What's this? Kim only read four books this month? The truth is that I began the Pulitzer Prize winning "John Adams" near the beginning of the month and got bogged down in it. It is a fantastic book, but it is dense, and I needed to take a break. Here are the other books I read.
The Flower Master by Sujata Massey (1999) -- Mystery, 3rd in the Rei Shimura series; this book explores a murder in a Japanese ikebana (flower arranging) school. Unforeseen murderer with fascinating details of Japanese flower-arranging culture made this book enjoyable.
To Wed a Wicked Prince by Jane Feather (2008) -- Historical romance; after two weeks of John Adams I needed something light--this was light, but unsatisfying because the plot of an English girl being pursued by a Russian prince for political and personal reasons was shallow and hard to follow.
Moment of Truth by Lisa Scottoline (2000) -- Legal suspense; rookie lawyer takes case of a man so determined to plead guilty to killing his wife that the lawyer and detective start to look for reasons he must be innocent. Engrossing mystery with a few minor flaws, but well-defined plot.
Paradise Lost by J.A. Jance (2001) -- (New author for me) Mystery; 9th in the Joanna Brady series, Brady is a sheriff in Arizona dealing with a dead body found in the desert by her daughter on a Girl Scouts camping trip. The cleanest mystery I've ever read with a simple plot and emotional, feel-good female detective work--a little dull.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
MARCH BOOKS
An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris (2007) -- Paranormal mystery; 3rd in the Harper & Tolliver mystery series about a girl struck by lightning who developed the ability to find dead bodies and discover how they were killed. Interesting premise but didn't enjoy this one as much as the first two.
The Last Noel by Heather Graham (2007) -- Romantic suspense; I think it's odd that suspense writers like to write special books for the Christmas season, but I really enjoyed this story of a family held hostage in their own home on Christmas by two robbers. The mushy sub-story of a family brought together is what made it so good.
Final Truth by Mariah Stewart (2006) -- Suspense; a true-crime author interviews a man recently released from death row due to faulty evidence and wonders whether or not he is committing new crimes. Very good story--well done.
Zen Attitude by Sujata Massey (1998) -- (New author for me) Mystery; this series of books about Japanese-American Rei Shimura, freelance antiques dealer, is as much about Japanese culture as mystery. Filled with interesting characters, fascinating cultural details, and a good mystery, this book set in Japan was a winner for me.
Carved in Bone by Jefferson Bass (2006) -- (New author for me) Suspense; this is the first in a series called "the Body Farm novels," which is appropriate since one of the co-authors is the forensic anthropologist who founded the true Body Farm in Tennessee. Interesting, full of yucky details, but a little slow and corny--has potential.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (1967) -- See Review Below
Killer Instinct by Joseph Finder (2006) -- Corporate suspense; I really enjoyed Power Play by this author, but this was too creepy for me. Having someone bump off your business competition just really bugged me.
Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands (2003) -- Romance; just some fluff I picked up because the idea of a vampire writing romance novels cracked me up. It was funny but nothing special.
Last Breath by Mariah Stewart (2007) -- Romantic suspense; not one of her best--a little slow to start--but I still enjoyed this archaeologically based novel.
The View from Mount Joy by Lorna Landvik (2007) -- Humorous contemporary fiction; I hardly know what to say. This book had a great message about what is truly important in life, but you have to get through the gratuitous high school sex and cutesy storyline to get to it.
Absolutely, Positively by Jayne Ann Krentz (1996) -- Romantic suspense; I always enjoy her great leading characters. This was a fun book
Pride and Prescience by Carrie Bebris (2004) -- (New author to me) Historical mystery; okay, this book had horrible plot development, a simplistic mystery, and illogical character motivations... but I enjoyed it because it had witty dialogue right out of a Jane Austen novel! This is the first in a "Mr. and Mrs. Darcy mystery" series. It begins immediately after the Darcys' and Binghams' wedding. The book was a mess except for the excellent dialogue between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I'll probably give the next one a try to see if it improves.
The Last Noel by Heather Graham (2007) -- Romantic suspense; I think it's odd that suspense writers like to write special books for the Christmas season, but I really enjoyed this story of a family held hostage in their own home on Christmas by two robbers. The mushy sub-story of a family brought together is what made it so good.
Final Truth by Mariah Stewart (2006) -- Suspense; a true-crime author interviews a man recently released from death row due to faulty evidence and wonders whether or not he is committing new crimes. Very good story--well done.
Zen Attitude by Sujata Massey (1998) -- (New author for me) Mystery; this series of books about Japanese-American Rei Shimura, freelance antiques dealer, is as much about Japanese culture as mystery. Filled with interesting characters, fascinating cultural details, and a good mystery, this book set in Japan was a winner for me.
Carved in Bone by Jefferson Bass (2006) -- (New author for me) Suspense; this is the first in a series called "the Body Farm novels," which is appropriate since one of the co-authors is the forensic anthropologist who founded the true Body Farm in Tennessee. Interesting, full of yucky details, but a little slow and corny--has potential.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (1967) -- See Review Below
Killer Instinct by Joseph Finder (2006) -- Corporate suspense; I really enjoyed Power Play by this author, but this was too creepy for me. Having someone bump off your business competition just really bugged me.
Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands (2003) -- Romance; just some fluff I picked up because the idea of a vampire writing romance novels cracked me up. It was funny but nothing special.
Last Breath by Mariah Stewart (2007) -- Romantic suspense; not one of her best--a little slow to start--but I still enjoyed this archaeologically based novel.
The View from Mount Joy by Lorna Landvik (2007) -- Humorous contemporary fiction; I hardly know what to say. This book had a great message about what is truly important in life, but you have to get through the gratuitous high school sex and cutesy storyline to get to it.
Absolutely, Positively by Jayne Ann Krentz (1996) -- Romantic suspense; I always enjoy her great leading characters. This was a fun book
Pride and Prescience by Carrie Bebris (2004) -- (New author to me) Historical mystery; okay, this book had horrible plot development, a simplistic mystery, and illogical character motivations... but I enjoyed it because it had witty dialogue right out of a Jane Austen novel! This is the first in a "Mr. and Mrs. Darcy mystery" series. It begins immediately after the Darcys' and Binghams' wedding. The book was a mess except for the excellent dialogue between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I'll probably give the next one a try to see if it improves.
Monday, March 10, 2008
The Outsiders
I was going through some old books in the top of my daughter's closet when I came across a copy of The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Although it was written in 1967 (before I was born), this was one of the books to read when I was in high school because of the popular movie that came out in 1983. I saw the movie and owned the book, but I couldn't remember ever reading it, so I picked up yesterday and started it.
Wow, what an awesome book! I couldn't put it down. The story of the greasers versus the socs feels like a typical West Side Story or Romeo and Juliet, but the true story of the "haves" and the "have-nots" is timeless. I love the way Hinton helps you to know and truly understand the feelings and motivations of each character through dialogue and description.
Susie Hinton wrote this book at age 17 because she couldn't find any literature that she felt accurately depicted teenagers outside the narrow world of the high school prom. All four of her novels portray kids just trying to survive in a rough and unfair world. If you haven't read this in awhile (or ever), I recommend giving it a try!
By the way, what an amazing '80s movie cast: C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Diane Lane, Leif Garrett, Emilio Estevez, and some unknown guy named Tom Cruise. I think I need to find this movie and watch it again!
Wow, what an awesome book! I couldn't put it down. The story of the greasers versus the socs feels like a typical West Side Story or Romeo and Juliet, but the true story of the "haves" and the "have-nots" is timeless. I love the way Hinton helps you to know and truly understand the feelings and motivations of each character through dialogue and description.
Susie Hinton wrote this book at age 17 because she couldn't find any literature that she felt accurately depicted teenagers outside the narrow world of the high school prom. All four of her novels portray kids just trying to survive in a rough and unfair world. If you haven't read this in awhile (or ever), I recommend giving it a try!
By the way, what an amazing '80s movie cast: C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Diane Lane, Leif Garrett, Emilio Estevez, and some unknown guy named Tom Cruise. I think I need to find this movie and watch it again!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
FEBRUARY BOOKS
Last Look by Mariah Stewart (2007) -- FBI suspense; first in a series of three FBI thrillers. New body found of a girl supposedly killed in a case years ago. A good, intriguing story.
Run by Ann Patchett (2007) -- Realistic fiction; A beautifully written story about relationships, artistically dealing with issues of class, race, politics, and religion. It has almost a mystical quality.
Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward (2006) -- (first book I've read by this author) Supernatural vampire thriller, Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 2; I decided to try another vampire book and ended up in a crazy erotic world with vampires named "Rhage," "Zsadist," and "Vishious." I was fascinated but don't know if I'll go there again!
Third Degree by Greg Iles (2007) -- Contemporary fiction; taking place over 24 hours, a husband is tipped off about his wife's infidelity, is pursued by the IRS for fraud in his medical practice, and takes his family hostage with a gun. Tense book but too formalistic.
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (1995) -- Young adult fantasy, Dark Materials Book 1; this books seems much too heavy for the 9-12 year old audience it is aimed at. I enjoyed the complicated and interesting plot but did not care for any of the characters at all.
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman -- Young Adult fantasy, Dark Materials Book 2; again, the book is well written, but creepy! Too much death and despair--I'll skip the 3rd book.
Deep Waters by Jayne Ann Krentz (1996) -- Romantic suspense; great hero and heroine--blah book.
Last Words by Mariah Stewart (2007) -- FBI Suspense; second in a series of 3. A little too graphic this time--not as good as last book.
Sizzle and Burn by Jayne Ann Krentz (2008) -- (my first book published in 2008!) Paranormal romantic suspense; I love the paranormal twist of the Arcane Society--enjoyed this very much.
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (2001) -- Humorous Southern vampire suspense; 1st book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. If I had read this one first, I might not have tried the rest of the series! Okay, but not great.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie (2007) -- Young Adult realistic fiction; I read this book because it was on the 2008 YALSA list of Top 10 Best Books for Young Adults, and I thought I might enjoy it and recommend it to my daughter. It is both a humorous and serious look at a 14-year-old boy living on an Indian reservation and attending a white high school in the neighboring town. It was fascinating, and I enjoyed it. (But I won't recommend it to my 14-year-old daughter because I don't really want her knowing what 14-year-old boys really think about!)
Run by Ann Patchett (2007) -- Realistic fiction; A beautifully written story about relationships, artistically dealing with issues of class, race, politics, and religion. It has almost a mystical quality.
Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward (2006) -- (first book I've read by this author) Supernatural vampire thriller, Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 2; I decided to try another vampire book and ended up in a crazy erotic world with vampires named "Rhage," "Zsadist," and "Vishious." I was fascinated but don't know if I'll go there again!
Third Degree by Greg Iles (2007) -- Contemporary fiction; taking place over 24 hours, a husband is tipped off about his wife's infidelity, is pursued by the IRS for fraud in his medical practice, and takes his family hostage with a gun. Tense book but too formalistic.
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (1995) -- Young adult fantasy, Dark Materials Book 1; this books seems much too heavy for the 9-12 year old audience it is aimed at. I enjoyed the complicated and interesting plot but did not care for any of the characters at all.
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman -- Young Adult fantasy, Dark Materials Book 2; again, the book is well written, but creepy! Too much death and despair--I'll skip the 3rd book.
Deep Waters by Jayne Ann Krentz (1996) -- Romantic suspense; great hero and heroine--blah book.
Last Words by Mariah Stewart (2007) -- FBI Suspense; second in a series of 3. A little too graphic this time--not as good as last book.
Sizzle and Burn by Jayne Ann Krentz (2008) -- (my first book published in 2008!) Paranormal romantic suspense; I love the paranormal twist of the Arcane Society--enjoyed this very much.
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (2001) -- Humorous Southern vampire suspense; 1st book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. If I had read this one first, I might not have tried the rest of the series! Okay, but not great.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie (2007) -- Young Adult realistic fiction; I read this book because it was on the 2008 YALSA list of Top 10 Best Books for Young Adults, and I thought I might enjoy it and recommend it to my daughter. It is both a humorous and serious look at a 14-year-old boy living on an Indian reservation and attending a white high school in the neighboring town. It was fascinating, and I enjoyed it. (But I won't recommend it to my 14-year-old daughter because I don't really want her knowing what 14-year-old boys really think about!)
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
JANUARY BOOKS
I've decided that each month I should give a brief summary of the books I read that month as an overview of what I might recommend.
Power Play by Joseph Finder -- (first book I've read by this author) I might classify it as a corporate suspense novel; story of a corporate retreat at a hunting lodge where the company VIPs are taken hostage and saved by the low man on the totem pole. Really enjoyed!
Light in Shadow by Jayne Ann Krentz -- Romantic suspense; woman with hidden identity can sense emotions in the walls of a building and gets involved in a murder case. Good.
Truth or Dare by Jayne Ann Krentz -- Romantic suspense; follow-up novel to Light in Shadow. Not nearly as good.
Pandora's Daughter by Iris Johansen -- Romantic supernatural suspense; strange concept of a woman coming into her psychic powers being chased by crazed drug lord and killer. Usually like this author's books, but this one was a little too out there.
Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn -- Patriotic political thriller; Mitch Rapp is back and dangerous as ever! I love this series of books--makes you really wonder what is going on in our government.
Scarlet by Stephen R. Lawhead -- Historical fiction; Old Welsh retelling of Robin Hood--this is Book 2 and focuses on the character of Will Scarlet. Better than Book 1 (Hood)--loved it!
Stone Cold by David Baldacci -- (see previous review)
Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner-- I picked this one up for fun to try out! The writing is not high quality, but the concept of the book is fun. Okay.
Power Play by Joseph Finder -- (first book I've read by this author) I might classify it as a corporate suspense novel; story of a corporate retreat at a hunting lodge where the company VIPs are taken hostage and saved by the low man on the totem pole. Really enjoyed!
Light in Shadow by Jayne Ann Krentz -- Romantic suspense; woman with hidden identity can sense emotions in the walls of a building and gets involved in a murder case. Good.
Truth or Dare by Jayne Ann Krentz -- Romantic suspense; follow-up novel to Light in Shadow. Not nearly as good.
Pandora's Daughter by Iris Johansen -- Romantic supernatural suspense; strange concept of a woman coming into her psychic powers being chased by crazed drug lord and killer. Usually like this author's books, but this one was a little too out there.
Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn -- Patriotic political thriller; Mitch Rapp is back and dangerous as ever! I love this series of books--makes you really wonder what is going on in our government.
Scarlet by Stephen R. Lawhead -- Historical fiction; Old Welsh retelling of Robin Hood--this is Book 2 and focuses on the character of Will Scarlet. Better than Book 1 (Hood)--loved it!
Stone Cold by David Baldacci -- (see previous review)
Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner-- I picked this one up for fun to try out! The writing is not high quality, but the concept of the book is fun. Okay.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Welcome to 2008
It is the start of a new year, and I am pledging to make a few changes in my life. I want to do a better job of keeping this blog updated for a start. I would also like to read fewer books (yes, I really said that!), and I would like to read better quality books. I love my junk books, but, like junk food, I need in indulge in fewer of them. I've already got seven books under my belt for the new year but only one I feel the need to comment on.
David Baldacci's books are fun, but I must say that I have especially enjoyed his "Camel Club" series. In 2005 Baldacci wrote The Camel Club about a group of 4 Washington D.C. misfits who witness a murder and are drawn into political intrigue. The suspense is well written, and the story is great, but it is the group of characters that make this more than your average thriller. Caleb Shaw the librarian, Milton Farb the computer genius, Reuben Rhodes the blue-collar worker and Viet Nam vet, and "Oliver Stone" the man with no past make a mismatched group, whose stated goal is to learn the truth. Together with Secret Service Agent Alex Ford, they find out the truth in their own way.
Baldacci followed The Camel Club with The Collectors (2006) in which we meet Annabelle Conroy, a con artist with a vendetta who becomes an honorary member of the Camel Club. In 2007 he published Stone Cold, which I just finished. Stone Cold features two main stories; Annabelle has conned her mother's murderer, casino owner Jerry Bagger, out of 40 million dollars, and he will stop at nothing to get it back. In the second story, people from Oliver's past are turning up dead, and the killer will turn to focus on Oliver next. His secrets will need be unburied in order to have a chance to save himself.
Baldacci is great at creating surprising characters. The calculating killer in this book considers himself a loving family man who is a great father. Oliver carries a sign in Washington demanding the truth, but his personal secrets are the deepest of all. I truly enjoy these characters and believe these books to be superior political suspense stories. On the other hand, I just read Baldacci's other most recent book Simple Genius and did not care for it much. To me there is a difference between suspending belief a little for a story and something being absolutely ridiculous. The Camel Club stories are worth suspending some belief for.
David Baldacci's books are fun, but I must say that I have especially enjoyed his "Camel Club" series. In 2005 Baldacci wrote The Camel Club about a group of 4 Washington D.C. misfits who witness a murder and are drawn into political intrigue. The suspense is well written, and the story is great, but it is the group of characters that make this more than your average thriller. Caleb Shaw the librarian, Milton Farb the computer genius, Reuben Rhodes the blue-collar worker and Viet Nam vet, and "Oliver Stone" the man with no past make a mismatched group, whose stated goal is to learn the truth. Together with Secret Service Agent Alex Ford, they find out the truth in their own way.
Baldacci followed The Camel Club with The Collectors (2006) in which we meet Annabelle Conroy, a con artist with a vendetta who becomes an honorary member of the Camel Club. In 2007 he published Stone Cold, which I just finished. Stone Cold features two main stories; Annabelle has conned her mother's murderer, casino owner Jerry Bagger, out of 40 million dollars, and he will stop at nothing to get it back. In the second story, people from Oliver's past are turning up dead, and the killer will turn to focus on Oliver next. His secrets will need be unburied in order to have a chance to save himself.
Baldacci is great at creating surprising characters. The calculating killer in this book considers himself a loving family man who is a great father. Oliver carries a sign in Washington demanding the truth, but his personal secrets are the deepest of all. I truly enjoy these characters and believe these books to be superior political suspense stories. On the other hand, I just read Baldacci's other most recent book Simple Genius and did not care for it much. To me there is a difference between suspending belief a little for a story and something being absolutely ridiculous. The Camel Club stories are worth suspending some belief for.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Still Too Busy to Read
As you can see, I still haven't had much time in the past month to read, and I doubt I'll have much time to read before the new year. I fit in a few books--the literary equivalent of fast food--but wasn't overly excited about them. I usually enjoy the romantic suspense of Jayne Ann Krentz and Heather Graham, and "Falling Awake" and "The Seance" were probably above average. I enjoy the paranormal aspect Heather Graham used--it makes the book a little cheesy but more fun.
I have been looking forward to "Simple Genius" by David Baldacci, but it let me down. It was too crazy. When I read political suspense fiction, I like to think that it might happen, even if it is highly unlikely. When I think that there is no way it could happen, it crosses the line into the ridiculous.
I have been looking forward to "Simple Genius" by David Baldacci, but it let me down. It was too crazy. When I read political suspense fiction, I like to think that it might happen, even if it is highly unlikely. When I think that there is no way it could happen, it crosses the line into the ridiculous.
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