The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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GETTING TO KNOW YOU
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<closed thread>What are you currently reading?
Riders Of the Purple Sage – Zane Grey – 3***
I hardly know what to write about this classic of the Western genre. It’s full of adventure, violence, strong men and women, tenderness, brutality and an abiding sense of justice. And, of course, there is the landscape, which Grey paints so vividly it is practically a character. The storyline and dialogue are a bit melodramatic. but Grey’s story still captured this reader’s imagination. I was reminded of the many western movies I watched with my Dad in the ‘50s and ‘60s. They were exciting and the good guys always won. Glad I finally read it.
LINK to my review
Honeymoon – James Patterson & Howard Roughan – 3***
Patterson and his team can sure churn out the fast-paced suspense/thrillers! The action is quick and the target ever moving. The writing may be simple, but the plot holds the reader’s attention. Good beach / vacation read.
LINK to my review
The Passover Murder – Lee Harris – 3***
Book number 7 in the Christine Bennett mystery series. I really like this main character. Christine is intelligent, calm, deliberate, tenacious and compassionate. She gains the trust of those she interviews and manages to ferret out information that even the police failed to uncover. I also like that the setting is in a time period before cell phones, computers and googling. The person doing the detecting has to rely on lots of tedious footwork and research, as well as keen observation and a well-hone intuition when interviewing suspects / witnesses.
LINK to my review
Turning Angel – Greg Isles – 2**
Book two in the Penn Cage series. Iles can write a compelling story with lots of suspects, many twists and turns in the plot, complicated motives and subplots, and a fast pace that keeps the reader turning pages. Penn’s background as a prosecuting attorney in Houston serves him well. Murder is always a violent crime, of course, and the sexual component herein is particularly disturbing. But I have a major problem with THIS book due to the basic underlying relationships. So the basic “thriller genre” gets 3 stars (even with the violence against women), but loses a star for the particularly distasteful – and disgraceful – underlying theme here.
LINK to my review
Hero Of the Empire – Candice Millard – 4****
Subtitle: The Boer War, a Daring Escape and the Making of Winston Churchill. Millard writes an interesting and detailed biography of the young Winston Churchill. Serving as a war correspondent during the Boer War in South Africa, he was a young, somewhat rash man eager to make his mark in the world. It’s a fascinating story and gives a somewhat different picture of the man most of us know only from his prominence during WW2. Yet, the reader gets a sense of the man he will become.
LINK to my review
Finished:
- 4*,
- 4*,
- 5*,
- 5*,
- 4*,
- 4*,
- 4*Reading:
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice - Own and a slow read
The Medusa Amulet
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter
Ordinary Grace
Daughters of Rome
A Company of Swans
Relics and Runes: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy and Fantasy Anthology - Kindle
The Great Train Robbery – Michael Crichton – 4****
What a rollicking good story! I was entertained from beginning to end. Crichton starts out with a recitation of the facts and sprinkles the text with details of Victorian life. The way he imagines the lead characters, especially Edward Pierce (the gang leader), is what really breathes life into the story. I first bought/read it in 1975; it’s one of my F2F book club selections, so I’m re-reading it for the 3rd or 4th time. And I still love it!
LINK to my review
The Sun Also Rises – Ernest Hemingway – 3***
One of Hemingway’s earliest novels, this was first published in 1926, and has never been out of print since that time. It is loosely based on the author’s own experiences with a circle of friends frequently known as “The Lost Generation.” In general, I am a fan of Hemingway, but this novel missed the mark for me. The ennui with which these people live their lives just doesn’t interest me very much.
LINK to my review
Finished:
- 3*,
- 4*,
- 4*Reading:
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice - Own and a slow read
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter
Daughters of Rome
A Company of Swans
Relics and Runes: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy and Fantasy Anthology - Kindle
Blood Bound - Audible
Arthur and Sherlock – Michael Sims – 3***
This is an interesting biography / history of Conan Doyle’s life as a young man. The reader learns of the people and events that influenced and inspired him when he created his most famous character: Sherlock Holmes.
LINK to my review
The House of the Spirits – Isabel Allende – 4****
Allende covers three generations of the Trueba family in her native Chile. The novel weaves together personal and political triumphs and tragedies into an epic story of love and history. I love Allende’s luminous writing, and the way that she seamlessly introduces elements of magical realism into her stories. Her gift for vivid description had me feeling cold drafts, luxuriating in sumptuous fabrics, hearing the cacophony of a busy marketplace or a student riot, cringing at the stench of human waste in a prison cell. She makes me believe that a woman can have bright green hair, or be clairvoyant and commune with ghosts.
LINK to my review
Finished:
- 3*,
- 4*,
- 4*Reading:
Daughters of Rome
Relics and Runes: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy and Fantasy Anthology - Kindle
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice - Own and a slow read
Dorothy Must Die – Danielle Paige – 3***
This is an imaginative retelling … or perhaps sequel … to Frank L Baum’s The Wizard of Oz books. The characters are all here, but they aren’t as they were portrayed in Baum’s classic books, or the much beloved movie. Amy Gumm was a decent heroine – self-reliant, principled, tenacious, willing to sacrifice for the greater good. However, the “mean girl” theme was a little heavy-handed for my tastes (and my stage of life). So my final verdict is average.
LINK to my review
Finished: Daughters of Rome - 3*Reading:
The Bone People
Cruel Beauty
The White Devil
City of Glass
Also:
Relics and Runes: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy and Fantasy Anthology - Kindle - over 2000 pages
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice - Own and a slow read
The Two Faces of January – Patricia Highsmith – 3***
Highsmith manages to give us unlikeable characters that behave in ways that just keep this reader enthralled and interested, turning pages to find out what twists, turns and surprises the plot has in store. It’s set in Athens, in 1962, and you have two con men trying to out-con one another. Add a femme fatale (who is married to one of the men, but attracted to the other), and you have a recipe for disaster.
LINK to my review
Fruit Of the Drunken Treee – Ingrid Rojas Contreras – 4****
Based on the author’s own life experiences, this novel tells the story of a family “safely” ensconced within their gated community in Bogotá, Columbia in the early to mid 1990s. I loved that Contreras used two different young women (girls, really) to narrate this story. The viewpoint alternates between seven-year-old Chula and Petrona, who is the family’s teen-aged maid. Each has a limited viewpoint due to their life experiences. I was completely immersed and engaged in their story from beginning to end. It’s a strong debut for Contreras and I look forward to reading her future works.
LINK to my review
I've got a bit more time to write right now, so I decided to do a few quick reviews of the books I have read lately. I really enjoy the reviews on this thread. Thanks everyone! :)
****The Unseen World by Liz Moore
A very good mystery write, very well plotted. I became very attached to the characters and could not wait to find out what really happened to the mysterious father figure, although the pat ending was in a way far too sweet for my taste. A very good read, 4 stars.
*****Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey
I had seen the series on TV, and was very keen to read the books. I was not disappointed. The book is even better than the series (as per usual). It is true that some of the characters felt a bit cartoony at times wearing their heroics too much on their sleeves, but it did not distract from the storytelling and fantastic ending. On to the next instalment.
Finished: The White Devil - 4*Reading:
The Bone People
Next to start:
Good Morning, Midnight
The Grave's a Fine and Private Place
Loitering with Intent
The Mother of All Questions
Also:
Relics and Runes: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy and Fantasy Anthology - Kindle - over 2000 pages
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice - Own and a slow read
****The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
If you like fairy tale retellings, this should be a classic, and one book not to miss. All the ingredients are there mixed in just the right amount for a gripping tale of riches to rags, and back again. Hidden in the subtext (as per all good fairy tale) is a story about growing up and becoming your own self. A truly enchanting read.
****Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve
Philip Reeve's book has come out in the cinemas this year. I wanted to read the book before I saw the film. I can' t wait to see how the world of roving, predatory mechanical cities is going to be brought to life in a film! The best part of the book is definitely its highly imaginative setting. The characters, even if somewhat typical of YA literature, are interesting and the pace of the action is breathtaking.
I thought the end was particularly melodramatic but it seems the film has a different one to the one in the book. Can't wait to compare them. An excellent start to the series.
****The Rival Queens: Catherine de' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal that Ignited a Kingdom by Nancy Goldstone
After reading 'The Queen Margot' by Alexandre Dumas, I was really interested to get to know better the main characters in this bloody slice (another one!) of French history. This book reads even better than Games of Throne, and I cannot help but thinking that the story of the St Bartholemew's Massacre was at the back of George RR Martin' s mind as he was writing up the plot for the 'Blood Wedding' story. Reading Nancy Goldstone's book, you could be forgiven for thinking yourself in some grimdark novel as reality goes beyond fantasy. A very interesting (if extremely dark!) moment in history seen through two of the most influential people of their times.
Jesus Land – Julia Scheeres – 3.5***
This is a memoir of growing up with parents who adhered to a religious fundamentalism but who were abusive to their children – particularly to their two adopted African American boys. The love that Julia and her adopted brother David share, as well as the unbreakable bond of brother and sister shine through, and help them endure.
LINK to my review
****Predator's Gold by Philip Reeve
The second book in the series does not disappoint. We see our heroes fighting new and old enemies in a rip-roaring, action-packed adventure across the iced continents. However, I am still in doubt as to the sombre developments pertaining to our beloved heroine and starting to get slightly annoyed at the moral rectitude of our hero. Yet, everything is set up for a very strong third instalment.
***Stoner by John Williams
Maybe, I am a bit mean by awarding John Williams' book only 3 stars - let's make it 3.5 then. It is not a bad book by far, and you do get very much attached to William Stoner as you see his life pass in front of your eyes. Unfortunately, the book is not much more than that. After the rave reviews I had been reading online, I thought I was in for a deep sort of novel with 'revelations' on every page. I had also difficulties with the pathos - objectively, he could have been doomed to an extremely hard life on his parents' farm. Now, that would have been tragic. I thought he actually managed to have quite an interesting, and in many ways rewarding life after all. His family relationships were mainly the times I felt the tragedy in his life. I would still recommend the book for a quick and engrossing read.
The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin – Josh Berk – 3***
This is a humorous coming-of-age story with a bit of a mystery thrown in and featuring an unlikely hero. Will Halpin is deaf, overweight and struggling to make friends in his new school. I’m glad to see a YA book that features a main character with a disability, who finds ways to deal effectively in a world that doesn’t always made accommodations for him. It's a fast read, and I loved Will & Devon's humor.
LINK to my review
Finished:
- 3*,
- 4*,
- 3*Reading:
The Bone People
The Three-Body Problem
Swing Shift - Audible
Next to start:
The Mother of All Questions
A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea - Kindle
Also:
Relics and Runes: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy and Fantasy Anthology - Kindle - over 2000 pages
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice - Own and a slow read
Wicked – Gregory Maguire – 2.5**
This is a re-telling of The Wizard of Oz, told from the viewpoint of Elphaba, the “Wicked” Witch of the West. I thought Maguire’s book went just too far afield in directions I never expected. Some of the scenes were downright disturbing. Still, it’s definitely imaginative, and there are some scenes that really forced me to think about assumptions, first impressions, and entrenched behaviors. So, while I can’t say I particularly enjoyed the book, I am glad to have finally read it.
LINK to my review
Miss Julia Renews Her Vows – Ann B Ross – 3***
Book # 11 in the Miss Julia series, featuring a Southern lady of a certain age, who is prone to jumping to conclusions but always takes action to help those in need. Miss Julia is just a hoot, and she’s most entertaining when she’s in a dither about something. Her read on things may be completely wrong, but she always manages to arrive at the right conclusion, or at least to help the authorities find the real culprit. Visiting with Miss Julia and her friends is a pure joy.
LINK to my review
Summer Rental – Mary Kay Andrews – 3***
Three women who’ve been besties since kindergarten are each at a crossroads when they rent a beach house for a month. They take in another woman who’s running from a dangerous man. Throw in a sexy landlord, some romance and a few twists and turns to keep things interesting and you have a good formula for a perfect beach read. Grab a beach chair, some iced tea (or a mojito), and some sunscreen and enjoy.
LINK to my review
I finished "A Pocket full of Rye" and started "Valley of Amazement"
A Stardance Summer – Emily March – 3***
Book # 13 in the “Eternity Springs” series. A young woman running from trouble; her former high school crush now a successful businessman; a group of seniors intent on living life to the fullest. Mix together with a spiritual guru who will help everyone find their inner happiness. A fast, easy summer read.
LINK to my review
Finished:
- 3*,
- 4*,
- 4*Reading:
The Bone People
The Three-Body Problem
The Mother of All Questions
A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea - Kindle
Love Medicine
Magpie Murders
Also:
Relics and Runes: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy and Fantasy Anthology - Kindle - over 2000 pages
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice - Own and a slow read
The Wrath and the Dawn – Renée Ahdieh – 3***
This is a YA romance novel which takes its inspiration from A Thousand and One Arabian Nights . I was somewhat disappointed that the stories ended so soon in this retelling, and instead the novel focused on Shahrzad’s efforts to discover Khalid’s "secret" vulnerability. Like the original Scheherazade, Ahdieh ends this story with a cliffhanger, hoping to ensure that the reader will return for the next installment. I can see why it’s popular with the intended YA audience, but my reaction was just ‘meh.’
LINK to my review
The Summer Wives – Beatriz Williams – 3***
Williams sets this historical novel on the fictional Winthrop Island, where the year-round residents are the families of Portuguese fishermen, but whose governing group consists of the upper-class families who summer here. I love how Williams weaves the stories and intrigues of these characters together. There are plenty of secrets to go around and enough twists and turn to keep things interesting. It’s a delicious soap-opera beach read.
LINK to my review
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The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
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Fox & I (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Gill Paul (other topics)Elizabeth Peters (other topics)
Rainbow Rowell (other topics)
Liam Moiser (other topics)
Barbara Mertz (other topics)
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Reading:
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice - Own and a slow read
The Medusa Amulet
Bury Your Dead
The Hate U Give - Audible