Ann's Later than usual report of May reads

[Ann]

Finally getting my head above water at work; I am posting my May books rather late. I thought about waiting until June and posting two months but decided to get May's comments down while the books are fresher in my mind.
Defending Jacob
Elegy for Eddie
Light In Shadow
The Chalk Girl
Mockingjay
- Landay, William Defending Jacob finished on 5/4/2012 Audio ranked 9 of 10 Brilliantly paced and structured, the story unfolds and builds relentlessly as details emerge and patterns start to form. The audio was spot on for portraying the nuances of the characters, especially Andy Barber's tone and demeanor. 
- Winspear, Jacqueline Elegy for Eddy finished on 5/14/2012 another Audio ranked 9 of 10 An excellent entry in the series, I like how Maisie grows as a person in each book; questioning how the world around her is changing and how she may change with it. The tone is a bit melencholy for several reasons including the background details of the rise of Hitler, fascism and other social changes. l like how Maisie bridges her humble beginnings, current professional success and inheritance from Maurice, easily moving between worlds in a time when class mattered
- Krentz, Jayne Ann Light in Shadow finished on 5/14/2012 on Kindle ranked 8+ of 10 Enjoyable and light fun as all of the contemporary setting paranormal stories usually are.
- O'Connell, Carol The Chalk Girl finished on 5/20/2012 Library print (I do those on occasion, this one took months and two checkout periods as I am more enamored with eBooks and audio books) ranked 9+ of 10 I found this to be one of the best of the series and considering the quality of all of the books, it is high praise. I admit to having a soft spot for Mallory, and this book only adds to her oeuvre. Politics, blackmail, madness, and devious cruelty; and the love of a little girl.  This one haunts me still.
- Collins, Suzanne Mockingjay finished on 5/27/2012 read on Kindle and ranked 9+ of 10 I was unable to put this one down easily, and found parts to be horrific and shocking. Yet through it all the messages to consider and opportunities to learn from the mistakes and missteps are compelling and important. I am very glad I read this trilogy, alternating wanting to scream or cheer and finding myself reading between the tears. War is depicted in frightening reality with chilling telecasts continuing outside the official Hunger Games. The parallels to what could all too easily happen in today's / future world pose the question, "real or not real." These games were all too real.

[Brakedrum]

Ann, the Chalk girl looks good to me!

[Melodie]

I read THE CHALK GIRL some time last year after I won an ARC here on GR. It was only the 2nd I've read in the Mallory series, the first one being the first book in the series several years ago. I think I don't get her or something! And I loved MOCKINGJAY!

[Ann]

Lorraine: It is fair to say that the Mallory series and Mallory herself are an acquired taste. That said, I like her character and love the series. I was hooked after reading Stone Angel out of order. It includes some back story on what makes Mallory tick.
Melodie wrote: "I read THE CHALK GIRL some time last year after I won an ARC here on GR. It was only the 2nd I've read in the Mallory series, the first one being the first book in the series several years ago. I think I don't get her or something!..."
Brakedrum wrote: "Ann, the Chalk girl looks good to me!"