One Minus One: Nancy Pearl's Book Lust Rediscoveries
by Ruth Doan MacDougall
A for character development; D- for enjoyment (3/31/2013)
I'm a fan of Nancy Pearl (author of the Book Lust series) and wanted to read this book because she recommended it. Nancy mentions she read it years ago and still thinks about the main character. The book does deliver on character development and an excellent description of the 1960s, but it doesn't deliver on enjoyment. The main character's insecurities, hurt, and depression make this difficult to finish. I cannot say I would like to meet anyone in it. On the positive side, looking back at the 1960s and remembering those times almost make it worth reading.
Original Sin: A Sally Sin Adventure
by Beth Mcmullen
Slightly out of focus (2/22/2011)
Yes, I would recommend this book. I'm sending my copy to my sister. What was good: interesting plot, dialog, and characters. What needed more work: Sally's son was the only character that I could "picture" in my brain. For me, novels like this should be like watching an action flick, where you can "see" the characters. I wish there had been more description of the characters so that I could see them--in my imagination, they did not have clear faces and forms--they were slightly out of focus.
The Mysterious Howling: The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book I
by Maryrose Wood
Ahh-roooooo! (6/19/2010)
Driving around Silicon Valley can be an irritating experience. So many cars out there, and it seems other drivers' only objective is to get in front of me. To keep my speed and blood pressure down, I listen to children's audio books while commuting. It's just the right tone, often funny, and something to look forward to when I get in the car.
My last favorite was 'Skulduggery Pleasant'. And now, there's the 'Mysterious Howling'. I found myself howling along as I drove to Safeway--thank goodness the windows were up. Ah-roooo!
The Bricklayer: A Novel
by Noah Boyd
My sister's new favorite man (12/22/2009)
Just got an advance copy from BookBrowse to review, and I know I'm going to send this one to my sister. I think Steve Vail will replace Jack Reacher as her favorite man (in books at least).
As a recent refugee from the corporate world, I admire Vail for being a guy who defies authority and returns to work only on his terms. The descriptions of action sequences are crisp and clear, creating a movie-like quality as your brain transforms the words to pictures. I won't be surprised if this is made into a move. Now, who should play Vail? Hmm. I'll ask my sister.
The Outlander
by Gil Adamson
Satisfying (11/30/2009)
I've always been intrigued by stories of women who pick up and run away from their everyday lives, often bringing nothing with them from their old lives but the clothes they are wearing. Anne Tyler's "Ladder of Years" is a favorite. Running away and starting a new life -- even if you are happy where you are -- always is a delightful fantasy. This story doesn't seem like a fantasy, it's gritty, and life is hard for the main character, and there is ongoing tension as she runs and hides. But the kindness of people who help her, and the strong friendships she makes -- it's all very satisfying.
Thanks go to BookBrowse for pointing me to this book.
Greasing the Piñata
by Tim Maleeny
Disappointed (10/13/2008)
Maleeny's writing style is bright and fresh, pulling the reader into the story from page 1. It reminded me of Lee Child's thrillers. Things quickly take a downturn as murders and torture are described in sickening detail. One eye-gouging sequence keeps returning to my mind, and I only want to forget it. Gave up half-way through the book after repeated gross-outs. Yeech.
