Sorry that I disappeared for a few months. I know, I kind of disappeared for awhile. I have a legitimate excuse though. I've been busy moving. So please be patient with me if it continues to be sporadic for awhile.
In between packing boxes and applying for new jobs and tackling a never-ending to-do list, I have managed to keep reading some good books as well. Hopefully I'll eventually get caught up on here.
For now, here's a little tribute to a children's book set in WWII. Once only took me a couple of hours to read, but it was good for readers in a wide range of ages and I personally enjoyed it.
For my book review of Once by Morris Gleitzman, click here.
To visit author Morris Gleitzman's official website, click here.
Wednesday 21 December 2011
Wednesday 26 October 2011
And the Postman Brought Me Books
I love getting a new book: breaking in the binding, the smell of ink and glue that still smells kind of classroom-y, and the promise of time spent reading it. Thank you to Max (of Blackbird has Spoken) and Becky (of Lakes Single Mum) for my new books and other goodies. You are both lovely.
Saturday 15 October 2011
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury
I have vague memories of an '80's movie adaptation of "Something Wicked This Way Comes". Mostly I remember the greem mist and creepy carousel. The movie came out when I was two, so that's about as far as my memory goes on that one. It was enough, though, to give me an extra sense of anticipation when reading Ray Bradbury's original "Something Wicked This Way Comes".
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" is classic Ray Bradbury. It has a story and interesting characters, but even more than that it has a mood, a vision of the world, that is fascinating. He takes a seemingly simple story with children for main characters and makes it both child-like and utterly adult. If you're only going to read one Ray Bradbury book (and if you read one I don't know why you wouldn't read more), then this wouldn't be the first one I'd recommend. But if you're going to read several Ray Bradbury books, this is an enjoyable novella.
In other news, it seems that my list of Bradbury's 59 books, taken from his own official website, is lacking. I think the list includes his original novels and collections, but there are more. My sister is reading "A Pleasure to Burn", a collection of Bradbury's stories and writings that culminated in "Fahrenheit 451". On Amazon I also found these books that aren't on my Ray Bradbury list:
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" is classic Ray Bradbury. It has a story and interesting characters, but even more than that it has a mood, a vision of the world, that is fascinating. He takes a seemingly simple story with children for main characters and makes it both child-like and utterly adult. If you're only going to read one Ray Bradbury book (and if you read one I don't know why you wouldn't read more), then this wouldn't be the first one I'd recommend. But if you're going to read several Ray Bradbury books, this is an enjoyable novella.
In other news, it seems that my list of Bradbury's 59 books, taken from his own official website, is lacking. I think the list includes his original novels and collections, but there are more. My sister is reading "A Pleasure to Burn", a collection of Bradbury's stories and writings that culminated in "Fahrenheit 451". On Amazon I also found these books that aren't on my Ray Bradbury list:
- "Where Everything Ends" (reprints of previous novellas, plus a new short story not in other collections)
- "I Live by the Invisible" (poetry new and old)
- "Summer Morning, Summer Night" (combination of his small town stories, some are reprinted from other collections and some were previously unpublished)
- "We'll Always Have Paris: Stories" (short story collection reprinted just last year)
- "Listen to the Echoes: The Ray Bradbury Interviews" (Sam Weller's interviews of Bradbury)
Thursday 6 October 2011
"Dancing with Mr. Darcy" edited by Sarah Waters
I've got a soft spot for Austen adaptations and fan fiction. I admit it. So the short story collection "Dancing with Mr. Darcy" was really interesting to me. All of the stories have some relationship to Jane Austen and/or her novels. I loved some of the stories, and I admit that I didn't really enjoy all of them. Overall, though, it was an interesting way to engage with Austen's literary legacy and be exposed to new authors.
To read my review of "Dancing with Mr. Darcy", click here.
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| Wolvesey Castle in Winchester near where Jane Austen lived at the end of her life |
To read my review of "Dancing with Mr. Darcy", click here.
Wednesday 5 October 2011
"Made to be Broken" by Kelley Armstrong
This book has a kick-ass hitwoman for a main character, two interesting (and sexy in very different ways) male side characters, and a fast-paced plot full of twists and action. For an entertaining read, what more could you want? This is a great book to add a little excitement to your day whether you want something to read on the commute, during your breaks at the office, or waiting on the school run.
Kelley Armstrong's books may not be literary fiction or intellectual, but they are always entertaining.
To read my longer review of "Made to be Broken", click here.
To visit author Kelley Armstrong's official website, click here.
Kelley Armstrong's books may not be literary fiction or intellectual, but they are always entertaining.
To read my longer review of "Made to be Broken", click here.
To visit author Kelley Armstrong's official website, click here.
Tuesday 4 October 2011
"Waking the Witch" by Kelley Armstrong
You've probably noticed by now that I enjoy Kelley Armstrong's novels. I've read most of them. I'd like to read the few books of hers that I haven't gotten to yet.
The Armstrong book that I've read most recently is "Waking the Witch". Part of the "Otherworld" (sometimes called "Women of the Otherworld") series, "Waking the Witch" centres on the witch and private investigator Savannah Levine. Savannah takes on her first solo case by travelling to a small town to investigate some murders. She soon discovers that in this case, nothing is as it seems.
Although it wasn't my favorite book in the series, I did enjoy it and getting to read more about Savannah. If you're just looking for a stand alone book I wouldn't really recommend it, but it does have its place in the series.
To read my longer review of "Waking the Witch" by Kelley Armstrong, click here.
If you enjoy "Waking the Witch", I recommend:
The Armstrong book that I've read most recently is "Waking the Witch". Part of the "Otherworld" (sometimes called "Women of the Otherworld") series, "Waking the Witch" centres on the witch and private investigator Savannah Levine. Savannah takes on her first solo case by travelling to a small town to investigate some murders. She soon discovers that in this case, nothing is as it seems.
Although it wasn't my favorite book in the series, I did enjoy it and getting to read more about Savannah. If you're just looking for a stand alone book I wouldn't really recommend it, but it does have its place in the series.
To read my longer review of "Waking the Witch" by Kelley Armstrong, click here.
If you enjoy "Waking the Witch", I recommend:
- the rest of Armstrong's "Otherworld" series. "Bitten" is the first in the series. For a similar crime type feeling without the paranormal element, try Armstrong's "Nadia Stafford" series.
- other crime fiction novels with a strong female lead, like Patricia Cornwell's books about Scarpetta.
- other urban fantasy/paranormal novels like "Generation Dead" by Daniel Waters or Rachel Caine's books.
Monday 26 September 2011
"Living with the Dead" by Kelley Armstrong
I've read and enjoyed most of the books in Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series. Somehow I'd never gotten ahold of a copy of"Living with the Dead" though.
The 9th book in the series, "Living with the Dead" stars some familiar characters (chiefly half-demon Hope Adams and werewolf Karl Marsten), and introduces some new ones (so,e just for the purposes of the novel, but also some new characters that I hope will resurface in future books. There's murder, mystery, supernaturals, romance...it's am interesting book that works well in the series.
If you like "Living with the Dead", I definitely recommend reading the rest of Armstrong's books. (The Otherworld series starts with "Bitten".) Click here for a list of books enjoyed by Armstrong fans. I would also recommend books by P.C. Cast.
The 9th book in the series, "Living with the Dead" stars some familiar characters (chiefly half-demon Hope Adams and werewolf Karl Marsten), and introduces some new ones (so,e just for the purposes of the novel, but also some new characters that I hope will resurface in future books. There's murder, mystery, supernaturals, romance...it's am interesting book that works well in the series.
If you like "Living with the Dead", I definitely recommend reading the rest of Armstrong's books. (The Otherworld series starts with "Bitten".) Click here for a list of books enjoyed by Armstrong fans. I would also recommend books by P.C. Cast.
Wednesday 21 September 2011
"The Silver Donkey" by Sonya Harnett
"The Silver Donkey" seems like a simple children's book at first. It has a great, animal-related title with cover art that suggests a fairly young audience. Within the book itself the main characters are primarily children, and the narrative is set up with a series of stories being told within the story (all related to a donkey). It's a fairly simple storyline. I think that I could read the book out loud to my five-year-old, and she would enjoy it.
If you dismiss this book as just a simple children's book, though, you'd be missing out. I read and enjoyed it as an interesting approach to an important period in history (World War I). The writing is simple, but charming. I would highly recommend it, especially for children learning about the World Wars, but also for anyone who needs a piece of hope within difficult circumstances.
To find out more about Sonya Hartnett and her books, click here.
If you enjoy "The Silver Donkey", I recommend "Once" by Morris Gleitzman, "The Firefly Gate" by Linda Newbery, and "Remembrance" by Theresa Breslin.
If you dismiss this book as just a simple children's book, though, you'd be missing out. I read and enjoyed it as an interesting approach to an important period in history (World War I). The writing is simple, but charming. I would highly recommend it, especially for children learning about the World Wars, but also for anyone who needs a piece of hope within difficult circumstances.
To find out more about Sonya Hartnett and her books, click here.
If you enjoy "The Silver Donkey", I recommend "Once" by Morris Gleitzman, "The Firefly Gate" by Linda Newbery, and "Remembrance" by Theresa Breslin.
Tuesday 20 September 2011
"The True Darcy Spirit" by Elizabeth Aston
Yes, I probably read too much Austen fan fiction. I read Jane Austen's novels and now I just can't seem to stop.
My most recent visit to the world of Austen was "The True Darcy Spirit" by Elizabeth Aston. Set about twenty years after "Pride & Prejudice", the children of Austen's novel take center stage. I read it because of the Austen tie-in, it works on its own as an interesting historical novel.
Click here to visit author Elizabeth Aston's official website.
If you enjoy "The True Darcy Spirit", I recommend reading Elizabeth Aston's five other novels related to the Darcy family. Obviously fans of Aston will enjoy reading (or rereading) Jane Austen's classic novel. Other Austen fan fiction novels include "Jane Austen Stole my Boyfriend", "Dancing with Mr. Darcy", and "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict".
My most recent visit to the world of Austen was "The True Darcy Spirit" by Elizabeth Aston. Set about twenty years after "Pride & Prejudice", the children of Austen's novel take center stage. I read it because of the Austen tie-in, it works on its own as an interesting historical novel.
Click here to visit author Elizabeth Aston's official website.
If you enjoy "The True Darcy Spirit", I recommend reading Elizabeth Aston's five other novels related to the Darcy family. Obviously fans of Aston will enjoy reading (or rereading) Jane Austen's classic novel. Other Austen fan fiction novels include "Jane Austen Stole my Boyfriend", "Dancing with Mr. Darcy", and "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict".
Monday 19 September 2011
"Bloodline" by Kate Cary
Having recently read the vampire classic "Dracula", I was intrigued by "Bloodline." Kate Cary's novel is a piece of fan fiction written as a sequel to "Dracula". In it, about twenty years have passed since the end of "Dracula". The main characters of "Bloodline" are the children of the former novels main characters. (That's less confusing than it seems when I write it down.)
Mary is a young nurse during World War I. When a new patient arrives from the front in the hospital, she helps care for him. The more than she sees of this new patient, John, the more interested in him she becomes. Not only is she intrigued by his past and the problems still haunting him, she begins to fall in love with him. Is love enough to save him from the horrors he is reliving in his head? And if he can recover, what will happen when he learns truths that he never imagined?
Meanwhile, Mary must face John's former commanding officer, Captain Harker. Harker quickly seduces John's sister and seems to ingratiate himself with everyone he meets, but Mary always knows that there is something sinister about him. Will she discover the truth about Captain Harker before it's too late? As the group embark on an adventure across the continent, they'll discover dark truths about both the past and their present natures.
Although the story line picks up from Stoker's "Dracula", the writing style is very different. However, as a piece of fan fiction and a historical novel/vampire novel, I enjoyed it.
To visit author Kate Cary's official website, click here. On the site you can find out about her other "Dracula" fan fiction novel. "Reckoning" is the sequel to "Bloodline", and I'd like to read it.
If you enjoy "Dracula" and "Bloodline", I recommend reading other vampire fiction. Some good places to start include novels by Katie MacAlister, P.C. Cast, Poppy Z. Brite, and Elizabeth Kostova.
Mary is a young nurse during World War I. When a new patient arrives from the front in the hospital, she helps care for him. The more than she sees of this new patient, John, the more interested in him she becomes. Not only is she intrigued by his past and the problems still haunting him, she begins to fall in love with him. Is love enough to save him from the horrors he is reliving in his head? And if he can recover, what will happen when he learns truths that he never imagined?
Meanwhile, Mary must face John's former commanding officer, Captain Harker. Harker quickly seduces John's sister and seems to ingratiate himself with everyone he meets, but Mary always knows that there is something sinister about him. Will she discover the truth about Captain Harker before it's too late? As the group embark on an adventure across the continent, they'll discover dark truths about both the past and their present natures.
Although the story line picks up from Stoker's "Dracula", the writing style is very different. However, as a piece of fan fiction and a historical novel/vampire novel, I enjoyed it.
To visit author Kate Cary's official website, click here. On the site you can find out about her other "Dracula" fan fiction novel. "Reckoning" is the sequel to "Bloodline", and I'd like to read it.
If you enjoy "Dracula" and "Bloodline", I recommend reading other vampire fiction. Some good places to start include novels by Katie MacAlister, P.C. Cast, Poppy Z. Brite, and Elizabeth Kostova.
Friday 16 September 2011
"The Illustrated Man" by Ray Bradbury
"The Illustrated Man" is a collection of short stories masquerading as a novel. Ray Bradbury is a master of short fiction, and "The Illustrated Man" plays to this strength.
There is a loose framework to the book. The unnamed narrator meets an unusual man, the illustrated man, whose body is covered in tattoos. These, however, are not ordinary tattoos. These intricately detailed and vibrant tattoos change, come to life, and show the future. Parts of his body might show you your own future, or you may see a story of the distant future. As the illustrated man sleeps, the narrator watches his tattoos and the book is a collection of the sixteen stories that are shown during the night.
These short stories have little to connect them other than the future setting, and the sense of menace that permeates the book. Whether it is diseased men banished to another planet, a city wreaking revenge on people, or children plotting the death of their parents, there is a deep and disturbing sense of dread throughout most of the book. It is a representation of the future, and shows snippets of possibilities. (Most stories seek some type of future plausibility and loosely fall in the genre of science fiction, although "The Playground" is a noticeable exception that relies on fantasy and a less logically explainable event.)
These snippets of the future are clearly part of Bradbury's vision, and are closely related to his futuristic books like "The Martian Chronicles" and "Fahrenheit 451". In fact, "The Other Foot" seems to carry on from a plot line introduced in "The Martian Chronicles." These are related stories that all fit into Bradbury's unique vision of the future.
Although it is fantastic to read, Bradbury's depiction of the future is also deeply troubling. Although there are moments of redemption, it is a generally pessimistic view showing the atrocities (big and small) that people are capable of.
There is a loose framework to the book. The unnamed narrator meets an unusual man, the illustrated man, whose body is covered in tattoos. These, however, are not ordinary tattoos. These intricately detailed and vibrant tattoos change, come to life, and show the future. Parts of his body might show you your own future, or you may see a story of the distant future. As the illustrated man sleeps, the narrator watches his tattoos and the book is a collection of the sixteen stories that are shown during the night.
These short stories have little to connect them other than the future setting, and the sense of menace that permeates the book. Whether it is diseased men banished to another planet, a city wreaking revenge on people, or children plotting the death of their parents, there is a deep and disturbing sense of dread throughout most of the book. It is a representation of the future, and shows snippets of possibilities. (Most stories seek some type of future plausibility and loosely fall in the genre of science fiction, although "The Playground" is a noticeable exception that relies on fantasy and a less logically explainable event.)
These snippets of the future are clearly part of Bradbury's vision, and are closely related to his futuristic books like "The Martian Chronicles" and "Fahrenheit 451". In fact, "The Other Foot" seems to carry on from a plot line introduced in "The Martian Chronicles." These are related stories that all fit into Bradbury's unique vision of the future.
Although it is fantastic to read, Bradbury's depiction of the future is also deeply troubling. Although there are moments of redemption, it is a generally pessimistic view showing the atrocities (big and small) that people are capable of.
Thursday 15 September 2011
"Now and Forever" by Ray Bradbury
There's not really any rhyme or reason to my Ray Bradbury reading order. Having decided to read all of his books, I'm just reading them as I happen to get ahold of a copy. This time the library happened to have "Now and Forever" on the shelves. (To anyone else in Hampshire trying to read Ray Bradbury books, I'm really sorry. If you can't find them at the library, it's probably because they're at my house.)
"Now and Forever" is actually two unrelated stories published together.
The first is "Somewhere a Band is Playing". This story has a feeling of timelessness which fits with the theme of the story. Is it possible for people to stop aging? If so, what would their lives be like? It's a slow-paced, understated bit of writing, but I enjoyed it.
The second story is "Leviathon '99". This story is Bradbury's scifi adaptation of "Moby Dick". I don't regret reading it, but I'm honest enough to admit that this is my least favorite of Bradbury's work (at least that I've read so far). I have a feeling Bradbury knew it wasn't his strongest piece as well because this story has been through a lot of different versions and revisions. Rather than being satisfied with it, I feel like he just gave up and published it so that his time wouldn't be wasted. As an author it's a little bit reassuring to realize that Bradbury has his off moments too, and that not every single thing he writes blows my socks off. It makes me hope that in my very imperfect writings I'll still be able to create something meaningful and enjoyable.
Only 55 more Ray Bradbury books to go.
"Now and Forever" is actually two unrelated stories published together.
The first is "Somewhere a Band is Playing". This story has a feeling of timelessness which fits with the theme of the story. Is it possible for people to stop aging? If so, what would their lives be like? It's a slow-paced, understated bit of writing, but I enjoyed it.
The second story is "Leviathon '99". This story is Bradbury's scifi adaptation of "Moby Dick". I don't regret reading it, but I'm honest enough to admit that this is my least favorite of Bradbury's work (at least that I've read so far). I have a feeling Bradbury knew it wasn't his strongest piece as well because this story has been through a lot of different versions and revisions. Rather than being satisfied with it, I feel like he just gave up and published it so that his time wouldn't be wasted. As an author it's a little bit reassuring to realize that Bradbury has his off moments too, and that not every single thing he writes blows my socks off. It makes me hope that in my very imperfect writings I'll still be able to create something meaningful and enjoyable.
Only 55 more Ray Bradbury books to go.
Wednesday 14 September 2011
"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury
What can I possibly say about Ray Bradbury's novel "Fahrenheit 451"?
If you haven't read it yet, stop whatever you're doing and go find a copy of it. Then read.
There should be a reading list for life, and "Fahrenheit 451" should be on it.
This novel is sparse and in some ways simplistic, and yet that's part of it's power. The futuristic world of "Fahrenheit 451" seems dramatic, and yet in many ways it's not that different from the way we live now.
If you haven't read it yet, stop whatever you're doing and go find a copy of it. Then read.
There should be a reading list for life, and "Fahrenheit 451" should be on it.
This novel is sparse and in some ways simplistic, and yet that's part of it's power. The futuristic world of "Fahrenheit 451" seems dramatic, and yet in many ways it's not that different from the way we live now.
Sunday 11 September 2011
"The Empress of Ice Cream" by Anthony Capella
I love to read (thus the book blog), and I love to eat (thus my other blog with lots of recipes). It's not often that literature combines these two loves. However, that is exactly what author Anthony Capella does. He writes foodie novels. They aren't just novels that mention food, or cookbooks that mention stories. They are beautiful novels that are carefully crafted to make food an integral part of the novel. There is always an intense relationship with food. If you were to remove all of the parts related to food, then the little bits of the novel left just wouldn't make sense.
Capella's newest novel, "The Empress of Ice Cream" tells the story of an ice cream maker. Not just an ice cream maker, but the first true maker of ice cream and a master of frozen desserts. It spans from Italy to France to England in the days of King Louis the 14th (the "Sun King"). It is an interesting read with a good mix of history and invention, characters and food.
To read my review of Anthony Capella's "The Empress of Ice Cream", click here.
To visit Anthony Capella's official website and find out more about "The Empress of Ice Cream" or any of this other novels, click here.
Capella's newest novel, "The Empress of Ice Cream" tells the story of an ice cream maker. Not just an ice cream maker, but the first true maker of ice cream and a master of frozen desserts. It spans from Italy to France to England in the days of King Louis the 14th (the "Sun King"). It is an interesting read with a good mix of history and invention, characters and food.
To read my review of Anthony Capella's "The Empress of Ice Cream", click here.
To visit Anthony Capella's official website and find out more about "The Empress of Ice Cream" or any of this other novels, click here.
Wednesday 7 September 2011
"Goddess of the Rose" by P.C. Cast
If you're familiar with the "Goddess Summoning" series by P.C.Cast, then you'll know what to expect from "Goddess of the Rose". Yes, it takes a strong modern woman and throws her into mythology and a passionate love story. Yes, there is a conflict of how to resolve the two different worlds, and the initial struggles about whether they can accept love. Then there's the inevitable happy ending. If this is what you're expecting, then "Goddess of the Rose" delivers. Yes, you know what to expect. You also know what to expect when you buy a chocolate bar, but that doesn't stop you indulging, does it?
To read my book review of "Goddess of the Rose" by P.C. Cast, click here.
To visit P.C. Cast's official website, click here (or here for her blog).
To read my book review of "Goddess of the Rose" by P.C. Cast, click here.
To visit P.C. Cast's official website, click here (or here for her blog).
Tuesday 6 September 2011
"The Red Queen" by Philippa Gregory
"The Red Queen" is the second book in Gregory's "The Cousins' War" series (after "The White Queen"). The interesting thing about this series so far is that it takes many of the same events and shows them from differing perspectives. It was an interesting book set during a period that is less often covered in historical novels than many other areas of English history. Although it wasn't my favorite book of hers, Phillipa Gregory is the queen of historical novels set around the English court.
For my review of "The Red Queen", click here.
For my review of "The Red Queen", click here.
Thursday 25 August 2011
"The Crafty Kid" by Kelly Doust
My kids (especially my five-year-old) really love doing crafts. We have a big craft box of their craft supplies, and they get used a lot to make everything from robots to fairies. So when I saw Kelly Doust's book "The Crafty Kid" I figured it was worth having a look for some new ideas.
The book itself is well presented with clear instructions, big pictures, and a touch of personality. I enjoyed just flipping through the book, and was inspired to start some new projects. My kids and I made her feng shui bird mobile, and it turned out adorable. They really like having it hanging up in their room.
It did seem to me, though, that for a book called "Crafty Kid", there were too many adult crafts related to kids rather than crafts for kids to do. I expected more things that my kids would enjoy making themselves and with me, rather than a lot of things (adorable as they are) for me to make for them. I think it might have more accurately been titled "Crafty Parent". Also, there seemed to be an inordinate amount of projects involving oilcloth.
I'm glad I found this book, but overall I would say it's a good one to check out from the library (or maybe buy a second-hand copy) rather than paying full price for.
The book itself is well presented with clear instructions, big pictures, and a touch of personality. I enjoyed just flipping through the book, and was inspired to start some new projects. My kids and I made her feng shui bird mobile, and it turned out adorable. They really like having it hanging up in their room.
It did seem to me, though, that for a book called "Crafty Kid", there were too many adult crafts related to kids rather than crafts for kids to do. I expected more things that my kids would enjoy making themselves and with me, rather than a lot of things (adorable as they are) for me to make for them. I think it might have more accurately been titled "Crafty Parent". Also, there seemed to be an inordinate amount of projects involving oilcloth.
I'm glad I found this book, but overall I would say it's a good one to check out from the library (or maybe buy a second-hand copy) rather than paying full price for.
Tuesday 23 August 2011
"Dracula" by Bram Stoker
I read a lot of vampire books, so I decided to go back to the classic and read Bram Stoker's "Dracula".
Although it wasn't the first piece of vampire fiction, "Dracula" is the classic vampire novel. The funny thing is, when I read it, I wanted more of the vampire. I felt like for a book called "Dracula", there simply wasn't enough of Dracula (who also uses the name De Ville...later borrowed by Cruella of "101 Dalmations"). That was a major way in which vampire fiction has evolved since then. In Stoker's "Dracula", the vampire is an evil, "unholy" creature that the main characters hunt down and abhor. In most modern vampire fiction, the vampire is one of the main characters that in some way you like.
Traditionally, there is something seductive and sexy about vampires (even in old succubus folklore). There are moments of this in "Dracula", but only moments. For example, the vampire tells the group of men hunting him, "Your girls that you all love are mine already; and through them you and others shall yet be mine..." Most of the time, though, Dracula is more of an eccentric old man or generic shape shifting evil.
Yes, "Dracula" is a classic, and I'm glad that I read it. It made me interested in how vampire fiction has evolved, and showed how different culture was then. As far as simple entertainment goes, though, I have to say that I prefer modern vampire books.
Although it wasn't the first piece of vampire fiction, "Dracula" is the classic vampire novel. The funny thing is, when I read it, I wanted more of the vampire. I felt like for a book called "Dracula", there simply wasn't enough of Dracula (who also uses the name De Ville...later borrowed by Cruella of "101 Dalmations"). That was a major way in which vampire fiction has evolved since then. In Stoker's "Dracula", the vampire is an evil, "unholy" creature that the main characters hunt down and abhor. In most modern vampire fiction, the vampire is one of the main characters that in some way you like.
Traditionally, there is something seductive and sexy about vampires (even in old succubus folklore). There are moments of this in "Dracula", but only moments. For example, the vampire tells the group of men hunting him, "Your girls that you all love are mine already; and through them you and others shall yet be mine..." Most of the time, though, Dracula is more of an eccentric old man or generic shape shifting evil.
Yes, "Dracula" is a classic, and I'm glad that I read it. It made me interested in how vampire fiction has evolved, and showed how different culture was then. As far as simple entertainment goes, though, I have to say that I prefer modern vampire books.
Friday 19 August 2011
Ray Bradbury: The List
Here's the list of Ray Bradbury's books:
"Ahmed and the Oblivion Machines"
"The Anthem Sprinters and Other Antics"
"Bradbury Speaks"
"Bradbury Stories"
"The Cat's Pajamas"
"A Chap-book for Burnt Out Priests, Rabbis, and Ministers"
"The Climate of Palettes"
"The Complete Poems of Ray Bradbury"
"Dandelion Wine"
"Dark Carnival"
"Death Has Lost Its Charm For Me"
"Death is a Lonely Business"
"Dinosaur Tales"
"Dogs Think That Every Day is Christmas"
"Driving Blind"
"Fahrenheit 451"
"Farewell Summer"
"Fever Dream"
"From the Dust Returned"
"The Ghosts of Forever"
"The Golden Apples of the Sun"
"A Graveyard for Lunatics"
"Green Shadows, White Whale"
"The Halloween Tree"
"The Haunted Computer and the Android Pope"
"The Homecoming"
"The Illustrated Man"
"I Sing the Body Electric!"
"The Last Circus and the Electrocution"
"Let's All Kill Constance"
"Long After Midnight"
"The Love Affair"
"The Machineries of Joy"
"The Martian Chronicles"
"A Medicine for Melancholy" (also published as "The Day It Rained Forever")
"A Memory of Murder"
"The Mummies of Guanajuato"
"Now and Forever"
"The October Country"
"One More For the Road"
"Pillar of Fire and Other Plays"
"Quicker Than the Eye"
"R is for Rocket"
"Ray Bradbury"
"Ray Bradbury on Stage"
"S is for Space"
"Something Wicked This Way Comes"
"A Sound of Thunder and Other Stories"
"The Stories of Ray Bradbury"
"Switch on the Night"
"This Attic Where the Meadow Greens"
"The Toynbee Convector"
"Twice 22"
"The Vintage Bradbury"
"When Elephants Last in the Dooryard Bloomed"
"Where Robot Mice and Robot Men Run Around in Robot Towns"
"With Cat for Comforter"
"The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit and Other Plays"
"Yestermorrow"
"Zen in the Art of Writing"
If I'm not mistaken, that's 59 books. The man really knows how to crank them out.
2 down; 57 to go.
List compiled from information on Ray Bradbury's website.
"Ahmed and the Oblivion Machines"
"The Anthem Sprinters and Other Antics"
"Bradbury Speaks"
"Bradbury Stories"
"The Cat's Pajamas"
"A Chap-book for Burnt Out Priests, Rabbis, and Ministers"
"The Climate of Palettes"
"The Complete Poems of Ray Bradbury"
"Dandelion Wine"
"Dark Carnival"
"Death Has Lost Its Charm For Me"
"Death is a Lonely Business"
"Dinosaur Tales"
"Dogs Think That Every Day is Christmas"
"Driving Blind"
"Fahrenheit 451"
"Farewell Summer"
"Fever Dream"
"From the Dust Returned"
"The Ghosts of Forever"
"The Golden Apples of the Sun"
"A Graveyard for Lunatics"
"Green Shadows, White Whale"
"The Halloween Tree"
"The Haunted Computer and the Android Pope"
"The Homecoming"
"The Illustrated Man"
"I Sing the Body Electric!"
"The Last Circus and the Electrocution"
"Let's All Kill Constance"
"Long After Midnight"
"The Love Affair"
"The Machineries of Joy"
"The Martian Chronicles"
"A Medicine for Melancholy" (also published as "The Day It Rained Forever")
"A Memory of Murder"
"The Mummies of Guanajuato"
"Now and Forever"
"The October Country"
"One More For the Road"
"Pillar of Fire and Other Plays"
"Quicker Than the Eye"
"R is for Rocket"
"Ray Bradbury"
"Ray Bradbury on Stage"
"S is for Space"
"Something Wicked This Way Comes"
"A Sound of Thunder and Other Stories"
"The Stories of Ray Bradbury"
"Switch on the Night"
"This Attic Where the Meadow Greens"
"The Toynbee Convector"
"Twice 22"
"The Vintage Bradbury"
"When Elephants Last in the Dooryard Bloomed"
"Where Robot Mice and Robot Men Run Around in Robot Towns"
"With Cat for Comforter"
"The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit and Other Plays"
"Yestermorrow"
"Zen in the Art of Writing"
If I'm not mistaken, that's 59 books. The man really knows how to crank them out.
2 down; 57 to go.
List compiled from information on Ray Bradbury's website.
"Farewell Summer" by Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury is probably the best American short story writer ever, and certainly one of the most prolific. Although short stories are his preferred genre, Bradbury also wrote novellas, poems, and essays.
Inspired by my sister (who is a huge Bradbury fan), I recently read "The Martian Chronicles" for the first time, and was completely blown away by it. I had read other things by Bradbury before, although not for years, and so expected it to be good. What I didn't expect was how powerful of an impact it had on me, and how incredibly well written it was. As a result, I decided to either read or re-read all of Bradbury's books that I could get my hands on. I enjoyed reading all of Austen's works, so why not do the same with Bradbury? Of the many obvious differences between Jane Austen and Ray Bradbury, one particularly stands out in this endeavor.
I could count all of Austen's novels on my fingers. Bradbury wrote a lot, dozens even. I was going to put in a list of his books, but Google seems to hate me at the moment. I'll try again later when the internet's more agreeable.
I started with "The Martian Chronicles".
Next I read "Farewell Summer". My order is completely arbitrary based on what I can find in the library when I visit. I just keep checking the "B" shelf for his books.
"Farewell Summer" is one of Bradbury's novellas, and--although it works well on its own--it is really a sequel to "Dandelion Wine". It is genius because it accomplishes so much in so few works. It is a sparce novella and Bradbury uses an absolute economy of words, and yet...it doesn't read like it is short. It doesn't have the pared back feeling of Hemingway, for example. It feels lush and atmospheric. It seems horrible to limit it to a single title, but "Farewell Summer" is a great coming-of-age novel (no matter what age that may happen to be).
For my review of "Farewell Summer", click here.
Inspired by my sister (who is a huge Bradbury fan), I recently read "The Martian Chronicles" for the first time, and was completely blown away by it. I had read other things by Bradbury before, although not for years, and so expected it to be good. What I didn't expect was how powerful of an impact it had on me, and how incredibly well written it was. As a result, I decided to either read or re-read all of Bradbury's books that I could get my hands on. I enjoyed reading all of Austen's works, so why not do the same with Bradbury? Of the many obvious differences between Jane Austen and Ray Bradbury, one particularly stands out in this endeavor.
I could count all of Austen's novels on my fingers. Bradbury wrote a lot, dozens even. I was going to put in a list of his books, but Google seems to hate me at the moment. I'll try again later when the internet's more agreeable.
I started with "The Martian Chronicles".
Next I read "Farewell Summer". My order is completely arbitrary based on what I can find in the library when I visit. I just keep checking the "B" shelf for his books.
"Farewell Summer" is one of Bradbury's novellas, and--although it works well on its own--it is really a sequel to "Dandelion Wine". It is genius because it accomplishes so much in so few works. It is a sparce novella and Bradbury uses an absolute economy of words, and yet...it doesn't read like it is short. It doesn't have the pared back feeling of Hemingway, for example. It feels lush and atmospheric. It seems horrible to limit it to a single title, but "Farewell Summer" is a great coming-of-age novel (no matter what age that may happen to be).
For my review of "Farewell Summer", click here.
Wednesday 17 August 2011
"Goddess of Light" by P.C. Cast
I've been reading P.C. Cast's "Goddess Summoning" series, and I've already blogged about two of the books: "Goddess of Legend" and "Goddess of Spring".
"Goddess of Light" fits in well with the other books in the "Goddess Summoning" series. It features a successful modern woman who goes an a business trip and discovers excitement, romance, and love. What she doesn't at first know is that her new lover is actually the god Apollo.
This isn't going to be the best or even most memorable book you'll ever read, but it does definitely offer entertainment while you're reading it. This is a perfect summer vacation book.
For a longer review of "Goddess of Light", click here.
To visit P.C. Cast's official website, click here.
"Goddess of Light" fits in well with the other books in the "Goddess Summoning" series. It features a successful modern woman who goes an a business trip and discovers excitement, romance, and love. What she doesn't at first know is that her new lover is actually the god Apollo.
This isn't going to be the best or even most memorable book you'll ever read, but it does definitely offer entertainment while you're reading it. This is a perfect summer vacation book.
For a longer review of "Goddess of Light", click here.
To visit P.C. Cast's official website, click here.
Friday 12 August 2011
Jane Austen's Winchester
For me, it is life in a different time, but not a different place. Austen was from Hampshire, England. At the end of her life, Austen lived in Winchester. She died in Winchester, and is buried in the cathedral there. Before I was married I lived in Winchester for a year, and could hear the cathedral bells from my flat. This week I was able to spend a day in Winchester with my children. It was a spontaneous decision to spend the day there, and we enjoyed wandering around the city exploring together.
At one point we happened to walk by Jane Austen's house (luckily I had my camera on me, so you can see pictures). It struck me at that point how much of Winchester is the same as it was when Jane Austen lived there. We had explored the Wolvesey Castle ruins, walked along the river and by the water meadows, and meandered around the cathedral. These are all places that Austen would have been familiar with, and probably walked around the same way that we did.
Winchester is a beautiful town that is still very vibrant (there was a bustling market and fashion week events while we were there), but it's also a city deeply seeped in history. Winchester still lives, but it is also still Jane Austen's Winchester. If she could somehow visit now she would surely be shocked by many things, but I think she would still recognize and feel at home in Winchester.
Thursday 11 August 2011
"Emma" by Jane Austen
If you've been reading this blog, you already know that I've been reading (or re-reading, as applicable) all of Jane Austen's novels. I left "Emma" for the last, and just read it.
There are a lot of ways that you could approach this novel. I read a critical essay about "Emma" discussing it in terms of anthropological significance and the detailed, realistic portrayal of English country life during the period. It would be easy for me to start analyzing "Emma" from a feminist perspective (especially regarding Mr. Knightley and Emma's relationship and his role as brother/informal tutor to her before being her acknowledged suitor). Post-colonialists can have a ball with Austen's works. I'm not going to dive too much into any of these, but you can click here for some good resources for a critical/academic approach to "Emma".
The thing is, Austen wasn't an academic. She was smart and observant. She observed not only life around her, but trends in literature and readership. In fact, finishing the last of her books led me to notice some of the themes that have carried throughout her books. They all have that classic Austen feel, and there are definite story and character similarities that carry through all of her works. A less obvious thread, though, is the theme of reading that goes throughout all of the books. Stuck into her novels are little discussions on reading and what we read.
In "Emma" there are many moments that embrace books: Emma always means to read more; Harriet recommends books to her friend/suitor; letters that are written, read, re-read and shared. Austen encourages us--as we read--to consider why we read. What role does reading play to us individually and as a society? How do our reading choices both reflect and help to shape us? In a very post-modern way, Austen inserts a gentle play of books within books and questions the nature of reality for her subject and readers.
I have to admit that I've enjoyed reading all of Austen's novels in a relatively short period, and it was a bit bittersweet to finish the last one. There's still plenty of Austen fan fiction out there to enjoy though... look forward to "Mr. Darcy, Vampyre" soon. I checked it out from the library too.
There are a lot of ways that you could approach this novel. I read a critical essay about "Emma" discussing it in terms of anthropological significance and the detailed, realistic portrayal of English country life during the period. It would be easy for me to start analyzing "Emma" from a feminist perspective (especially regarding Mr. Knightley and Emma's relationship and his role as brother/informal tutor to her before being her acknowledged suitor). Post-colonialists can have a ball with Austen's works. I'm not going to dive too much into any of these, but you can click here for some good resources for a critical/academic approach to "Emma".
The thing is, Austen wasn't an academic. She was smart and observant. She observed not only life around her, but trends in literature and readership. In fact, finishing the last of her books led me to notice some of the themes that have carried throughout her books. They all have that classic Austen feel, and there are definite story and character similarities that carry through all of her works. A less obvious thread, though, is the theme of reading that goes throughout all of the books. Stuck into her novels are little discussions on reading and what we read.
In "Emma" there are many moments that embrace books: Emma always means to read more; Harriet recommends books to her friend/suitor; letters that are written, read, re-read and shared. Austen encourages us--as we read--to consider why we read. What role does reading play to us individually and as a society? How do our reading choices both reflect and help to shape us? In a very post-modern way, Austen inserts a gentle play of books within books and questions the nature of reality for her subject and readers.
I have to admit that I've enjoyed reading all of Austen's novels in a relatively short period, and it was a bit bittersweet to finish the last one. There's still plenty of Austen fan fiction out there to enjoy though... look forward to "Mr. Darcy, Vampyre" soon. I checked it out from the library too.
Wednesday 3 August 2011
"Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend" by Cora Harrison
I admit that there's been a Jane Austen theme to my reading lately, and I've been reading both Austen's novels and Austen fan fiction. (It all started back in March when I won a copy of "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict".) So although I'd never heard of this book or the author (Cora Harrison), when I saw the title on the shelf at the library, it was enough for me to bring it home.
The title worked to grab my attention, but isn't completely accurate to the book. It's more catchy than fitting, but it does capture the light-hearted tone of the book. "Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend" is a fun romp through a story of teen romances and family dramas, society expectations and friendships, and--of course--it has a spunky teen Jane Austen. It's not a biography, but the novel does have some basis in historical information. It may not be the best novel you'll ever read, but it is a fun piece of fan fiction. I enjoyed it for what it is.
For my full review of "Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend" by Cora Harrison, click here.
The title worked to grab my attention, but isn't completely accurate to the book. It's more catchy than fitting, but it does capture the light-hearted tone of the book. "Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend" is a fun romp through a story of teen romances and family dramas, society expectations and friendships, and--of course--it has a spunky teen Jane Austen. It's not a biography, but the novel does have some basis in historical information. It may not be the best novel you'll ever read, but it is a fun piece of fan fiction. I enjoyed it for what it is.
For my full review of "Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend" by Cora Harrison, click here.
Tuesday 26 July 2011
"My Art Book"
My children love art. My five-year-old is especially artistic and interested in art, and we try to take her seriously and encourage her. She does, after all, come from a family with a lot of professional artists in it. Lately when we go to the library, she heads straight for the bookshelf with the children's art books.
Some of these books, we've discovered, have been pretty awful. Sometimes, though, she finds a book that is a little treasure. The best book she's found so far is "My Art Book" published by DK. If you have kids, this is a great book both to start informing them about art and to try out some great art projects of your own.
There are some really good ideas and clear instructions for making your own artwork. My kids preferred reading and looking at the book for ideas, and then pulling out our art supplies so that they could work on their own "inspired-by" project. This book led to a lot of entertainment. I'm not sure how many hours my daughter spent thumbing through it or working on ideas inspired by it, but it was a lot. After having the book out from the library for a full month they still weren't sick of it and still looked at it regularly. This is a definite winner for an art book for kids. We used it at home, but I think it would be a great resource for art teachers as well.
For more about why my family loved DK's "My Art Book", click here.
Some of these books, we've discovered, have been pretty awful. Sometimes, though, she finds a book that is a little treasure. The best book she's found so far is "My Art Book" published by DK. If you have kids, this is a great book both to start informing them about art and to try out some great art projects of your own.
There are some really good ideas and clear instructions for making your own artwork. My kids preferred reading and looking at the book for ideas, and then pulling out our art supplies so that they could work on their own "inspired-by" project. This book led to a lot of entertainment. I'm not sure how many hours my daughter spent thumbing through it or working on ideas inspired by it, but it was a lot. After having the book out from the library for a full month they still weren't sick of it and still looked at it regularly. This is a definite winner for an art book for kids. We used it at home, but I think it would be a great resource for art teachers as well.
For more about why my family loved DK's "My Art Book", click here.
Monday 25 July 2011
"Mansfield Park" by Jane Austen
If you remember, I set a goal to read (or re-read) all of Jane Austen's novels. So far I've managed:
"Pride & Prejudice"
"Sense & Sensibility"
"Northanger Abbey"
and now "Mansfield Park".
(In case you're wondering about the order I'm reading them in, it's a simple system. I just pick up whichever Jane Austen novel happens to be available at the library when I visit. Next up are "Persuasion" and "Emma".)
I'll just start out by admitting it. "Mansfield Park" is my least favorite of Jane Austen's novels. It is obviously Austen; you could pull out any single page, read it out of context, and just know that it is from one of Austen's books. Yet it never reaches quite the level of the other books.
What is it that's lacking in "Mansfield Park"? Or what is perhaps there that's not in the other five novels?
First of all, Fanny Price just isn't as good of a main character as Austen's other heroines are. She doesn't have the wit or warmth of most of her counterparts. When we think of Jane Austen, we normally think of strong women leads. Fanny Price, however, is mostly characterized as being weak and sickly. Yes, she has moral integrity, but she's also known for being "persuadable".
Also, the love story just lets the book down. I know that in Austen's time it was acceptable for cousins to marry each other. Even as a modern reader I could have probably handled that they were somehow related. What makes the relationship between Fanny and Edmund disturbing is that they have grown up together like siblings. They refer to each other in family terms, like "brother" and "sister". Perhaps most disturbing to me is how completely malleable Fanny is to Edmund.
Their relationship is not one of equals. Although Edmund confides in Fanny, he is not actually influenced by her. Proof of this is offered again and again (for example, when he takes part in the play after her confirming counsel that he should not; his continued high opinion of the Crawfords despite Fanny's better judgement). Fanny, on the other hand, has formed most of her life and opinions around Edmund's advice, approval, and love. Even when they are approaching marriage, this is how their relationship is described:
"a regard [Edmund's feelings for Fanny] founded on the most endearing claims of innocence and helplessness, and completed by every recommendation of growing worth, what could be more natural than the change? [from "warm and sisterly regard" to "wedded love"] Loving, guiding, protecting her, as he had been doing ever since her being ten years old, her mind in so great a degree formed by his care, and her comfort depending on his kindness...what was there now to add, but that he should learn to prefer soft light eyes to sparkling dark ones..." -"Mansfield Park", Vol. III Chap. xxii
In the other novels, you really want them to get together. Who doesn't savor every moment of misunderstanding in "Pride & Prejudice", for example, yet long for Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy to have their happily ever after? In "Mansfield Park", conversely, you just don't really care. Or, if you do, it's because you don't actually want them together.
"Mansfield Park" is also the most moralizing of Austen's novels. Many of them show the consequences of certain actions or personality traits, and even have almost fable type elements to them. "Mansfield Park" is the only one that feels moralizing rather than just moral though. In accordance with this, the novel is much less ironic than many of her others. Yes, there are moments of irony in the novel (like Mrs. Norris constantly contradicting her words by her actions), but the tone is different.
I'm glad that I read "Mansfield Park", but it's not one I'll keep revisiting for pleasure reading.
"Pride & Prejudice"
"Sense & Sensibility"
"Northanger Abbey"
and now "Mansfield Park".
(In case you're wondering about the order I'm reading them in, it's a simple system. I just pick up whichever Jane Austen novel happens to be available at the library when I visit. Next up are "Persuasion" and "Emma".)
I'll just start out by admitting it. "Mansfield Park" is my least favorite of Jane Austen's novels. It is obviously Austen; you could pull out any single page, read it out of context, and just know that it is from one of Austen's books. Yet it never reaches quite the level of the other books.
What is it that's lacking in "Mansfield Park"? Or what is perhaps there that's not in the other five novels?
First of all, Fanny Price just isn't as good of a main character as Austen's other heroines are. She doesn't have the wit or warmth of most of her counterparts. When we think of Jane Austen, we normally think of strong women leads. Fanny Price, however, is mostly characterized as being weak and sickly. Yes, she has moral integrity, but she's also known for being "persuadable".
Also, the love story just lets the book down. I know that in Austen's time it was acceptable for cousins to marry each other. Even as a modern reader I could have probably handled that they were somehow related. What makes the relationship between Fanny and Edmund disturbing is that they have grown up together like siblings. They refer to each other in family terms, like "brother" and "sister". Perhaps most disturbing to me is how completely malleable Fanny is to Edmund.
Their relationship is not one of equals. Although Edmund confides in Fanny, he is not actually influenced by her. Proof of this is offered again and again (for example, when he takes part in the play after her confirming counsel that he should not; his continued high opinion of the Crawfords despite Fanny's better judgement). Fanny, on the other hand, has formed most of her life and opinions around Edmund's advice, approval, and love. Even when they are approaching marriage, this is how their relationship is described:
"a regard [Edmund's feelings for Fanny] founded on the most endearing claims of innocence and helplessness, and completed by every recommendation of growing worth, what could be more natural than the change? [from "warm and sisterly regard" to "wedded love"] Loving, guiding, protecting her, as he had been doing ever since her being ten years old, her mind in so great a degree formed by his care, and her comfort depending on his kindness...what was there now to add, but that he should learn to prefer soft light eyes to sparkling dark ones..." -"Mansfield Park", Vol. III Chap. xxii
In the other novels, you really want them to get together. Who doesn't savor every moment of misunderstanding in "Pride & Prejudice", for example, yet long for Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy to have their happily ever after? In "Mansfield Park", conversely, you just don't really care. Or, if you do, it's because you don't actually want them together.
"Mansfield Park" is also the most moralizing of Austen's novels. Many of them show the consequences of certain actions or personality traits, and even have almost fable type elements to them. "Mansfield Park" is the only one that feels moralizing rather than just moral though. In accordance with this, the novel is much less ironic than many of her others. Yes, there are moments of irony in the novel (like Mrs. Norris constantly contradicting her words by her actions), but the tone is different.
I'm glad that I read "Mansfield Park", but it's not one I'll keep revisiting for pleasure reading.
Saturday 23 July 2011
"The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury, I take my hat off to you sir.
Then I consider putting on another hat just for the sake of taking it off again.
The man is a genius.
"The Martian Chronicles" is lyrical and beautiful, concise and profound, science fiction without being scientific. It is more than entertaining; it is relevant.
I think everyone should read it.
It may be called "The Martian Chronicles" and set primarily on Mars, but it is an intensely human book about human nature and humanity.
Then I consider putting on another hat just for the sake of taking it off again.
The man is a genius.
"The Martian Chronicles" is lyrical and beautiful, concise and profound, science fiction without being scientific. It is more than entertaining; it is relevant.
I think everyone should read it.
It may be called "The Martian Chronicles" and set primarily on Mars, but it is an intensely human book about human nature and humanity.
Monday 18 July 2011
"Kiss of Death" by Rachel Caine
I recently mentioned that I read "Fade Out" by Rachel Caine. After that I moved on the next book in the Morganville Vampires series, "Kiss of Death".
"Kiss of Death" is the 8th book in the Morganville Vampires series, and it's the first time that it's set (at least primarily) outside of Morganville. Unfortunately, the series is called the Morganville Vampires, and it really does work better in Morganville. This was probably my least favorite book in the series so far.
For more about "Kiss of Death", click here.
"Kiss of Death" is the 8th book in the Morganville Vampires series, and it's the first time that it's set (at least primarily) outside of Morganville. Unfortunately, the series is called the Morganville Vampires, and it really does work better in Morganville. This was probably my least favorite book in the series so far.
For more about "Kiss of Death", click here.
Thursday 14 July 2011
Jane Austen Manuscript
I've been reading a lot of Jane Austen lately, so when I saw her name in the headlines, I was intrigued. Jane Austen is a literary legend and often used in Hollywood, but an author who's been dead for almost 200 years doesn't normally make the headlines of today's news.
Apparently one of Jane Austen's original manuscripts was just sold at auction for almost a million pounds! It had been given an estimate value of only about £200,000, but in the end it sold for over £990,000. (Click here for the BBC News story.)
The manuscript is in Jane Austen's handwriting and is apparently full of her notes.
Wouldn't it be great to be able to have a leaf through these pages and see Austen's own handwriting and editing notes? As a writer myself, I'd love to see Austen's writing process and how the novel evolved. The manuscript is of "The Watsons", which Austen never finished. To read "The Watsons" on-line, click here.
Apparently one of Jane Austen's original manuscripts was just sold at auction for almost a million pounds! It had been given an estimate value of only about £200,000, but in the end it sold for over £990,000. (Click here for the BBC News story.)
The manuscript is in Jane Austen's handwriting and is apparently full of her notes.
Wouldn't it be great to be able to have a leaf through these pages and see Austen's own handwriting and editing notes? As a writer myself, I'd love to see Austen's writing process and how the novel evolved. The manuscript is of "The Watsons", which Austen never finished. To read "The Watsons" on-line, click here.
Tuesday 12 July 2011
"Goddess of Legend" by P.C. Cast
I've been reading the "Goddess Summoning" series by P.C. Cast lately (I've already posted about some of the other books in the series). I'm really enjoying the series, especially the basis in mythology.
So far "Goddess of Legend" (using the Camelot legends) is my least favorite book in the series. If you're interested in the series, I'd recommend reading any of the others over this one. I still love P.C. Cast, but this is my least favorite book of hers so far.
To read my book review of "Goddess of Legend" by P.C. Cast, click here.
So far "Goddess of Legend" (using the Camelot legends) is my least favorite book in the series. If you're interested in the series, I'd recommend reading any of the others over this one. I still love P.C. Cast, but this is my least favorite book of hers so far.
To read my book review of "Goddess of Legend" by P.C. Cast, click here.
Friday 8 July 2011
"Fade Out" by Rachel Caine
You've probably noticed by now that I have a weak spot for fantasy/paranormal fiction in general, and especially vampires. I also really like young adult novels. The end result is that I've read a lot of vampire books ranging from the horrific to cheesy.
"The Morganville Vampires" is a young adult series by author Rachel Caine. The basic premise of the series is that a seemingly ordinary town (Morganville) is actually controlled and partially inhabited by vampires. The main characters are:
Claire (teen genius and newcomer to Morganville)
Shane (brawn over brains and Claire's boyfriend)
Eve (both bubbly and ironically goth)
Michael (boy turned ghost turned vampire, guitar god and Eve's boyfriend).
They live together at the Glass House and have lots of life threatening adventures.
"Fade Out" is the 7th "Morganville" book. (If you enjoy it, look for the next three books. The 11th "Morganville" book is due to be published this November.) In it, life seems to have found a new normal and calmed down. In Morganville, though, normal and safe never last. Eve becomes infatuated with a new friend. In fact, everyone seems to just love the new girl and Claire must battle with jealousy and suspicions. Throw in some vampire attacks, a vicious steampunk vampire computer, and reality TV references, and you have "Fade Out".
To read my review of the book "Fade Out" by Rachel Caine, click here.
To visit Rachel Caine's official website and find out more about all of her books, click here.
"The Morganville Vampires" is a young adult series by author Rachel Caine. The basic premise of the series is that a seemingly ordinary town (Morganville) is actually controlled and partially inhabited by vampires. The main characters are:
Claire (teen genius and newcomer to Morganville)
Shane (brawn over brains and Claire's boyfriend)
Eve (both bubbly and ironically goth)
Michael (boy turned ghost turned vampire, guitar god and Eve's boyfriend).
They live together at the Glass House and have lots of life threatening adventures.
"Fade Out" is the 7th "Morganville" book. (If you enjoy it, look for the next three books. The 11th "Morganville" book is due to be published this November.) In it, life seems to have found a new normal and calmed down. In Morganville, though, normal and safe never last. Eve becomes infatuated with a new friend. In fact, everyone seems to just love the new girl and Claire must battle with jealousy and suspicions. Throw in some vampire attacks, a vicious steampunk vampire computer, and reality TV references, and you have "Fade Out".
To read my review of the book "Fade Out" by Rachel Caine, click here.
To visit Rachel Caine's official website and find out more about all of her books, click here.
Wednesday 6 July 2011
"Brisingr" by Christopher Paolini
I admit that I'm a little behind the times when it comes to Christopher Paolini's books. Everyone was talking about Eragon when it came out way back in 2003. Even my dad read and loved it and recommended it to me. I put it on my mental list of books to read, but somehow never actually got around to it until recently.
The good news about procrastination is that I didn't have to wait for the next book in the series to be published. I read the first three books of the "Inheritance Cycle" one right after the other, and the long awaited fourth book is due out in a few months.
"Brisingr" is Paolini's third book. It continues the story of Eragon and his dragon Saphira. (You could debate whether she's his dragon or he's her person; I think it's some of both.) I enjoyed the book and thought it was probably the strongest in the series so far. It tied together and explained a lot of points from earlier books. Also, I really liked the moments of fierceness that came out coupled with very quiet scenes. There were a few things that I personally was disappointed by, but overall it was a good read and I'm looking forward to the last book in the series.
The good news about procrastination is that I didn't have to wait for the next book in the series to be published. I read the first three books of the "Inheritance Cycle" one right after the other, and the long awaited fourth book is due out in a few months.
"Brisingr" is Paolini's third book. It continues the story of Eragon and his dragon Saphira. (You could debate whether she's his dragon or he's her person; I think it's some of both.) I enjoyed the book and thought it was probably the strongest in the series so far. It tied together and explained a lot of points from earlier books. Also, I really liked the moments of fierceness that came out coupled with very quiet scenes. There were a few things that I personally was disappointed by, but overall it was a good read and I'm looking forward to the last book in the series.
Tuesday 5 July 2011
"Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen
I decided to continue my Jane Austen kick and read (or reread) all of Austen's novels. I've recently read and blogged about "Pride and Prejudice" and "Northanger Abbey".I tackled "Sense and Sensibility" next. I had read it before, but not for probably a decade. I've also seen several adaptations of "Sense and Sensibility" (my favorite is this one: Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition) ). Right now is a particularly good time to enjoy "Sense and Sensibility" as it's the novel's birthday. The Jane Austen House Museum is currently celebrating the 200th anniversary of the publication of "Sense and Sensibility".
With Jane Austen novels, I know what to expect and I'm never disappointed. I really enjoyed revisiting "Sense and Sensibility". The novel is a story of parallels and we see how two very different sisters (Elinor and Marianne) cope with very similar circumstances. There are many other parallels that are created in the novel, so that the story almost becomes a complicated set of mirrors with each event and character reflecting or echoing something else. Because of this construction, the reader is constantly making comparisons and drawing conclusions. No one exists as a stand-alone entity and no judgements are made on their own. Instead we are invited to compare characters and events, and everything is judged in context or compared in reference to each other. Indeed, sometimes we are shown how different things are, and sometimes this system shows surprising similarities.
If you're not familiar with the story line of "Sense and Sensibility", it's pretty standard Jane Austen stuff. Two sisters fall in love (obviously not with each other), complications arise, and eventually they're both happily married (much to the delight of their mother).
For me, "Sense and Sensibility" is not the most romantic of Austen's love stories. I find far more satisfaction, for example, in the eventual union of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice". However, the novel itself is a great literary creation. It is subtle, carefully and beautifully crafted, clever, historically informative, and ultimately entertaining to read.
Austen's other novels are "Emma", "Mansfield Park", and "Persuasion". In addition she wrote some shorter works (many of them pre-date her novels and are collectively known as her "Juvenelia"), some unfinished fiction, and many letters. I'll read and write about more of Austen's works soon.
Monday 4 July 2011
"Random Acts of Heroic Love" by Danny Scheinmann
I was given the book "Random Acts of Heroic Love" by Danny Scheinmann through the Secret Post Club. I enjoyed it and have since passed on a copy to Pants With Names. If I had enough copies, I'd pass them out to you too.
"Random Acts of Heroic Love" is an interesting novel that ties together a lot of different elements and styles. It could have gone horribly wrong, but instead it formed a nice narrative that you enjoy reading and that is thought provoking.
For more about "Random Acts of Heroic Love", click here.
To visit the author's official website, click here.
"Random Acts of Heroic Love" is an interesting novel that ties together a lot of different elements and styles. It could have gone horribly wrong, but instead it formed a nice narrative that you enjoy reading and that is thought provoking.
For more about "Random Acts of Heroic Love", click here.
To visit the author's official website, click here.
Wednesday 29 June 2011
"Goddess of Spring" by P.C. Cast
I first got hooked on P,C. Cast by reading the House of Night books (I still love them and am looking forward to the release of the next one). Since then I've read a lot of Cast's books.
"Goddess of the Spring" is part of her "Goddess Summoning" book set. All of these books take myths or fairy tales and mix them up with modern women and love stories.
"Goddess of the Spring" sees the spring goddess Persephone, changing places with a bakery owner from Oklahoma. Not only does she get mixed up in the world of gods and goddesses, she also gets sent on a mission to the underworld. Trust me, after this book hell will seem hot and steamy for totally different reasons.
This isn't mythology as you know it, and it's not trying to be academic or historic. Mostly the book is just a lot of fun.
To read my review of "Goddess of Spring" by P. C. Cast, click here.
To visit Cast's official website, click here.
"Goddess of the Spring" is part of her "Goddess Summoning" book set. All of these books take myths or fairy tales and mix them up with modern women and love stories.
"Goddess of the Spring" sees the spring goddess Persephone, changing places with a bakery owner from Oklahoma. Not only does she get mixed up in the world of gods and goddesses, she also gets sent on a mission to the underworld. Trust me, after this book hell will seem hot and steamy for totally different reasons.
This isn't mythology as you know it, and it's not trying to be academic or historic. Mostly the book is just a lot of fun.
To read my review of "Goddess of Spring" by P. C. Cast, click here.
To visit Cast's official website, click here.
Thursday 23 June 2011
"The Time of Singing" by Elizabeth Chadwick
I'm a sucker for a good historical novel. I love the combination of historical fact and historical plausibility, and how we get the feeling of a period rather than just the facts. If you're interested in fiction set during the Middle Ages, then I'd recommend "The Time of Singing" by Elizabeth Chadwick. The novel spans a longish time period with a lot of characters and a lot of historical information. Chadwick managed to take all of this information and story line (and it's a lot), and weave it together into a coherent and gripping novel.
To read my longer review of "The Time of Singing" by Elizabeth Chadwick, click here.
To visit Elizabeth Chadwick's official website, click here.
If you enjoy "The Time of Singing", I recommend reading Elizabeth Chadwick's other fantastic novels set during the Middle Ages. I would also recommend Philippa Gregory and Posie Graeme-Evans's novels. I haven't read anything by the following authors (yet), but I've been told they write in the same genre: Margaret George, Rosalind Laker, Alison Weir.
To read my longer review of "The Time of Singing" by Elizabeth Chadwick, click here.
To visit Elizabeth Chadwick's official website, click here.
If you enjoy "The Time of Singing", I recommend reading Elizabeth Chadwick's other fantastic novels set during the Middle Ages. I would also recommend Philippa Gregory and Posie Graeme-Evans's novels. I haven't read anything by the following authors (yet), but I've been told they write in the same genre: Margaret George, Rosalind Laker, Alison Weir.
Friday 17 June 2011
"Northanger Abbey" by Jane Austen
Having recently reread "Pride and Prejudice", I've been thinking about Jane Austen. Although I'm very familiar with her life and work, I realized that I had never actually read "Northanger Abbey".
For some reason, "Northanger Abbey" seems to be the forgotten one of Austen's books. I can't even count how many movies, plays, books and songs have been inspired by her more popular novels (especially "Pride and Prejudice"), but I can't think of any references to "Northanger Abbey".
In some ways, "Northanger Abbey" is classic Jane Austen. We have a heroine who is good-hearted, but also realistically imperfect. The novel is full of period information ranging from the fashionable areas of Bath to simple matters of propriety. The story is focused on mainly domestic settings with a small group of characters. As usual, there's a love story that includes a few misunderstandings but ends happily.
In other ways, "Northanger Abbey" is unique among Austen's work. There is a self-conscious narrator. At times the narrator (assumed to be the author) interjects and speaks directly to the reader. There are also discussions inserted into the novel. For example, there is a whole discussion on novels and readership (a theme that is continued through the story as well).
Reading it I can understand why it has not been received as enthusiastically as some of Austen's other novels. The main character, for example, is slightly younger and more naive. For most of the novel she is fairly passive and lets the other characters control the action. Her main love interest is about a decade older than her (not surprising given the time period), but he seems intent on teaching rather than wooing her. Indeed, one of her main attractions seems to be that she is eager to please him and agree with whatever he tells her (even if it's what her opinion should be). Perhaps another time I'll go into a longer feminist reading of "Northanger Abbey" as there's plenty of interesting points to discuss.
Despite not finding it her best novel, I did enjoy reading "Northanger Abbey". The highlight of the novel, for me, was Austen's use of irony and sarcasm. If you pay attention, the book is actually very witty and full of humour.
For some reason, "Northanger Abbey" seems to be the forgotten one of Austen's books. I can't even count how many movies, plays, books and songs have been inspired by her more popular novels (especially "Pride and Prejudice"), but I can't think of any references to "Northanger Abbey".
In some ways, "Northanger Abbey" is classic Jane Austen. We have a heroine who is good-hearted, but also realistically imperfect. The novel is full of period information ranging from the fashionable areas of Bath to simple matters of propriety. The story is focused on mainly domestic settings with a small group of characters. As usual, there's a love story that includes a few misunderstandings but ends happily.
In other ways, "Northanger Abbey" is unique among Austen's work. There is a self-conscious narrator. At times the narrator (assumed to be the author) interjects and speaks directly to the reader. There are also discussions inserted into the novel. For example, there is a whole discussion on novels and readership (a theme that is continued through the story as well).
Reading it I can understand why it has not been received as enthusiastically as some of Austen's other novels. The main character, for example, is slightly younger and more naive. For most of the novel she is fairly passive and lets the other characters control the action. Her main love interest is about a decade older than her (not surprising given the time period), but he seems intent on teaching rather than wooing her. Indeed, one of her main attractions seems to be that she is eager to please him and agree with whatever he tells her (even if it's what her opinion should be). Perhaps another time I'll go into a longer feminist reading of "Northanger Abbey" as there's plenty of interesting points to discuss.
Despite not finding it her best novel, I did enjoy reading "Northanger Abbey". The highlight of the novel, for me, was Austen's use of irony and sarcasm. If you pay attention, the book is actually very witty and full of humour.
Sunday 12 June 2011
The Sweetheart Season by Karen Joy Fowler
Since I read a lot, I'll read pretty much anything that catches my attention or is recommended to me. I'll often go to the library and check if they have any other books by an author I've enjoyed before. This is how I found the book "The Sweetheart Season" by Karen Joy Fowler. Like millions of readers (especially women and book clubs) around the world, I read Fowler's popular The Jane Austen Book Club. Having read that novel, I was curious about Fowler's other works.
"The Sweetheart Season" was written before "The Jane Austen Book Club", and you can tell. It's just not as good. It was thought out and planned, but Fowler just didn't develop the characters as well. The main problem with the novel is that you just don't care. I kept thinking that I would get involved at some point, but it never happened. Reading the book was a test of perseverance, and I never gained an interest in the setting, story, or characters.
For another review of "The Sweetheart Season", click here or here.
To visit Karen Joy Fowler's website, click here.
Monday 30 May 2011
The Mammoth Book of Wolfmen: The Ultimate Werewolf Anthology
Traditionally vampires have been more popular than werewolves. This is probably because--if we're being honest--vampires (the beautiful undead) are sexier than werewolves (people who turn into over sized dogs). There seems to be a lot more fiction about vampires than werewolves, or else werewolves show up as secondary characters in vampire books (like in the Twilight books).
It was a refreshing change, then, to read the Mammoth anthology of werewolf short stories. Mammoth always does a good job with their short story anthologies, and this one is particularly good. I really liked the wide range of short stories in "Wolfmen". There were a lot of very different takes on werewolves, and stories ranged from classic horror to postmodern thoughtfulness. Like in any anthology, some of the short stories are better than others. On the whole, though, the standard is surprisingly high. If you like werewolves, it's definitely something you should read. And if you don't like werewolves, you might be surprised by how much you enjoy some of these stories.
To read my full review of The Mammoth Book of Wolfmen, click here.
It was a refreshing change, then, to read the Mammoth anthology of werewolf short stories. Mammoth always does a good job with their short story anthologies, and this one is particularly good. I really liked the wide range of short stories in "Wolfmen". There were a lot of very different takes on werewolves, and stories ranged from classic horror to postmodern thoughtfulness. Like in any anthology, some of the short stories are better than others. On the whole, though, the standard is surprisingly high. If you like werewolves, it's definitely something you should read. And if you don't like werewolves, you might be surprised by how much you enjoy some of these stories.
To read my full review of The Mammoth Book of Wolfmen, click here.
Wednesday 11 May 2011
"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
I recently read some Austen fan fiction. Reading the Austen inspired novels mostly just left me wanting to revisit the real thing. I have a copy of "Pride and Prejudice" and hadn't read it in a few years, so I decided to read it.
If I'm honest, I'm a bit intimidated to write a post about "Pride and Prejudice". It is, after all, an absolute classic. Everyone is familiar with it, and it's difficult for me to find something new and interesting or useful to say in a blog post about it. I'll just tell you a little about my experience reading "Pride and Prejudice".
Exactly eight days ago I had the most beautiful baby boy ever born (no, there's no point debating this point...he's gorgeous). It was a planned c-section. This means that I had plenty of time to wait at hospital appointments before he was born. "Pride & Prejudice" became the book that I stuck in my hospital bag, and I literally read it sat waiting on a hospital bed on the morning he was born until they started preparing me for surgery. So "Pride and Prejudice" is now linked, for me, to the memory of my son being born.
If you're used to modern novels, then it can take awhile to really get into novels from this period. However, once you get a few chapters in, "Pride and Prejudice " is completely involving. For me, I sometimes found it difficult to read without automatically picturing one of the "Pride and Prejudice" films. I really enjoyed rereading it though, and noticed things that I hadn't before.
Overall, what can I say? "Pride and Prejudice" deserves it's place as a classic.
If I'm honest, I'm a bit intimidated to write a post about "Pride and Prejudice". It is, after all, an absolute classic. Everyone is familiar with it, and it's difficult for me to find something new and interesting or useful to say in a blog post about it. I'll just tell you a little about my experience reading "Pride and Prejudice".
Exactly eight days ago I had the most beautiful baby boy ever born (no, there's no point debating this point...he's gorgeous). It was a planned c-section. This means that I had plenty of time to wait at hospital appointments before he was born. "Pride & Prejudice" became the book that I stuck in my hospital bag, and I literally read it sat waiting on a hospital bed on the morning he was born until they started preparing me for surgery. So "Pride and Prejudice" is now linked, for me, to the memory of my son being born.
If you're used to modern novels, then it can take awhile to really get into novels from this period. However, once you get a few chapters in, "Pride and Prejudice " is completely involving. For me, I sometimes found it difficult to read without automatically picturing one of the "Pride and Prejudice" films. I really enjoyed rereading it though, and noticed things that I hadn't before.
Overall, what can I say? "Pride and Prejudice" deserves it's place as a classic.
Monday 25 April 2011
"Personal Demon" by Kelley Armstrong
I'll keep this relatively brief as I've written on here about other books by Kelley Armstrong. We all know that if you're looking for a certain genre of supernatural fiction, then she's the woman to be reading.
"Personal Demon" is the eight book in her "Women of the Otherworld" series, and centers on half-demon Hope Adams. This wasn't my personal favorite in the series, but I enjoyed getting more story about the side characters from other novels and seeing how other familiar characters popped up in this book. It's very fast-paced with a detective type element to it.
To read my review of "Personal Demon", click here.
To visit Kelley Armstrong's official website, click here.
"Personal Demon" is the eight book in her "Women of the Otherworld" series, and centers on half-demon Hope Adams. This wasn't my personal favorite in the series, but I enjoyed getting more story about the side characters from other novels and seeing how other familiar characters popped up in this book. It's very fast-paced with a detective type element to it.
To read my review of "Personal Demon", click here.
To visit Kelley Armstrong's official website, click here.
Tuesday 19 April 2011
"The Host" by Stephenie Meyer
Just about everybody has heard of Stephenie Meyer. She became a superstar in the publishing world virtually overnight when her first book, "Twilight", was published. Since then the "Twilight" series has become a merchandising empire of best-selling books, popular movies, and related merchandise...but you don't need me to tell you this. Even if you've never read "Twilight", you know about the vampire love saga.
What less people know about is what else Stephenie Meyer has done. Her only other published book is a science fiction novel called "The Host". This book hasn't reached the manic popularity of "Twilight", although I'm sure that both Meyer and the publishing company both made a healthy profit off of it.
Out of curiosity, I read "The Host". Overall, I have to say that it probably is actually better written than the "Twilight" books. Meyer's writing is more focused and less awkward with overall better crafting than the "Twilight" series (certainly at the beginning of the series). Somehow, though, that doesn't necessarily make this a better book. Despite the many shortcomings of "Twilight", people still get sucked into the characters and story (especially the love story). In "The Host" you just don't get quite as involved with the characters, and so you're not as emotionally invested in the book. It was entertaining, but it wasn't groundbreaking science fiction. I do commend it, though, for the simple fact that I think it probably introduced scifi novels to a new generation of readers that wouldn't otherwise have considered picking up a scifi novel.
For more of what I thought about "The Host", click here.
To visit Stephenie Meyer's official website, click here.
What less people know about is what else Stephenie Meyer has done. Her only other published book is a science fiction novel called "The Host". This book hasn't reached the manic popularity of "Twilight", although I'm sure that both Meyer and the publishing company both made a healthy profit off of it.
Out of curiosity, I read "The Host". Overall, I have to say that it probably is actually better written than the "Twilight" books. Meyer's writing is more focused and less awkward with overall better crafting than the "Twilight" series (certainly at the beginning of the series). Somehow, though, that doesn't necessarily make this a better book. Despite the many shortcomings of "Twilight", people still get sucked into the characters and story (especially the love story). In "The Host" you just don't get quite as involved with the characters, and so you're not as emotionally invested in the book. It was entertaining, but it wasn't groundbreaking science fiction. I do commend it, though, for the simple fact that I think it probably introduced scifi novels to a new generation of readers that wouldn't otherwise have considered picking up a scifi novel.
For more of what I thought about "The Host", click here.
To visit Stephenie Meyer's official website, click here.
Thursday 14 April 2011
"Distant Music" by Lee Langley
"Distant Music" is a book that is more about capturing a feeling or essence than about portraying a specific plot or even characters. The novel is an embodiment of yearning. It is about potential futures and unfulfilled dreams that are greater than a single individual or lifetime. In many ways this is a beautiful, lyrical text, but it is also deeply melancholy and haunting.
To read my longer review of "Distant Music", click here.
To find out more about author Lee Langley, click here.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
"Out of the Silent Planet" by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis is best known for his fantasy series of children's books "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe". I loved the Narnia books as a child, and I've reread and loved them as an adult. There are a lot of religious themes in the Narnia books, and C.S. Lewis also wrote explicitly Christian texts (like "Mere Christianity").
Although C.S. Lewis is an extremely famous author, some of his books are much less known and read. In my public library I discovered a used book for sale for 20p. It was by C.S. Lewis, and I'd never heard of it before, so I bought it. The book was "Out of the Silent Planet".
"Out of the Silent Planet" is the first in a series usually referred to as either "the space trilogy" or "the cosmic trilogy". It's a science fiction book (a bizarre type of space rocket flies them to another planet), but it's religious scifi. Like most of Lewis's writing, it is imbued with religious (especially Christian) themes and imagery.
Overall, I didn't think that it was Lewis's best book. It certainly wasn't the most entertaining to read for pleasure. However, it is a thinking book. Long after you put the book down, you'll be thinking about the issues raised by Lewis and the meaning of "Out of the Silent Planet". If you're a Lewis fan or enjoy religious fiction, it's worth having a look at this oft forgotten novel.
To find out more about "Out of the Silent Planet", click here.
To find out more about C.S. Lewis and his writing, click here.
Although C.S. Lewis is an extremely famous author, some of his books are much less known and read. In my public library I discovered a used book for sale for 20p. It was by C.S. Lewis, and I'd never heard of it before, so I bought it. The book was "Out of the Silent Planet".
"Out of the Silent Planet" is the first in a series usually referred to as either "the space trilogy" or "the cosmic trilogy". It's a science fiction book (a bizarre type of space rocket flies them to another planet), but it's religious scifi. Like most of Lewis's writing, it is imbued with religious (especially Christian) themes and imagery.
Overall, I didn't think that it was Lewis's best book. It certainly wasn't the most entertaining to read for pleasure. However, it is a thinking book. Long after you put the book down, you'll be thinking about the issues raised by Lewis and the meaning of "Out of the Silent Planet". If you're a Lewis fan or enjoy religious fiction, it's worth having a look at this oft forgotten novel.
To find out more about "Out of the Silent Planet", click here.
To find out more about C.S. Lewis and his writing, click here.
Monday 11 April 2011
"The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown
I know that Dan Brown is a best-selling author and that millions of people around the world read his books. He shot to fame with "The DaVinci Code" and has since written other books like "The Lost Symbol". He is probably one of the most commercially successful novel authors currently writing.
But...and I can't help adding a but...his books aren't always that great. They are fast-paced and full of a mix of conspiracies, action, and romantic possibilities. What most people seem to love about these books, though, is that Dan Brown has a gift for making the average person feel smarter and more educated than they actually are. He throws in historical and other information so that people can feel like they're puzzling things out and learning new things. Some of his information is right, some is interesting, and some is just plain wrong (for example, a retinal scanner only works on a living eye--if you cut the eye out of some one's head, like in one of his novels, it won't work for security scans).
In "The Lost Symbol", there's a lot of information about masons. Masonry plays a major part of the plot line, and there's a lot of discussion of masonic practices, history, and goals. However, Dan Brown is a novelist. He's not a mason, and he's not an educator. He writes entertaining books of fiction.
To find out how accurate Dan Brown's depiction of masonry is in "The Lost Symbol", click here.
I personally felt at times that there was too much information given about masonry. I felt like I was, as an outsider, intruding on beliefs that are important to a lot of people, and yet were taken out of context and manipulated to fit into entertainment. For more of my discussion of whether Dan Brown reveals too much about masonry in "The Lost Symbol", click here.
To find out more about "The Lost Symbol" and Dan Brown's other books, visit his official website.
But...and I can't help adding a but...his books aren't always that great. They are fast-paced and full of a mix of conspiracies, action, and romantic possibilities. What most people seem to love about these books, though, is that Dan Brown has a gift for making the average person feel smarter and more educated than they actually are. He throws in historical and other information so that people can feel like they're puzzling things out and learning new things. Some of his information is right, some is interesting, and some is just plain wrong (for example, a retinal scanner only works on a living eye--if you cut the eye out of some one's head, like in one of his novels, it won't work for security scans).
In "The Lost Symbol", there's a lot of information about masons. Masonry plays a major part of the plot line, and there's a lot of discussion of masonic practices, history, and goals. However, Dan Brown is a novelist. He's not a mason, and he's not an educator. He writes entertaining books of fiction.
To find out how accurate Dan Brown's depiction of masonry is in "The Lost Symbol", click here.
I personally felt at times that there was too much information given about masonry. I felt like I was, as an outsider, intruding on beliefs that are important to a lot of people, and yet were taken out of context and manipulated to fit into entertainment. For more of my discussion of whether Dan Brown reveals too much about masonry in "The Lost Symbol", click here.
To find out more about "The Lost Symbol" and Dan Brown's other books, visit his official website.
Thursday 7 April 2011
"Extreme Motherhood: The Triplet Diaries" by Jackie Clune
As I write this, I'm eight months pregnant. I feel huge, awkward, and impatient to meet my baby. I can't imagine taking this feeling and multiplying in by three, but that's exactly what Jackie Clune writes about in her non-fiction book "Extreme Motherhood".
Clune and her husband find out that not only do they have an accidental pregnancy, but that they're expecting triplets! Clune's book describes her pregnancy with triplets (they already had a toddler) and then life with not one, but three newborn babies. The book is honest and alternates between touching and hilarious.
There are a few moments where it's clear that Jackie Clune is a celeb and not just your average expecting mother (for example their friends pay to convert their loft--something none of my friends could afford to do for us-- and she gets a personal trainer--compliments of the West End Show Mamma Mia!-- to lose weight after the babies are born). On the whole, though, the book is very down-to-earth and just plain enjoyable.
To find out more about Jackie Clune's book "Extreme Motherhood: The Triplet Diaries", click here. You can also follow Jackie Clune on Twitter (@JackieClune).
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Potty Training Books: "Successful Potty Training" by Heather Welford & "Potty Training" by Jane Gilbert
There are a lot of books out there that cover parenting issues, including potty training. I looked at these two: "Successful Potty Training" and "Potty Training".
These two books have a very different feel to them. The first, "Successful Potty Training", is mostly dense text and is packed with lots of information. Most people won't want to read the whole book, but it's doubtful that you'll find a potty training question that isn't addressed somewhere inside. It's a bit like a potty training text book for parents.
The second, "Potty Training", is bright and accessible. It's more like flipping through a parenting magazine and is full of colorful pictures, info boxes, etc. It isn't as comprehensive, but it is more accessible.
I don't think that either of these books will revolutionize your parenting. However, if you're a bit unsure about potty training or have some questions, these books could be helpful.
To read more about my experiences with these books while potty training my daughter, click here. For more general information about potty training, click here.
These two books have a very different feel to them. The first, "Successful Potty Training", is mostly dense text and is packed with lots of information. Most people won't want to read the whole book, but it's doubtful that you'll find a potty training question that isn't addressed somewhere inside. It's a bit like a potty training text book for parents.
The second, "Potty Training", is bright and accessible. It's more like flipping through a parenting magazine and is full of colorful pictures, info boxes, etc. It isn't as comprehensive, but it is more accessible.
I don't think that either of these books will revolutionize your parenting. However, if you're a bit unsure about potty training or have some questions, these books could be helpful.
To read more about my experiences with these books while potty training my daughter, click here. For more general information about potty training, click here.
Tuesday 5 April 2011
"Midnight Never Come" by Marie Brennan
"Midnight Never Come" is a historical fantasy novel. It's set in Elizabethan England, but describes an underground fairy court in addition to the Tudor one that history teaches us about. Even though it is a fantasy novel, it was very carefully researched both in terms of history and folklore.
Overall, though, I have to admit that I was disapointed by "Midnight Never Come". The novel had so much potential and could have been really exciting. In the end, though, it just didn't manage to fully capture my attention or imagination. Brennan had a great concept, but --for me-- the novel didn't execute her idea as well as it could have.
To find out more about "Midnight Never Come" by Marie Brennan, either read my article on the book or visit Brennan's website.
Overall, though, I have to admit that I was disapointed by "Midnight Never Come". The novel had so much potential and could have been really exciting. In the end, though, it just didn't manage to fully capture my attention or imagination. Brennan had a great concept, but --for me-- the novel didn't execute her idea as well as it could have.
To find out more about "Midnight Never Come" by Marie Brennan, either read my article on the book or visit Brennan's website.
Monday 4 April 2011
Books on the Big Screen
Having recently read some Austen fan fiction, I was left wanting to re-visit the original. So when my husband and I wanted to put on a DVD last night, I suggested "Pride & Prejudice". We watched the 2005 version with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.
Although books often get butchered when they are adapted into screenplays, this movie really did "Pride & Prejudice" justice. The film is true to Austen's original novel, and it is a beautifully made film. I absolutely love the cinematography in it (pay attention in scenes like when Elizabeth is on the swing outside, when Elizabeth and Darcy dance, etc.). This really is an example of a book that transitioned beautifully to the big screen.
There are some book-to-movie adaptations that I wish had never been made, but "Pride & Prejudice" is both a classic novel and great film. Click here to find out some other films that I think would make great movies.
Although books often get butchered when they are adapted into screenplays, this movie really did "Pride & Prejudice" justice. The film is true to Austen's original novel, and it is a beautifully made film. I absolutely love the cinematography in it (pay attention in scenes like when Elizabeth is on the swing outside, when Elizabeth and Darcy dance, etc.). This really is an example of a book that transitioned beautifully to the big screen.
There are some book-to-movie adaptations that I wish had never been made, but "Pride & Prejudice" is both a classic novel and great film. Click here to find out some other films that I think would make great movies.
Friday 1 April 2011
"Evermore" by Alyson Noel
Teen fiction is big business. Not only do teens read, lots of pre-teens and adults read teen books (technically young adult literature).
"The Immortals" is a series of books written primarily for teen girls by Alyson Noel. Basically there are "immortals". They're people who live forever (unless killed). They're not vampires or other traditional immortal creatures, but instead seem to get their immortality from a weird red drink that they chug. There's a cheesy high school love story complete with jealousy and family issues.
These books, beginning with "Evermore", are really popular. Either that or someone is filling up warehouses with them, because they've been best sellers. Being honest, though, I have to say that these are far from the best teen fiction books--even teen paranormal romance books--that I have read. The characters just aren't real enough for me, and it's all just a bit too melodramatic. I'd recommend reading other books like "The House of Night" series or the "Generation Dead" series. Even if you want cheesy romance, you'd be better off sticking to the "Twilight" books.
To find out more about "Evermore" either click here or visit Alyson Noel's official website.
If you like "Evermore", be sure to check out the sequel, "Blue Moon".
"The Immortals" is a series of books written primarily for teen girls by Alyson Noel. Basically there are "immortals". They're people who live forever (unless killed). They're not vampires or other traditional immortal creatures, but instead seem to get their immortality from a weird red drink that they chug. There's a cheesy high school love story complete with jealousy and family issues.
These books, beginning with "Evermore", are really popular. Either that or someone is filling up warehouses with them, because they've been best sellers. Being honest, though, I have to say that these are far from the best teen fiction books--even teen paranormal romance books--that I have read. The characters just aren't real enough for me, and it's all just a bit too melodramatic. I'd recommend reading other books like "The House of Night" series or the "Generation Dead" series. Even if you want cheesy romance, you'd be better off sticking to the "Twilight" books.
To find out more about "Evermore" either click here or visit Alyson Noel's official website.
If you like "Evermore", be sure to check out the sequel, "Blue Moon".
Wednesday 30 March 2011
The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance
If you've been following this little blog of mine, you've probably noticed by now that I have a bit of a soft spot for vampire books. I like the atmospheric quality of most vampire fiction and the melding of fantasy and real life.
Whether you're a fan of the genre looking for something to read, or a newbie to vampire fiction who wants a bit of a taster, I'd recommend reading the Mammoth Anthology of "Vampire Romance". This is quite a large collection of short stories. They all have vampires of some variety and are-to varying degrees-romances. Other than that the stories vary greatly. It's fun to read all of the short stories, and a good way to be exposed to lots of authors writing vampire fiction (and especially vampire romance).
To find out more about the Mammoth book "Vampire Romance", click here.
Whether you're a fan of the genre looking for something to read, or a newbie to vampire fiction who wants a bit of a taster, I'd recommend reading the Mammoth Anthology of "Vampire Romance". This is quite a large collection of short stories. They all have vampires of some variety and are-to varying degrees-romances. Other than that the stories vary greatly. It's fun to read all of the short stories, and a good way to be exposed to lots of authors writing vampire fiction (and especially vampire romance).
To find out more about the Mammoth book "Vampire Romance", click here.
Tuesday 29 March 2011
"Sex, Lies, and Vampires" by Katie Macalister
If you like vampire fiction and don't want to read teen novels, then you should know who Katie Macalister is. She's famous for writing vampire fiction that is action-packed (in every connotation of the word).
Her "Dark Ones" series has nine books in it, plus several other associated books. "Sex, Lies, and Vampires" is the third book in the "Dark Ones" series. What's great about these books is that although it is best to read the series in order, you can actually read a lot of them out of sequence or on their own and still enjoy (and understand) them.
This isn't literary vampires or classic vampire fiction. The "Dark Ones" books (including "Sex, Lies, and Vampires") are contemporary, sexy, and fun.
To read my longer review of "Sex, Lies, and Vampires" by Katie Macalister, click here.
To visit Katie Macalister's official website, click here.
Her "Dark Ones" series has nine books in it, plus several other associated books. "Sex, Lies, and Vampires" is the third book in the "Dark Ones" series. What's great about these books is that although it is best to read the series in order, you can actually read a lot of them out of sequence or on their own and still enjoy (and understand) them.
This isn't literary vampires or classic vampire fiction. The "Dark Ones" books (including "Sex, Lies, and Vampires") are contemporary, sexy, and fun.
To read my longer review of "Sex, Lies, and Vampires" by Katie Macalister, click here.
To visit Katie Macalister's official website, click here.
Monday 28 March 2011
Linda Newbery's Official Site!
A little while ago I posted a review of the children's book "Nevermore" by Linda Newbery. I've read several of Newbery's books, and look forward to when my children are a bit older and can enjoy them as well.
It has come to my attention that my review of "Nevermore" was not only read by other readers and fans, but by Newbery's publishing company (Simon & Schuster)! In fact, their official website page for Linda Newbery has a link to my article on it (in the "In the News" section)! I'm really excited by this, so thank you to all of my readers and to Simon & Schuster.
It has come to my attention that my review of "Nevermore" was not only read by other readers and fans, but by Newbery's publishing company (Simon & Schuster)! In fact, their official website page for Linda Newbery has a link to my article on it (in the "In the News" section)! I'm really excited by this, so thank you to all of my readers and to Simon & Schuster.
"Blue Moon" by Alyson Noel
"The Immortals" is a popular series of young adult books by Alyson Noel.
The main character, high-schooler Ever, has a troubled history. When she meets Damen, she finds love and moments of peace and happiness. However, falling in love with an immortal brings melodramatic new problems.
"Blue Moon" is the second book in "The Immortals" series. In it, new couple Ever and Damen meet continued challenges as a mysterious new person joins their social scene and Damen begins to change. Ever and Damen are getting further apart, and Ever must find a way to save them all before it's too late.
As you've probably guessed by now, these books are cheesy and melodramatic. "Blue Moon" does offer some mindless entertainment, and it's a very quick read. It's definitely not the best book that I've read in this genre though.
To read my full book review of "Blue Moon" by Alyson Noel, click here.
To visit Alyson Noel's official website, click here.
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