I guess this is the time of year when I read the least. I'm busy, like everyone else. Holiday parties, shopping and my personal favorite...baking! So that being said I haven't finished a book in a while. Sure I've done some looking, checked out a few online but I haven't actually finished one. I guess that doesn't mean I can't write about something.
I love books in a series. I get very attached to the characters. I love an author that really makes you identify and fall in love with the characters of a book. Books that are in a series give the reader an opportunity to really get to know the main character. In fact if a book is a stand alone novel I usually get very sad at the end. It's like saying goodbye to a dear friend!
Right now I am listening to book number 12 of the Harry Bosch series. Harry Bosch books are written by Michael Connelly. Connelly also wrote "The Lincoln Lawyer", which was just made into a movie. Harry Bosch is an LAPD detective. The books are your basic mysteries where Harry tracks down the killer and saves the day. Harry is flawed like any good detective in a book. Over the course of the books the reader really gets to know him. He's on a mission in life, to be a voice for murder victims and hunt their killers. I like him and listening to him brings it to a whole new level. This particular author includes some jazz music on his audio tracks too. It's very Harry. If you like mystery novels I would give Michael Connelly a try.
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
A perfect combination
The Rose Garden
Susanna Kearsley
There is something about time travel and romance that makes for the perfect combination. I've read several books now that combine the two and I've loved them all. Susanna Kearsley does a fantastic job of explaining the time travel without confusing the reader. Nothing is worse than not understanding how the past, present and future all fit together in a time travel book. I've ready those kind too.
The book starts in the present. The main character Eva has lost her famous actress sister, Katrina, to cancer. Eva has to decide where to spread Katrina's ashes and she decides to return to England to a vacation home where they spent their childhood summers. It turns out that the Trelowarth homestead is a very magical place. Eva soon begins to travel back to the year 1715. She meets Daniel, his brother Jack and their friend Fergal. Eva has to struggle with popping up at the most inconvenient times. The only thing Eva brings with her are the clothes on her back. This is a problem when you are wearing 2011 clothing in 1715, and vice versa up return. Daniel is quick to believe that she is time traveling and that helps Eva cope.
There is a twist in the end that I didn't expect, which is great. I really thought I had the whole book wrapped up and figured out about half way through. That was not the case and it was a welcome surprise. I would highly recommend this book. There is one drawback and that is the language. Given that the book is set in England, and not in the city, we are talking on the coast and in the country, there were certain language difficulties. Add to that the fact that some of the book takes place 300 years ago. I found that the author did a great job juggling all the aspects of language. It wasn't hard for me to overcome those language barriers. It just took some getting used to.
Susanna Kearsley
There is something about time travel and romance that makes for the perfect combination. I've read several books now that combine the two and I've loved them all. Susanna Kearsley does a fantastic job of explaining the time travel without confusing the reader. Nothing is worse than not understanding how the past, present and future all fit together in a time travel book. I've ready those kind too.
The book starts in the present. The main character Eva has lost her famous actress sister, Katrina, to cancer. Eva has to decide where to spread Katrina's ashes and she decides to return to England to a vacation home where they spent their childhood summers. It turns out that the Trelowarth homestead is a very magical place. Eva soon begins to travel back to the year 1715. She meets Daniel, his brother Jack and their friend Fergal. Eva has to struggle with popping up at the most inconvenient times. The only thing Eva brings with her are the clothes on her back. This is a problem when you are wearing 2011 clothing in 1715, and vice versa up return. Daniel is quick to believe that she is time traveling and that helps Eva cope.
There is a twist in the end that I didn't expect, which is great. I really thought I had the whole book wrapped up and figured out about half way through. That was not the case and it was a welcome surprise. I would highly recommend this book. There is one drawback and that is the language. Given that the book is set in England, and not in the city, we are talking on the coast and in the country, there were certain language difficulties. Add to that the fact that some of the book takes place 300 years ago. I found that the author did a great job juggling all the aspects of language. It wasn't hard for me to overcome those language barriers. It just took some getting used to.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
A Trilogy
The Next Always - Inn at BoonsBoro Trilogy, book one
Nora Roberts
I love to read books in a series. One day when I'm not busy reading I'll post some of my favorite authors who write books in a series. I don't read every single Nora Roberts book that hits the shelf. For one thing I can't keep up. I think she writes just about more books than anyone, which always makes me question the quality of writing. However, I read the Bride Quartet series as they were released. If you haven't read those, and love weddings and great romance stories then I would recommend them. So I was excited when I heard she was releasing a new trilogy about a family of three brothers.
The Next Always is set Maryland around an old (and haunted) Inn. The Montgomery family, consisting of three brothers and their mother, purchased the old Inn and are remodeling it into a B&B. The ghost, who is friendly, is a nice twist. This book focuses on Beckett and how he falls in love with Clare. Clare has a lot of complications, she is a widow and the mother of three boys. She has made a name for herself in the small town of BoonsBoro by opening a coffee shop/book store. The story rolls on nice and smooth with one bump in the road when Clare acquires a stalker.
I liked the book and would recommend it for an easy read. It's a nice love story and I'm looking forward to the returning characters in book number two.
Nora Roberts
I love to read books in a series. One day when I'm not busy reading I'll post some of my favorite authors who write books in a series. I don't read every single Nora Roberts book that hits the shelf. For one thing I can't keep up. I think she writes just about more books than anyone, which always makes me question the quality of writing. However, I read the Bride Quartet series as they were released. If you haven't read those, and love weddings and great romance stories then I would recommend them. So I was excited when I heard she was releasing a new trilogy about a family of three brothers.
The Next Always is set Maryland around an old (and haunted) Inn. The Montgomery family, consisting of three brothers and their mother, purchased the old Inn and are remodeling it into a B&B. The ghost, who is friendly, is a nice twist. This book focuses on Beckett and how he falls in love with Clare. Clare has a lot of complications, she is a widow and the mother of three boys. She has made a name for herself in the small town of BoonsBoro by opening a coffee shop/book store. The story rolls on nice and smooth with one bump in the road when Clare acquires a stalker.
I liked the book and would recommend it for an easy read. It's a nice love story and I'm looking forward to the returning characters in book number two.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sanctus
Sanctus
Simon Toyne
I finished this book about 3 weeks ago and have yet been able to formulate a post. The reviews on this book were all positive. Everything I read online said it's a "must read." One reviewer said the book was written as if it is made to be a movie. It is also the first in a Trilogy. So I went out to the Library and borrowed it.
In the beginning it hooked me. Every chapter is a cliffhanger, which makes you want to read more. By the middle of the book I was bored with the format. I knew every chapter was a cliffhanger and every chapter was only 3 or 4 pages long. It's certainly a fast read and I could see how it lends itself to a movie format. However, this is no movie I would ever want to see. I hate to be scared at the movies but can read books that are terrifying and it doesn't bother me. This book is not something I would want to see brought to life.
The book takes place in modern day Turkey in a fictional city. Inside the city there is a Citadel where an ancient sect of monks live. As the story goes on the reader discovers more about these monks and the lengths they are willing to go through to keep their secret. Kidnapping, murder and bribery do not phase them. One monk, who discovers the secret, is so horrified he commits suicide by jumping from the top of the Citadel. His sister then comes to Turkey for answers about her brother's death. The story unfolds from there.
I won't disclose the ancient secret in case you decide to read the book. However, if you want to know just email me and I'll tell you. I was completely revolted by it. The monks call themselves Christians and believed they were doing the work of God. I think that's what made the book even worse for me. I don't think I'll be eager to read the next two books in the series. And I won't be eager to see the movie if that does come to light.
Simon Toyne
I finished this book about 3 weeks ago and have yet been able to formulate a post. The reviews on this book were all positive. Everything I read online said it's a "must read." One reviewer said the book was written as if it is made to be a movie. It is also the first in a Trilogy. So I went out to the Library and borrowed it.
In the beginning it hooked me. Every chapter is a cliffhanger, which makes you want to read more. By the middle of the book I was bored with the format. I knew every chapter was a cliffhanger and every chapter was only 3 or 4 pages long. It's certainly a fast read and I could see how it lends itself to a movie format. However, this is no movie I would ever want to see. I hate to be scared at the movies but can read books that are terrifying and it doesn't bother me. This book is not something I would want to see brought to life.
The book takes place in modern day Turkey in a fictional city. Inside the city there is a Citadel where an ancient sect of monks live. As the story goes on the reader discovers more about these monks and the lengths they are willing to go through to keep their secret. Kidnapping, murder and bribery do not phase them. One monk, who discovers the secret, is so horrified he commits suicide by jumping from the top of the Citadel. His sister then comes to Turkey for answers about her brother's death. The story unfolds from there.
I won't disclose the ancient secret in case you decide to read the book. However, if you want to know just email me and I'll tell you. I was completely revolted by it. The monks call themselves Christians and believed they were doing the work of God. I think that's what made the book even worse for me. I don't think I'll be eager to read the next two books in the series. And I won't be eager to see the movie if that does come to light.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Imagination
The Night Circus
Erin Morgenstern
I truly envy those with an active imagination. I love reading a book and thinking to myself, where did the author come up with this! Erin Morgenstern has an incredible imagination and a way with words.
I just finished reading "The Night Circus" and it was brilliant. The story draws you in from the first page, from the very first words. The details in the book paint a picture that truly make you feel as if you are in the story. The book revolves around two young people, Marco & Celia. It takes place in the late 1800's but it doesn't have the feel of a Historical Fiction novel. The two main characters are engaged in a competition, a magical competition. The setting is a circus but there is nothing traditional about this circus. There are acrobats, magicians and tarot cards readers. However, there is also an ice garden and a wishing tree. The circus only operates from dusk until dawn and no one ever sees it enter or leave town. In the end this is a love story with a bit of magic. Who doesn't love that?
If you've never listened to an audiobook I would highly recommend this book. The man who reads it is incredible. He has a voice fit for the era, he does a wonderful job distinguishing his voice for each character. Above all, because the book is full of so much detail listening to it allows the listener to feel fully immersed in the story. He brings the story to life and makes the listener feel right at home.
Erin Morgenstern
I truly envy those with an active imagination. I love reading a book and thinking to myself, where did the author come up with this! Erin Morgenstern has an incredible imagination and a way with words.
I just finished reading "The Night Circus" and it was brilliant. The story draws you in from the first page, from the very first words. The details in the book paint a picture that truly make you feel as if you are in the story. The book revolves around two young people, Marco & Celia. It takes place in the late 1800's but it doesn't have the feel of a Historical Fiction novel. The two main characters are engaged in a competition, a magical competition. The setting is a circus but there is nothing traditional about this circus. There are acrobats, magicians and tarot cards readers. However, there is also an ice garden and a wishing tree. The circus only operates from dusk until dawn and no one ever sees it enter or leave town. In the end this is a love story with a bit of magic. Who doesn't love that?
If you've never listened to an audiobook I would highly recommend this book. The man who reads it is incredible. He has a voice fit for the era, he does a wonderful job distinguishing his voice for each character. Above all, because the book is full of so much detail listening to it allows the listener to feel fully immersed in the story. He brings the story to life and makes the listener feel right at home.
Monday, October 3, 2011
It's been done
I just finished a novel today that has "50 First Dates" written all over it. If you've seen the movie you know that Drew Berrymore's character loses her memory every night when she goes to sleep. In the morning Adam Sandler has to win her heart all over again. It's a cute movie with a nice ending. In the book "Before I go to Sleep" by S.J. Watson the same type of memory loss occurs. Christine wakes up in the morning and she has no idea who she is, who her husband is or where she is. Most days she believes she is in her 20's when she is actually 47 years old. She feels a deep sense of loss as she realizes how much of her life she missed.
The book does have a few twists and turns. Christine begins to keep a journal which she then reads everyday. Her memory starts to improve with the help of her doctor and the journal. As her memory improves she begins to wonder if her husband is lying to her. It's hard to decide how much to write because I wouldn't want to spoil the book for anyone. I will say that things in Christine's life aren't exactly what they seem. Since she can't remember yesterday she is at the mercy of those around her and what they chose to share with her.
Overall it was a pretty good book but it didn't wow me.
The book does have a few twists and turns. Christine begins to keep a journal which she then reads everyday. Her memory starts to improve with the help of her doctor and the journal. As her memory improves she begins to wonder if her husband is lying to her. It's hard to decide how much to write because I wouldn't want to spoil the book for anyone. I will say that things in Christine's life aren't exactly what they seem. Since she can't remember yesterday she is at the mercy of those around her and what they chose to share with her.
Overall it was a pretty good book but it didn't wow me.
Another good one
I love finding an author that puts out book after book of quality writing. I have read three of Ken Follett's novels and they have all been wonderful. This book, "The Third Twin" is the first mystery novel of Follett's that I've read. He also writes Historical Fiction.
"The Third Twin" is full of twists, turns, and surprises. If you like mysteries this is a good one. Jeannie is a scientist who studies twins that have been raised in different homes. It's a nature vs. nurture study. Her main focus is on pairs made up of one good twin and one bad twin. Her study hits very close to home when one of her good twins is accused of raping her lab assistant.
I thought Follett could have done a better job on the ending. Once the reader has figured it all out he exposes the bad guys in a strange and sort of uneventful way. I felt it still ended well, I was satisfied as a reader. I just thought the means to get there could have been a little better.
If you are interested in some heavier reading I would recommend one of Follett's Historical Fiction novels. I've read both "Pillars of the Earth" and "Fall of Giants." I cannot say enough good about both of these novels. The length is a little intimidating at nearly 1000 pages each, however it is well worth it! "Fall of Giants" is slated to be the first in a Trilogy. I believe the second novel is scheduled for release in 2012. As someone who hates history and would NEVER pick up a Historical Fiction novel I can absolutely say Ken Follet changed my mind. I will never judge Historical Fiction writing again until I've at least given it a shot.
"The Third Twin" is full of twists, turns, and surprises. If you like mysteries this is a good one. Jeannie is a scientist who studies twins that have been raised in different homes. It's a nature vs. nurture study. Her main focus is on pairs made up of one good twin and one bad twin. Her study hits very close to home when one of her good twins is accused of raping her lab assistant.
I thought Follett could have done a better job on the ending. Once the reader has figured it all out he exposes the bad guys in a strange and sort of uneventful way. I felt it still ended well, I was satisfied as a reader. I just thought the means to get there could have been a little better.
If you are interested in some heavier reading I would recommend one of Follett's Historical Fiction novels. I've read both "Pillars of the Earth" and "Fall of Giants." I cannot say enough good about both of these novels. The length is a little intimidating at nearly 1000 pages each, however it is well worth it! "Fall of Giants" is slated to be the first in a Trilogy. I believe the second novel is scheduled for release in 2012. As someone who hates history and would NEVER pick up a Historical Fiction novel I can absolutely say Ken Follet changed my mind. I will never judge Historical Fiction writing again until I've at least given it a shot.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Books come in all forms these days. There are good old fashioned bound books. There are digital books that play on all sorts of devices. Finally there are audio books which also play on all sorts of devices. This is my big problem. I am "reading" one of each type of book at this moment! Is that an addiction? At the very least it poses a problem for me. I'm not sure what to blog about!
I never leave home without my Sony eReader so, when I'm out and about or on my lunch break I read from there. When I'm working out at the YMCA or running I usually listen to an audio book. When I'm at home lounging around I'll pick up the old fashioned kind.
Right now I'm reading two great books, one digital and one audio. The traditional book isn't so great so I'll probably give that up soon. As soon as I decide what is worth a blog post...I'll let you all know.
I never leave home without my Sony eReader so, when I'm out and about or on my lunch break I read from there. When I'm working out at the YMCA or running I usually listen to an audio book. When I'm at home lounging around I'll pick up the old fashioned kind.
Right now I'm reading two great books, one digital and one audio. The traditional book isn't so great so I'll probably give that up soon. As soon as I decide what is worth a blog post...I'll let you all know.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
A wow book
When I finished reading "The Last Letter from Your Lover" by Jojo Moyes my only thought was...wow. This book had everything that makes a story great and Moyes does a fabulous job weaving the tale together. The main character is a woman named Jennifer Stirling. She is in a terrible car accident and loses her memory. The story is written in such a way that the reader gets bits and pieces of her life before and after the accident. After the accident Jennifer tries to piece her former life back together using letters she finds in her house. The book takes place mostly in 1960 but a portion of it takes place in 2003. About half way through the book the reader is left wondering what became of Jennifer and her lover. In 2003 Ellie Haworth, a journalist, discovers the letters and finishes the story for us. Ellie has her own problems and finds that she relates to Jennifer's story in so many ways.
It was a "wow" book. I would highly recommend reading this book. It has everything from mystery to romance. Tragedy and happiness. A very well written novel and I loved it!
It was a "wow" book. I would highly recommend reading this book. It has everything from mystery to romance. Tragedy and happiness. A very well written novel and I loved it!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
There was no point
I have finished reading "Girls in White Dresses" by Jennifer Close. My final conclusion is that there is no point to this book. In the end all the girls are still pretty miserable in New York City and dating questionable men. A couple of them improve their situations but none of them live happily ever after. The main character was left undefined. The story focused mainly a group of 3 or 4 women but had a lot of secondary characters too. For a brief moment a secondary character would have her own chapter and then I would be left wondering what happened to her.
In all fairness to the author she did keep me reading. Her writing was very good and I enjoyed the way she described scenes or people. However, I would not recommend reading this book. It boils down to a lot of girls drinking too much and sleeping around.
Stay tuned....my next book "The Last Letter from Your Lover" by Jojo Moyes.
In all fairness to the author she did keep me reading. Her writing was very good and I enjoyed the way she described scenes or people. However, I would not recommend reading this book. It boils down to a lot of girls drinking too much and sleeping around.
Stay tuned....my next book "The Last Letter from Your Lover" by Jojo Moyes.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
What's the point?
Have you ever started reading a book and wondered what is the point of this book? There are some books that have an obvious direction. For example, when someone is murdered in the first chapter you know exactly where the book is headed. Someone is going to try and solve the murder. But what about those books that don't have a clear direction?
I'm currently reading one of those books. I find myself asking what is the point of this story? The book is called "Girls in White Dresses" by Jennifer Close. I am enjoying the book but I think part of it is the mystery of wondering how the book is going to end. I feel like it has no direction. I'm over 100 pages in and I don't know who the main character is. At first I thought it was Isabella. The first chapter is written from her point of view. But the second chapter is written from Ellen's point of view. And the third chapter by another character's point of view. The author leaves you guessing who is talking and each chapter is not clearly labeled.
Aside from character issues the story doesn't flow. Each chapter has a name, such as "The Rules of Life" and "Summer Sausage." It's almost as if each chapter is its own short story. Characters make appearances in other chapters that are not written from their point of view. As a group they are miserable women who live in New York City, drink too much and date questionable men. I can only hope that each girl's story has a happy ending because right now I'm just sad for them.
I'll reserve giving a recommendation this book until I've finished reading it. More to come on this.
I'm currently reading one of those books. I find myself asking what is the point of this story? The book is called "Girls in White Dresses" by Jennifer Close. I am enjoying the book but I think part of it is the mystery of wondering how the book is going to end. I feel like it has no direction. I'm over 100 pages in and I don't know who the main character is. At first I thought it was Isabella. The first chapter is written from her point of view. But the second chapter is written from Ellen's point of view. And the third chapter by another character's point of view. The author leaves you guessing who is talking and each chapter is not clearly labeled.
Aside from character issues the story doesn't flow. Each chapter has a name, such as "The Rules of Life" and "Summer Sausage." It's almost as if each chapter is its own short story. Characters make appearances in other chapters that are not written from their point of view. As a group they are miserable women who live in New York City, drink too much and date questionable men. I can only hope that each girl's story has a happy ending because right now I'm just sad for them.
I'll reserve giving a recommendation this book until I've finished reading it. More to come on this.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Brand New
I've been kicking around the idea of a blog for a while now. I was truly inspired recently when a family member started a blog of her own. She loves movies and I love books. Well, in all fairness she loves books too, but right now she is forced to love college text books the most. I am mostly a reader of fiction: mysteries, thrillers and romance. However, in recent years I've started to branch out. Thank you Twilight for opening my mind to the other genres. I've read several science fiction books now and even some historical fiction.
I'm not sure what direction this blog will take. My general idea is to talk about the book I'm currently reading. Give some kind of feedback and maybe make a recommendation about if you should read the book or not. I'm not big on getting in depth or theorizing about plots and characters. I view reading as fun, a means of escape from real life. I love to throw myself into the world of another and forget about the real world for a while.
Thanks for reading!
I'm not sure what direction this blog will take. My general idea is to talk about the book I'm currently reading. Give some kind of feedback and maybe make a recommendation about if you should read the book or not. I'm not big on getting in depth or theorizing about plots and characters. I view reading as fun, a means of escape from real life. I love to throw myself into the world of another and forget about the real world for a while.
Thanks for reading!
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