the case. There were amusing parts, but I feel like this book was a comedy. That said, it was still a very enjoyable read with a deeper message that really struck a cord. There were some very moving passages as well as some very thought provoking ones. I really does make you wonder what the world is coming to.It was simply written but captivating and I enjoyed the multiple view points.A really good read for people of all ages and though I don't think it's a comedy there were some funny moments, but it is so much more than that...My favourite quotes for 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel':'Increasing years, of course, render us invisible as if in preparation for our eventual disappearance.''... so well-mannered she hardly existed any more. Don't mind me, said the British, I'm not really here.''People moved around the world as if they were popping down to the corner shop.''The trouble was, the more neglected she felt the less loveable she became.''We're all desperate for somebody to love here, she thought; that's why we put out milk for the cats.''The longer you stay in India, the less you know.''Perhaps you didn't have to understand; you just had to look.''Living with old people was so ageing. That was the point of families - well, one of the points. Different generation thrown together.'
Blurb:When Ravi Kapoor, an over-worked London doctor, is driven beyond endurance by his obnoxious father-in-law, he asks his wife: 'Can't we just send him away somewhere? Somewhere far, far away.' His prayer seems to have been answered when his entrepreneurial cousin, Sonny, sets up a retirement home, recreating a lost corner of England in a converted guesthouse in Bangalore. Travel and set-up are inexpensive, staff willing and plentiful - and the British pensioners can enjoy the hot weather and take mango juice with their gin.After watching this movie, I was excited to read the book; the movie was funny, surely the book would be funnier? Unfortunately that wasn't the case. There were amusing parts, but I feel like this book was a comedy. That said, it was still a very enjoyable read with a deeper message that really struck a cord. There were some very moving passages as well as some very thought provoking ones. I really does make you wonder what the world is coming to.It was simply written but captivating and I enjoyed the multiple view points.A really good read for people of all ages and though I don't think it's a comedy there were some funny moments, but it is so much more than that...My favourite quotes for 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel':'Increasing years, of course, render us invisible as if in preparation for our eventual disappearance.''... so well-mannered she hardly existed any more. Don't mind me, said the British, I'm not really here.''People moved around the world as if they were popping down to the corner shop.''The trouble was, the more neglected she felt the less loveable she became.''We're all desperate for somebody to love here, she thought; that's why we put out milk for the cats.''The longer you stay in India, the less you know.''Perhaps you didn't have to understand; you just had to look.''Living with old people was so ageing. That was the point of families - well, one of the points. Different generation thrown together.'
December 13, 2016
Z-Regen
Z-Regen, by Sharon L. Higa
Blurb:February 1, 2031. The virus dubbed by the media as 'The Zombiefication Plague' has struck worldwide. The deadly disease turns people into raging, flesh rending, rotting/liquefying creatures attacking every still living individual in their wake. Dr. Carl Gavois, a researcher at the CDC, is in a race against time to come up with an antidote before all of mankind is consumed by this plague.Will he come up with a solution or are we, as a species, all doomed?Grab your copy NOW!Amazon USAAmazon UKMore about Sharon L. Higa....I have been an avid writer since the age of 6 and my travels and experiences throughout my life have inspired my stories. I am an amateur ghost hunter and have had many firsthand experiences that have helped me in my writings. I love horror, supernatural thrillers, fantasy/action and mystery/drama end enjoy yarn-spinning in either novels, novellas, short stories - pretty much any style currently around! I am also an animal rights advocate and an all around nature lover. I'm happily married to a wonderful, loving and supportive man - Mark - and we live in East TN, along with our nine cats and one dog - not to mention the assorted wildlife around our home!Find out more on her websiteHERE!
Blurb:February 1, 2031. The virus dubbed by the media as 'The Zombiefication Plague' has struck worldwide. The deadly disease turns people into raging, flesh rending, rotting/liquefying creatures attacking every still living individual in their wake. Dr. Carl Gavois, a researcher at the CDC, is in a race against time to come up with an antidote before all of mankind is consumed by this plague.Will he come up with a solution or are we, as a species, all doomed?Grab your copy NOW!Amazon USAAmazon UKMore about Sharon L. Higa....I have been an avid writer since the age of 6 and my travels and experiences throughout my life have inspired my stories. I am an amateur ghost hunter and have had many firsthand experiences that have helped me in my writings. I love horror, supernatural thrillers, fantasy/action and mystery/drama end enjoy yarn-spinning in either novels, novellas, short stories - pretty much any style currently around! I am also an animal rights advocate and an all around nature lover. I'm happily married to a wonderful, loving and supportive man - Mark - and we live in East TN, along with our nine cats and one dog - not to mention the assorted wildlife around our home!Find out more on her websiteHERE!
December 6, 2016
A Tangled Web
A Tangled Web is now available to PRE-ORDER!
Blurb:Japan, 2011Taiyo is a normal high-school girl living with her Grandmother in Sendai. She goes to school, partakes in club activities and hangs out with her two best friends, twin brothers Ryuu and Kairi. However, her perfect world is shattered when she begins dating Kairi but quickly discovers she's already in love with Ryuu.A tangled web of lies surrounds the pair, but everything is suddenly knocked into perspective on March 11th when they are caught up in a natural disaster that devastates the country and robs thousands of their homes, their possessions and their lives...ClickHEREfor an excerpt!OrPRE-ORDERnow...UK AmazonUS Amazon And all other Amazon sites!
Blurb:Japan, 2011Taiyo is a normal high-school girl living with her Grandmother in Sendai. She goes to school, partakes in club activities and hangs out with her two best friends, twin brothers Ryuu and Kairi. However, her perfect world is shattered when she begins dating Kairi but quickly discovers she's already in love with Ryuu.A tangled web of lies surrounds the pair, but everything is suddenly knocked into perspective on March 11th when they are caught up in a natural disaster that devastates the country and robs thousands of their homes, their possessions and their lives...ClickHEREfor an excerpt!OrPRE-ORDERnow...UK AmazonUS Amazon And all other Amazon sites!
