Shomeret Muses About March Reads 1/3

[Shomeret]

In March I read a number of books that got me thinking and I'm still thinking about some of them.

1)The Fangirl's Guide to the Galaxy: A Handbook for Girl Geeks by Sam Maggs (science fiction fandom) Source: Won in Booklikes giveaway Started: 3/1 Finished: 3/1

Why Read: I was once very active in science fiction fandom, but it's gone through some changes since I stopped participating in it.

Comments: It's like meeting an old friend after thirty years have passed and finding that your friend is nearly unrecognizable and you wonder how that happened. Rating B+ For my review see http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...

2)Into the Free by Julie Cantrell (historical fiction) 342 pages. Source: Library Started: 2/28 Finished: 3/4

Why Read: I was interested in reading about gypsies in the American South during the 1930's.

Comments: It wasn't really about gypsies. It was about family and the strange ways that children can be influenced by parents. Some character motivations were mysterious to me. Rating B

3)Halal Monk: A Christian on a Journey through Islam by Jonas Yunus Atlas (theology)Source: Amazon Started: 3/3 Finished: 3/14

Why Read: I'm interested in reading a diversity of perspectives on Islam in order to understand it better. I wondered how deeply Atlas examines this subject and whether he asks interesting questions.

Comments: Very interesting book. I made some discoveries. Rating A- because I'm not sure that Atlas went deep enough for me. See my review at http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...

4)Blood and Circusesby Kerry Greenwood (historical mystery) 208 pages. Source: Library Started: 3/4 Finished: 3/6

Why Read: It's Phryne Fisher and the circus. Since I'm a circus fan, why did it take me so long to read the circus novel in this series? That's a mystery in itself.

Comments: I was afraid I would be disappointed and that it wouldn't be authentic. It was marvelous. This is easily in the top five of Phryne Fisher novels that I've read. Phryne goes undercover and joins the circus. Rating B+

5)Maisie Dobbsby Jacqueline Winspear (historical mystery) 294 pages. Source: Library Started: 3/7 Finished: 3/8

Why Read: Well, it's about time I read the first book in the series. This is what comes of being an UOOOR, but I thought it would be like a Pat Barker WWI novel and I've read those.

Comments: This novel does deal with some of the same themes as a Pat Barker novel. There was lots of background for Maisie and drama, but it wasn't really much of a mystery. Rating B.

To Be Continued...

[Ann]

Shomeret: I love reading books that make me think and that resonate for a time after I have read them. It isn't a requirement, but it can add a lot to the experience.

[Ann]

Shomeret, I found the first Maisie Dobbs book to be good background for some of Maisie's later actions and her motivations but not necessary to read in order. I'm looking forward to the new one.

[Shomeret]

I'm also looking forward to the new Maisie Dobbs.

[[deleted user]]

I just got the first Maisie Dobbs, so I'm late to the game too. Will probably get to it next month. :)

[Carol/Bonadie]

I think I'm all caught up on Maisie Dobbs except for the newest one. I found her world fascinating,don't read much WWI fiction. Especially interested in how a single young woman makes her way in the private investigation world at a time when there was no precedent for that.

[Shomeret]

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I think I'm all caught up on Maisie Dobbs except for the newest one. I found her world fascinating,don't read much WWI fiction. Especially interested in how a single young woman makes her way in ..."

No precedent except for the American woman PI series that take place even earlier such as the Fremont Jones series by Dianne Day that take place in turn of the 20th century San Francisco and the Molly Murphy series by Rhys Bowen which take place in turn of the 20th century New York. Molly Murphy starts off as a single Irish immigrant just off the boat when she solves her first mystery.

[Ann]

I should check out the Molly Murphy and Fremont Jones series when I get a bit more caught up on a couple of series I am working on.

[Brakedrum]

Shomeret wrote: "Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I think I'm all caught up on Maisie Dobbs except for the newest one. I found her world fascinating,don't read much WWI fiction. Especially interested in how a single young w..."

I enjoyed Diane Day's books, but she seemed to quit writing.

[Shomeret]

She didn't quit writing, Lorraine. She's writing under another name because she can't get published by traditional publishers as Dianne Day. I don't know what name she's using though.