This twisting tale of literary wit is a fun read from author Jasper Fforde. Admittedly confusing at times (but probably mostly due to the speed at which I read), "The Eyre Affair" takes place in a VERY alternate London in 1985, where Time Travel is common place and the line between reality and fiction is becoming increasingly blurred. This is the first fantasy novel I've ever read that is completely entrenched in fantasy, and yet the characters have a world very much like ours (cars, money, etc). Even Charles de Lint doesn't come close, as his fantasy lives more in shadow.
This novel stars Thursday Next who becomes involved in hunting down the maniacal genious Archeron Hades who has strange, inexplicable powers (even in this world) and has stolen an original copy of a Dickens novel with the threat of changing the original forever (as once you change the original book all other copies change along with it). When Thursday thwarts his plans, he goes for an even bigger target- Jane Eyre, one of Thursday's favorites. Meanwhile, Thursday takes a job in her home town, deals with the kidnapping of her aunt and uncle, her rogue time traveling father and seeing her lost love again.
"The Eyre Affair" is a great read and I look forward to reading the sequels.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
A Cool Moonlight: Angela Johnson
Eight-year-old Lila was born with xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare disorder that causes a severe reaction to the sun that means she must stay out of the sun at all costs. "A Cool Moonlight" is told by Lila herself in a childlike way- lack of capitilization and a unique look in on her world. Lila has few friends, and mainly depends on her older sister Monk to take her out and about town, but Lila also has secret friends, Alyssa and Elizabeth, who no one but her ever sees. As she matures over the course of the novel, much importance is placed on her ninth birthday- the day that she, Alyssa and Elizabeth have plotted will be the day she steps out into the sun, with the help of the items they've been collecting for her "sun bag". Lila wonders why no one ever sees her friends and if the bag's items can really help her as she anxiously awaits her birthday.
The ending is magical, if not a little confusing, and will leave you smiling. I definitely recommend it as a great read. I've labeled it Fantasy, though it really falls somewhere inbetween real and magical realism.
The ending is magical, if not a little confusing, and will leave you smiling. I definitely recommend it as a great read. I've labeled it Fantasy, though it really falls somewhere inbetween real and magical realism.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
"Riders" by Jilly Cooper
I should start off this review by saying I'm no prude. I've read Nora Roberts, Danielle Steele...but neither of them can hold a candle to Jilly Cooper when it comes to writing sex. I think it's the difference in cultures. The sex is frank and honest, not flowery and romantic. The characters take what they want, don't care who they hurt, and yet I still read all 900+ pages of it.
"Riders" centers around several Brit horse riders- dashing but exceedingly arrogant Rupert Campbell-Black, his good guy best friend Billy, Jake- who hates Rupert with a passion and the women that surround them and love them. The book follows them over several years and competitions and chiefly surrounds Rupert and Jake. I can't say that I really liked either of them, particularly Rupert who is so mean to the woman he marries, bordering on verbal abuse. Jake is better than Rupert, but still has an affair on his loving, supportive wife (though at least he does feel bad about it in the end). But despite their cavalier attitudes toward sex, I did find them to be interesting characters. I kept waiting for Rupert's change, but never got one. I wanted him to be redeemed, but instead he got what he deserved (though not enough punishment in my opinion). The story ends on a more romantic note, and I just discovered that there are five sequels to this book. I can't say for sure that I'll read them, but I wouldn't be surprised to find myself hunting a couple of them down just to find out what happens- does Rupert finally get redeemed by true love? That's a book I'd like to read.
If you like sexy beach reads, this definitely ranks up there with the best of the genre. Be warned, though. The talk of sex is blunt, and definitely rated "R" for language.
"Riders" centers around several Brit horse riders- dashing but exceedingly arrogant Rupert Campbell-Black, his good guy best friend Billy, Jake- who hates Rupert with a passion and the women that surround them and love them. The book follows them over several years and competitions and chiefly surrounds Rupert and Jake. I can't say that I really liked either of them, particularly Rupert who is so mean to the woman he marries, bordering on verbal abuse. Jake is better than Rupert, but still has an affair on his loving, supportive wife (though at least he does feel bad about it in the end). But despite their cavalier attitudes toward sex, I did find them to be interesting characters. I kept waiting for Rupert's change, but never got one. I wanted him to be redeemed, but instead he got what he deserved (though not enough punishment in my opinion). The story ends on a more romantic note, and I just discovered that there are five sequels to this book. I can't say for sure that I'll read them, but I wouldn't be surprised to find myself hunting a couple of them down just to find out what happens- does Rupert finally get redeemed by true love? That's a book I'd like to read.
If you like sexy beach reads, this definitely ranks up there with the best of the genre. Be warned, though. The talk of sex is blunt, and definitely rated "R" for language.
Gathering Roses: Ellen Weisberg
"Gathering Roses" is a new novel by fellow New Englander Ellen Weisberg, and is the story of co-ed Lori who still carries the scars of adolescense and continually makes the bad decision concerning men- well one man in particular, Nick Warren. The two meet while Lori starts up at intern at a local radio station. He's completely not her type, but she finds herself drawn to him anyway.
Lori's self-esteem, or lack thereof, make her the perfect candidate for the success of Nick's advances. He's crass and clearly interested in only a physical relationship. Despite instinctively knowing that, she things she can change him. Even though Lori knows Nick will not change, she finds herself seeking him out and encouraging their physical relationship. As a reader, you find yourself not only identifying with Lori (what woman hasn't been attracted to that "bad boy" at least once), but wanting to smack her upside the head at the same time. Her moods spiral around depression as she continually doesn't get what she needs from Nick, and in truth, she's not even really sure what it is that she wants, as she's broken up with a perfectly nice guy to be with Nick.
But when Lori discovers a secret about Nick, she realizes why he acts the way that he does and that he's giving her all that he's capable of giving. Lori cotinues their on and off again relationship, but slowly discovers more about herself and realizes that she's worth more. Their relationship continues mostly on her terms until it can't continue any longer.
Some of Lori's growth comes through her interactions with her friends- Rutherford, whom she primarily e-mails with, and Angela, who is even more messed up than Lori, and a hard character to read- because of her own emotional issues, she frequently reads into Lori's statements the wrong way and overreacts often. She borders on being a toxic friend, but the two eventually are able to work through their problems. Rutherford, one of Lori's male life-long friends, helps her to realize how Nick will never change and often explains the inner workings of the male mind.
"Gathering Roses" has been described as a young adult novel, but as I feel that terms applies more to books for ages 11-16, I don't think it's appropriate for those ages. There isn't much more than some swearing and innuendos, but the subject matter would hold more for adults than teens. It's a pretty good book with relatable, if not frustrating characters. The back and forth of "I know I should dump him, but I can't bring myself to" at times made me crazy- it was like reliving certain moments from my own life with friends. I wanted to shout "AHHHH- just do it!" I think most female readers will identify with Lori and Angela as they could really be any one of us and Weisberg has done a great job with that.
Proceeds from the book are to go to the American Heart Association in honor of the friend Weisberg lost.
Lori's self-esteem, or lack thereof, make her the perfect candidate for the success of Nick's advances. He's crass and clearly interested in only a physical relationship. Despite instinctively knowing that, she things she can change him. Even though Lori knows Nick will not change, she finds herself seeking him out and encouraging their physical relationship. As a reader, you find yourself not only identifying with Lori (what woman hasn't been attracted to that "bad boy" at least once), but wanting to smack her upside the head at the same time. Her moods spiral around depression as she continually doesn't get what she needs from Nick, and in truth, she's not even really sure what it is that she wants, as she's broken up with a perfectly nice guy to be with Nick.
But when Lori discovers a secret about Nick, she realizes why he acts the way that he does and that he's giving her all that he's capable of giving. Lori cotinues their on and off again relationship, but slowly discovers more about herself and realizes that she's worth more. Their relationship continues mostly on her terms until it can't continue any longer.
Some of Lori's growth comes through her interactions with her friends- Rutherford, whom she primarily e-mails with, and Angela, who is even more messed up than Lori, and a hard character to read- because of her own emotional issues, she frequently reads into Lori's statements the wrong way and overreacts often. She borders on being a toxic friend, but the two eventually are able to work through their problems. Rutherford, one of Lori's male life-long friends, helps her to realize how Nick will never change and often explains the inner workings of the male mind.
"Gathering Roses" has been described as a young adult novel, but as I feel that terms applies more to books for ages 11-16, I don't think it's appropriate for those ages. There isn't much more than some swearing and innuendos, but the subject matter would hold more for adults than teens. It's a pretty good book with relatable, if not frustrating characters. The back and forth of "I know I should dump him, but I can't bring myself to" at times made me crazy- it was like reliving certain moments from my own life with friends. I wanted to shout "AHHHH- just do it!" I think most female readers will identify with Lori and Angela as they could really be any one of us and Weisberg has done a great job with that.
Proceeds from the book are to go to the American Heart Association in honor of the friend Weisberg lost.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
"The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold
Alice Sebold's book,"The Lovely Bones", is a bittersweet coming of age story with a twist. It is not a book for young adults, however, I would recommend the reader be at least 16 years old as this book deals with some harsh subjects.
In "The Lovely Bones" 14-year-old Susie Salmon is murdered on her way home from school. But Susie isn't gone...she watches her family struggle through their grief from a playground presumably in some part of Heaven and tells us her story. As they grow older and struggle to come to terms with what happened to Susie, she changes as well. The ending will make you cry, because while it is sad, there is a happiness to it as well that will affect you long after you have finished the book. Sebold's writing is clear and effective, and her first-person narrative will leave you feeling like Susie was a part of your family.
Again, my recommended reading level is 16 and up, but some younger teens may be ok with the subject matter.
Books Book Teens Reading The Lovely Bones
In "The Lovely Bones" 14-year-old Susie Salmon is murdered on her way home from school. But Susie isn't gone...she watches her family struggle through their grief from a playground presumably in some part of Heaven and tells us her story. As they grow older and struggle to come to terms with what happened to Susie, she changes as well. The ending will make you cry, because while it is sad, there is a happiness to it as well that will affect you long after you have finished the book. Sebold's writing is clear and effective, and her first-person narrative will leave you feeling like Susie was a part of your family.
Again, my recommended reading level is 16 and up, but some younger teens may be ok with the subject matter.
Books Book Teens Reading The Lovely Bones
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