It’s got a lot of heart, dark and dramatic with ambience in spades, does a great job depicting rural Mississippi. "A few paved roads and a lot of dirtIt’s got a lot of heart, dark and dramatic with ambience in spades, does a great job depicting rural Mississippi. "A few paved roads and a lot of dirt ones, a land of sewer ditches and gullies stripped of their timber and houses and single-wides speckled back in the clear-cut like moles revealed by a haircut." The point of view alternates between Silas Jones & Larry Ott, flashing back to their boyhood friendship - a friendship that ends when Larry is suspected of murder. Now Silas is back in town this time in the capacity of constable, returning to a moral dilemma. There's another murder and Larry's the prime suspect, how can he live with himself if he turns his back on his friend again. For me the idea of small town life both attracts and repels. If you fit in there’d be nothing warmer or more embracing - if you didn’t it could be a living hell. From day one Larry doesn’t fit. As a boy he has nose bleeds, stutters, reads too many damn books. While not found guilty by a jury he might as well have been, the town sentences him to a life of friendless isolation. In his place I’d have left without a backward glance, feet don’t fail me now…But not Larry, he stays. Undecided if that choice was cowardly or courageous, whatever. There’s a quiet dignity to how every day he’s at that garage, just sitting and waiting, I mean who’s gonna give their business to ‘Scary Larry’? But you can set your watch by him, he’s always there, always on time. And not a drop of meanness either, like how he cares for his chickens, rigging up that moveable pen so they get a change of scenery, some fresh air, a few bugs to eat. My heart went out to him, this guy who’s never experienced kindness treating a bunch of birds, chickens no less, with more compassion than he’s ever been shown. While both Silas & Larry's characters are richly defined, it’s Larry I’ll remember - the world’s loneliest mechanic. Cons: The mystery is pretty obvious, the outcome predictable - in fairness legs only to what’s really a character study. Short on thrills some find it slow paced – I didn’t.
A book to immerse in; for the genre of Southern Gothic Lit – 4 shiny stars....more
3 ½ stars rounded up to 4. Years ago my Canadian niece landed a summer job (how'd she do that - some places will hire anybody) as a tour guide at the 3 ½ stars rounded up to 4. Years ago my Canadian niece landed a summer job (how'd she do that - some places will hire anybody) as a tour guide at the Tower. To this day get a few cocktails in her and she’ll regale you (much to the annoyance of her husband) with stories of hanging out with Beefeaters. She adored them - so when I saw this I just HAD to read it. It backs her up - Beefeaters do have their own private pub where they pursue their favorite pastimes – hard drinking, tourist bashing and playing monopoly into the wee hours. Picked this up looking for something original and amusing - didn't disappoint- I'm pegging it realistic fiction. I know, I know, but it's my review...A story of everyday people who happen to have unusual jobs all dealing with life's challenges in admittedly odd ways (hey, whatever works) without ever losing their admirable British stoicism. Julia Stuart juggles a ton of storylines and characters (prepare to pay attention) skillfully, I ended up empathizing with most of them despite how WEIRD they were. Balthazar is a Beefeater assigned and ill-prepared for the duty of caring for a menagerie of exotic animals. "Out of the deathly silence came the mournful wail of the solitary wandering albatross that mated for life.” That it failed to settle broke my heart while the instructions “Remember to keep the lovebirds separated. They hate each other …”cracked me up. See the books like that, an admirable blend of melancholic drama & humour. His wife Hebe works for London Underground’s Lost Property office, actually preferred her stories to Balthazar’s. Heads up, this is more than light fare. There’s a theme of loss woven throughout, with Hebe & Balthazar the loss of their son - a lesson on how we must learn to allow each other to deal with it in our own time and in our own way. Put me in mind of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry – if you liked that I suspect you’ll like this as well. Cons: While you’ll pick up interesting historical tidbits about The Tower I was expecting more about it’s famous ravens. So many fascinating stories surround these mystical birds yet they were barely touched on- huh (: Humour bite: “Your mother is in India trying to find herself. God help her when she does”...more
A lost quality in modern psychological suspense - the key word is subtlety. An intriguing look at the infamous Jack The Ripper case told through the eA lost quality in modern psychological suspense - the key word is subtlety. An intriguing look at the infamous Jack The Ripper case told through the eyes of his landlady Mrs. Bunting, an impoverished women with her back to the wall. I won’t mislead, not much happens, zero gore. It’s a character study, a morality tale –brooding and melodramatic, in fact almost claustrophobic in it's intensity – thought it delicious. Marie Lowndes resists spelling out the obvious, instead tension is provided by a feeling of dread as Mrs. Bunting’s suspicions (those midnight forays through London’s foggy streets a dead giveaway) turn to certainty, that the ‘unspeakable’ is reality (view spoiler)[in that her gentleman lodger is actually a homicidal maniac. (hide spoiler)] With the rent money so desperately needed, to let on that she's privy to his secret would be sheer folly, but to say nothing? As they enter into an unspoken collusion Mrs. Bunting's feelings for her lodger seesaw between revulsion and attraction.
Cons: disagree with others, rather than slow thought this perfectly paced but then I’m maybe more patient than most - thoroughly enjoyed the build. The rushed conclusion though, it did disappoint... For the genre of psychological suspense 4 ½ stars
For the first time in her life she visioned the infinite mystery, the sadness and strangeness of human life; “Poor Mr. Sleuth - poor unhappy, distraught Mr. Sleuth!” An overwhelming pity blotted out for a moment the fear, aye, and the loathing. ________________________________________ Meanderings on Hitchcock – not a spoiler: (view spoiler)[Part of Hitchcock’s genius had to lay in his ability to recognize great writing, those who mastered atmospheric suspense – he leaned towards female authors - Daphne du Maurier a case in point, his decision to film this book in 1927 another. Per wiki “The Lodger’ is hailed as "the first time Hitchcock revealed his psychological attraction to the association between sex and murder, between ecstasy and death” and would pave the way for his later work. I haven’t watched it, silent movies leave me cold - I may have to make an exception. (hide spoiler)] ...more
“I eagerly crack open the book and can feel myself getting smarter as I turn the first few pages. At first, even though it is really depressing, this “I eagerly crack open the book and can feel myself getting smarter as I turn the first few pages. At first, even though it is really depressing, this book excites me because it deals with mental health the arts, a subject I am very interested in.”
Do you consider yourself an eclectic reader? Willing to broaden your horizons, now and then explore one of those slightly obscure but much-admired novels? On top of that do you find it next to impossible to abandon a book? Well try this one on for size...From his wingchair at an ‘artistic’ party in Vienna an aging writer reflects back on his life, and mentally assassinates the character of every person (himself included) in the room. The party’s focus shifts between discussing an actress who has recently hung herself and the pompous guest of honour, a stage actor from ‘the Burgtheater’. And that’s it – prepare yourself for some serious navel-gazing, a nonstop monologue that's tediously repetitive, dripping venom & oozing contempt.
“But the novel is nothing but a trick. I will not be quoting Hemingway Bernhard anytime soon, nor will I ever read another one of his books”
I’ve never struggled so hard to finish a book so why did I bother? Bragging rights at parties! Hey Matthew Quick’s just a flash in the pan, how about that Bernhard? Sorry. The richness of the characters, his biting satire, his masterful scene setting – you are IN Vienna - just brilliant. And I did like the ending. When all is said and done, it is a novel I'll never forget, poker burned into my psyche. Similar to how I feel about Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” – Yes I admire it and no I don’t like it. Bernhard is a brilliant writer – sucked me right into that wingchair.
“And if he were still alive, I would write him a letter right now and threaten to strangle him dead with my bare hands just for being so glum.”
WAY better than Iron House, love it when giving an author a second chance pans out. They're both thrillers but this one’s improved by a level of suspeWAY better than Iron House, love it when giving an author a second chance pans out. They're both thrillers but this one’s improved by a level of suspense, a slow build that about midway picks up then just keeps accelerating right to the end - don’t be surprised if your up half the night. The writing is simplistic (no thesaurus required here folks) more important the dialog is believable. Intricate plotting with characters to care about, a thoroughly entertaining bit of escapism. For the thriller genre it's a solid 4 stars. Yes, it’s full of stereotypes – nasty rich people, pedophiles & bullies abound. And I know, the obsessed cop who throws his personal live away in the pursuit of a perp has been done to death – for a reason. When an author pulls it off it’s fabulous. I fell for Johnny, a misfit, alone except for a basket-case of a mother. He figures if the cops can’t find his missing twin then he will. A fiercely loyal kid who "keeps his shoes laced tight and a knife in his pocket" Who sets about systematically checking out all the weirdo’s in town on his own including registered sex offenders…gutsy. And I fell for Hunt, BECAUSE he fell for Johnny - because just like me he wanted to "put an arm around the kid, make him understand, and at the same time, make him stop" Cons: Bit slow & convoluted at times – persevere. The mother Katherine’s journey of despair definitely overdone, in fact there’s a fair bit of overblown drama. My 2nd Hart, think I’m seeing a trend… Warning: If child abduction stories bother you– avoid this.
Read “Practical Magical’ and was expecting something similar, a dark entertaining adult fairytale. It’s dark alright, bleak to be honest - more like MRead “Practical Magical’ and was expecting something similar, a dark entertaining adult fairytale. It’s dark alright, bleak to be honest - more like Magical-Melodrama. We’re talking death, haunting, adultery, drug addition. Played out in a story spanning three generations and spiced with Hoffman’s trademark touch of magic. It begins with Arlyn, a waif like orphan who believes fate dictates that the 1st guy she meets after her father dies will be the man of her dreams. Enter John Moody (yes, Moody. A little subtlety please?) who drives up to her house just to ask for directions, big mistake... Like a siren she 1st seduces him then persues him relentlessly into marriage and fatherhood, roles he’s neither prepared nor suited for. All this is sweetly cloaked by her mystical belief in destiny. (view spoiler)[ Turns out John's a jerk so her plans fall apart like a house of cards, and now I’m expected to sympathize. (hide spoiler)] The silliness of this premise annoyed me so much I was ready to throw in the towel - then it changed. Told in 3 sections thankfully the telling through Arylyn’s eyes was limited just to the first part. Rest of the novel is way better. The unconditional love her daughter Blanca shows for her brother Sam as he struggles with heroin addiction is beautiful - compassionate & non-judgmental. She lightens up on the demonizing of John Moody. Good ending as well, liked that it was left open to imagination.
Hoffman is a gifted storyteller with a distinct and lyrical style. In this one she does a good job tackling deeper subjects than her norm. Recommended with a reservation, give it a pass if you’re feeling the least bit depressed - be in a happy place before tackling this one:) 3 ½ stars rounded to 4
“People are haunted because they want to be” “Who was her brother, this strange creature who could perch on glass and was never afraid of the things that terrified most people? Sam was scary, but he was worth it.”
Clever and witty, a character driven novel written in a crisp clean style. Fun comes from the interplay between stodgy Henry and his outrageous Aunt. Clever and witty, a character driven novel written in a crisp clean style. Fun comes from the interplay between stodgy Henry and his outrageous Aunt. Told through Henry’s eyes, a cautious man recently retired from banking who never married, whose passion has never extended beyond the growing of dahlias. “I like to change my clothes as little as possible. I suppose some people would say the same of my ideas, the bank had taught me to be wary of whims.” Contrasted with Aunt Augusta who first appears at his mothers funeral, an immoral woman with one driving ambition - live life to the fullest. Making no apologies for her self absorption she leaves in her wake a trail of broken hearts. Brutally honest “I've never wanted a man who needed me, Henry. A need is a claim” she simply is who she is, takes full responsibility for her actions and casts no blame. 'I despise no one, no one. Regret your own actions, if you like that kind of wallowing in self-pity, but never, never despise.” Henry's life is irreversibly changed when he joins her as a travelling companion, entering “my aunt's world, the world of the unexpected character and the unforeseen event.’
As British Humour a solid 4 stars. My first but not last Graham Greene, think Our Man in Havana next.
Cons: A tad dated (but not annoyingly so) and the plot is a bit weak. If you’re the kind who writes off old people as boring you’ll really hate it, but I'm telling you - you'll be missing out on some deliciously funny stories. And finally parts of it are sorta sick (view spoiler)[ ends with 65 yr old Henry engaged to a 16 year old virgin, yuk (hide spoiler)] It’s obvious Graham was just having fun writing this - don’t take it too seriously - he clearly didn’t. ________________________________________ “Laziness and good nature often go together.”...more
The book blurb exaggerates - amusing rather than hilarious. Moore does have a keen sense of the absurd so if your taste runs to ribald, irreverent humThe book blurb exaggerates - amusing rather than hilarious. Moore does have a keen sense of the absurd so if your taste runs to ribald, irreverent humour you'll probably like this. Great premise, a twist on the overdone vampire tale. Rather than blood it’s 'sacre blue', the raw passion of artists extracted from their masterpieces that serves as an elixir of eternal life for The Colorman aka ‘Poopstick’ A hodgepodge mixture of historical fiction, murder mystery, humour and fantasy – helps but not necessary if you’re interested in art. Well researched you’ll pick up some interesting tidbits. Renoir was a peach, “a person of extraordinary kindness” Degas "probably the best draftsman of all the Impressionists, but in person a complete prick." Toulouse-Lautrec plays a major part -fascinatingly complex. A gentleman, a titled count in fact, a libertine who loved cognac & absinthe. Being close to a dwarf in stature he’s used to being treated with contempt - thus his sense of commonality and his compassion for whores, his preference for their company. "One loses perspective after a week in a brothel" He adored their "humanness, their perfect imperfection." Enjoyable and original – worth reading just for the bit where Lautrec & Oscar Wilde go on a drunk inspiring Wilde to write "The Picture of Dorian Gray." I was definitely entertained anyway – a solid 4 stars. Cons: to be honest none of the genres done exceptionally well but still - the blending worked. To slow a build and a bit convoluted so give it time.
"Blue is beauty, not truth. Blue is sly, slick, it slides into the room sideways, a slippery trickster"...more
Recently infatuated with southern lit I just had to give Ron Rash a try. With racism, poverty & superstition & the inclusion of an ill fated love affaRecently infatuated with southern lit I just had to give Ron Rash a try. With racism, poverty & superstition & the inclusion of an ill fated love affair, slot this one as ‘contemporary southern gothic.’ Yes, it’s melancholy and slow paced at the start but so superbly written that it’s a joy to read. Set at the end of WW1 and told through Laurel’s eyes, a simple tale of a birth-marked woman shunned by the locals as a witch –of her lonely life with only her brother Hank, a wounded WW1 veteran for company. (view spoiler)[ Loneliness that will turn to desperation with the news that he’s soon to marry, leaving her entirely alone. (hide spoiler)] Following the sound of a flute "It wasn’t so much a soaring sound but something on the song’s surface, like a water strider crossing a creek pool" leads her to a wounded man – and it begins. As for Laurel, look elsewhere if your preference is for passionate heroines, what she does have is an appealing resiliency, an understated strength. What develops is quietly muted – a love that deepens as slowly & gently as the river that runs through The Cove. With its raw beauty & pervading isolation, it’s The Cove itself that’s the heart of this novel "Nothing but shadow land, there wasn't a gloamier place in the whole Blue Ridge." That and the Appalachian people, brought to life by Rash’s use of simple dialect.“Not being able to talk, that’s got to be burdensome too. I’d think it could make you feel a lavish of aloneness. After my daddy died and Hank was over in France, I was here by myself and it was a hard row to hoe.” Cons: While most of the characters are well fleshed out the villainous Chancey Feith is a one dimensional caricature, bit of a bore. As far as plot goes it’s not particularly fresh, and it is a bit predictable. All is forgiven by the elegance of the writing, an atmospheric southern tragedy beautifully rendered - 4 ½ stars.
If you’re interested not a spoiler, just southern gothic defined: (view spoiler)[Common themes include deeply flawed, disturbing or eccentric characters, decayed or derelict settings, grotesque situations, and other sinister events relating to or coming from poverty, alienation, racism, crime, and violence. It is unlike its parent genre in that it uses these tools not solely for the sake of suspense, but to explore social issues and reveal the cultural character of the American South (hide spoiler)]...more
When the majority of your friends love a book that you didn't do you find yourself second guessing? Searching for that magic that everyone else felt aWhen the majority of your friends love a book that you didn't do you find yourself second guessing? Searching for that magic that everyone else felt and you missed? I won’t bore you by analyzing this to death (view spoiler)[and there’s lot of death in this book –1 murder just forgotten and left unsolved… (hide spoiler)] Worth reading and a solid 3 stars, ordinary rather than extraordinary.
Circa 1960’s told through the eyes of 13 yr old Frank Drum a series of deaths disrupt the lives of everyone in a small town in Minnesota. It has its strengths The dynamics between Frank, a kid with a bad habit of eavesdropping and his younger brother Jake who struggles with a debilitating stutter - great. Admired his ability to capture time & place. Childhood memories came flooding back – a summer day spent crossing an old trestle bridge, following a river, wandering down forbidden railroad tracks, the smell of creosote, the blasting heat relieved by an unexpected breeze – bliss. And its weaknesses Tad slow paced & predictable. While the characters are well developed most are stereotypes. The casting of the ‘non-believer’ portrayed as weak & shallow, the minister’s wife –she smokes, she drinks, she’d rather play the piano than cook and clean, she feeds her children spam sandwiches!! In fairness Jake an exception - interesting & well developed, wish he’d been the main protagonist. Bottom-line I guess it’s focus on ‘The awful grace of God’ combined with loss of innocence brought on by death and bereavement was just a bit too gloomy for me. Probably not helped by my mood (damn these hotflashes) Many people found it uplifting. If you’re looking for something with a similar flavor (even down to a Methodist minister as the father) suggest you try The Homecoming of Samuel Lake Another character driven coming of age story that’s also getting a lot of buzz. It has the same high drama bordering on tragedy, but it’s lightened with gentle humor. ...more
I jumped in cold to book ten of the series without a problem. If you’re in the mood for an intense psychological thriller with beautifully fleshed outI jumped in cold to book ten of the series without a problem. If you’re in the mood for an intense psychological thriller with beautifully fleshed out characters and ultra wicked villians you just found it. It begins with Coco, a little girl found wandering alone in Central Park after discovering 3 dead bodies strung up in a tree. A little heartbreaker with Williams Syndrome, a disorder typified by elfin like features and a warm, outgoing personality. Craving human contact they will run up to perfect strangers for a hug; an instinctive trust in people in stark contrast to Detective Mallory. Beautifully written, it’s the interaction between these two that makes this story sing. Abandoned as a child, Mallory’s coping mechanism is to become a loner, to isolate herself from emotional connections. She's damaged, completely unpredictable and brilliant; nicknamed the machine for her relentless, often manipulative & coldblooded pursuit of perps. Some reviewers find her unlikeable, I adore her... "There’s not one feminist bone in her body - she had no need of one. Only a rare and suicidal man might suggest that his detective was of better use barefoot and pregnant" Her partner and staunchest friend Detective Riker pretty great as well. "In a rumpled suit stained with week-old mustard, civilians only saw him as a middle-aged man with bad posture, an amiable, laid-back smile and hooded eyes that said to everyone he met I know you’re lying, but I just don’t care"
Cons: None really. I did find it a bit confusing but blame myself for not giving it the concentration it deserved. A web of deceit & blackmail entwining children, lobbyists, influential socialites and top ranking officers of New York’s police department. Terrific characters but a ton of them to keep track of – be prepared to pay attention:) For it’s genre 4 ½ stars rounded up too 5. DEFINITELY want more of this series. Of interest: Boston University School of Medicine 'The Faces of Williams Syndrome'"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgfm8i..."
Warning: some graphic violence involving children...more
Chandler’s known as the king of LA noir and word is this is his best. His writing is lean and clean, short staccato sentences with not a word wasted. Chandler’s known as the king of LA noir and word is this is his best. His writing is lean and clean, short staccato sentences with not a word wasted. Almost poetic in its brevity – not to be confused with lack of substance. Humour me, I’m trying it out on this review (view spoiler)[it's fun - you should try it sometime (hide spoiler)] Marlowe’s amazingly complex, a fast-talking P.I. surviving on tough cynicism. Deep down just a stand-up guy with a soft spot for underdogs. Got a moral core that earns him no thanks, just a whole whack of trouble and an enemy around every corner. There’s a suicide and a murder everybody’s pushing Marlow to drop. "You know something, kid? You think you're cute but you're just stupid. You're a shadow on the wall.” But walking away just ain't in his make-up.
A taste of Marlow's world “I drove back to Hollywood feeling like a short length of chewed string. It was too early to eat, and too hot. I turned on the fan in my office. It didn't make the air any cooler, just a little more lively. Outside on the boulevard the traffic brawled endlessly. Inside my head thoughts stuck together like flies on flypaper.” He builds characters effortlessly – again in just a few words. Take this pair of Homicide Detectives "He was gray blond and looked sticky. His partner was tall, good-looking, neat, and had a precise nastiness about him, a goon with an education. They had watching and waiting eyes, patient and careful eyes, cool disdainful eyes, cops' eyes."
Plot's a bit convoluted but moves along nicely. Don’t get caught up trying to keep it all straight. Instead enjoy the ambiance and the deliciously broken people. Majority of them clinging to sanity by a thread. Roger Wade is interesting, a bestselling pulp fiction author who hits the bottle hard. Rumour has it this is semi-autobiographical. Heads-up: Written in the 50’s so you'll need to take in stride some racism. Women are broads and they're all bad news. He seems to like them anyway. "So they're human, they sweat, they get dirty, they have to go to the bathroom. What did you expect-golden butterflies hovering in a rosy mist?”
Way I see it I lucked out. My GR buddies guided me to Chandler as an intro to the world of hard-boiled detective novels. My 1st stab at it, have nothing to compare it to. Can’t rate by genre so 4.5 stars as pure entertainment – it was a blast. ...more
Great original story. While it is sad its rescued from bleakness by Krauss’s subtle humour and her inclusion of a mystery. A pursuit to unravel the orGreat original story. While it is sad its rescued from bleakness by Krauss’s subtle humour and her inclusion of a mystery. A pursuit to unravel the origin of an obscure novel also called ‘The History Of Love” the book within this book that also happens to contain some great passages - the chapter 'The Birth of Feeling' my personal fav. Krauss excels in writing rich believable characters. Switching POV mainly between Leo Gursky, a Holocaust survivor & Alma Singer, a 14-year old grieving the loss of her father - both terrific protagonists, the peripheral characters are as well. Standout’s; Alma’s kid brother Bird who imagines himself a *lamed vovnik and Bruno, Leo’s only friend (view spoiler)[broke my heart when revealed he’d also died back in ’41, his surprise appearance on the streets of New York nothing but a figment of Leo’s imagination (hide spoiler)] and the lifeline he grasps to keep from sinking into the madness of complete isolation. “My old faithful. The soft down of your white hair lightly playing about your scalp like a half-blown dandelion. Many times I have been tempted to blow on your head and make a wish. Only a last scrap of decorum keeps me from it.”
Forgive me, I’m fixated on Leo – he drove me nuts! His obsession with dying, his pining over lost love. A good day for Leo involves some quality pigeon-watching time interspersed with fantasizing about his upcoming funeral. “Abandoned, unnoticed, forgotten, I stood on the sidewalk, a nothing, a gatherer of dust.” He knocked me off balance - angered me that he did nothing to change the misery that was his life. I wanted to shake him, to shout at him ‘What's so hard, you can't find a bingo parlor? Make a few friends?” And yet. I adored him. For his humility “The year of my Bar Mitzvah I was visited by a plague of acne. As soon as the acne cleared my hairline began to recede, as if it wanted to disassociate itself from the embarrassment of my face." his soul searching “I tried to make sense of things. It could be my epitaph. LEO GURSKY: HE TRIED TO MAKE SENSE.” his tenacity, his “rejection of reality with its army of flat-footed facts.”
Funny, when I finished this a week ago I rated it 3½ stars, got thinking about it, changed to 4 – a month from now might bump it to 5. Point is, it improves on reflection. And while no one who didn't experience it 1st hand could ever begin to comprehend what a Holocaust survivor must feel, I caught a glimmer. Enough to understand - Leo was so wounded that he was incapable of change. Want to thank Arnie for his review - the little nudge I needed: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... Hope you will read it to. Cons: A great story that’s unnecessarily muddled – blame it on an overuse of literary tricks. I found myself having to go back & reread portions, sly of her but forgiven, I did catch nuances I'd missed. And yet. ________________________________________ *Lamed Vovnik: the thirty-six righteous people that God has chosen to save the world, duty bound to do acts of kindness for others and remain unknown to the world. “Her kiss was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering.”...more
Just plain creepy and oozing atmosphere. I won’t say much, went in cold and so should you. Not horror, no gore or monsters, it’s better than that. We’Just plain creepy and oozing atmosphere. I won’t say much, went in cold and so should you. Not horror, no gore or monsters, it’s better than that. We’re talking the frailties of the human mind - MADNESS! We outgrow our fear of creatures that go bump in the night; so immured by the constant bombardment of blood & guts on TV that we can barely work up the energy to cringe anymore – but the fear of losing your mind? Now that one niggles, I know I have my bad days. So yeah, stories like this work for me way more than pure horror. You share Marricat’s agoraphobia, there’s a pervasive unease, in fact would have been a bit to much if it wasn’t balanced with ghoulish humour compliments of Uncle Julian (view spoiler)[ as crackers as the rest but savvy enough to peg Charles as “a damned impertinent puppy”>(hide spoiler)] - a splendid character – as is Jonas the cat. The glowing reviews on this little novella from friends didn’t steer me wrong. If you’re in the mood for something that’s a bit twisted & definitely weird - but in the good way - give it a try.
“It was as though the people needed the ugliness of the village, and fed on it. The houses and the stores seemed to have been set up in contemptuous haste to provide shelter for the drab and the unpleasant.”
Published in 1959 the classic apocalyptic novel that stunned the world! Late to the party I’ve read very little classic Sci-Fi, a wonderful introductiPublished in 1959 the classic apocalyptic novel that stunned the world! Late to the party I’ve read very little classic Sci-Fi, a wonderful introduction. Bit of a slow build-up but persevere, not until the bomb drops does it really get interesting. Then it’s all action played out by a diverse group of characters, plenty worthy of rooting for. Because she shared my name I couldn’t help but love the gossipy old biddy that worked for Western Union & new everybody's business. "Florence is a guppy, a nice, drab little guppy. That's why she'll survive." More than the heroes I preferred the imperfect characters. An idealistic doctor turned bitter by a wanton wife. Rita the femme fatale who had the audacity to combine high heels with costume jewelry, shorts and halter top - her hobby was men. His choice of bad guys was pretty interesting, (view spoiler)[bunch of crazed white-trash drug addicts. Oddly enough added to the mix the sin of being gamblers, wandered in from Nevada I assume (hide spoiler)] the bonding & teamwork after catastrophe hit made for an inspirational rather than depressing read. We’re not talking great lit. While the writing style is simplistic the message is not and every bit as relevant as the day it was written there are no real winners in a nuclear war. There are undertones of racism, guess that’s to be expected given when it was written - mixing of races was still a radical concept back then, in fairness kudos to the author for writing it into the story line. Women don’t fair any better “The more he learned about women the more there was to learn except that he had learned this: they needed a man around’ a personal favorite. Kept in perspective you’ll enjoy a novel both entertaining and thought provoking. Out of my comfort zone I wouldn’t have read this without a push from my GR buddy Jim. Highly recommend as a group read. With Jim at the helm we had a blast - half of us now hoarding tins of coffee & cans of gasoline.
Cons: The main protagonist a bit of a caricature, the love interests a little too flat.
Remember being addicted to dark fairytales like Aesop’s & Grimm’s as a kid? Then at around ten figuring it’s time you grew up, setting them aside & heRemember being addicted to dark fairytales like Aesop’s & Grimm’s as a kid? Then at around ten figuring it’s time you grew up, setting them aside & heading over to the library teen section? Have you missed them all these years? Check out magical realism. Hey, the same twisted supernatural tales, riddled with conflict & hidden meanings –repackaged for grownups! Practical Magic was published long before another of this genre I just read - Garden Spells - they’re both good and pretty similar. Quirky - feature a couple of sisters with polar opposite personalities - share the same understated magical elements. Where ‘Garden Spells’ was nice it was pretty much sweetness & light. This is better, improved by a darker twist – it is about witches after all. Its theme the importance of sticking together as a family; doesn’t matter if they’re a bunch of weird misfits – still family. And as every good fairytale should its got a lesson: Be careful what you wish for…. For its genre of magical-realism 4 well deserved stars
Con’s: With every female in it a flawless beauty the realism aspect kinda went out the window. My intro to reading Alice Hoffman, hopefully all her characters aren’t written this way – that would wear thin real fast.
“A mist appears. It’s the color of regret; it’s the color of heartbreak, the gray of doves and early morning” ...more
This sounded great! About a working dog (don’t even get me started, I’m fanatical in my admiration) and a police officer both struggling with PTSD. MaThis sounded great! About a working dog (don’t even get me started, I’m fanatical in my admiration) and a police officer both struggling with PTSD. Maggie the dog was a bomb sniffer in Afghanistan, Scott an LAPD cop. Both lost their partners, both are wounded - unable to function - that is till they meet and form a healing bond. Well written, the debilitating symptoms of PTSD described with finesse. I mean what’s not to like? An interesting touch Scott doesn’t even LIKE dogs, only chose a K-9 career because he couldn’t face losing another partner. The point of view by Maggie was handled well – didn’t find it corny, her focus on preserving the pack rang true. Add to that it’s written by a highly respected author I’ve been looking forward to trying out. So what went wrong? Short on the police procedural department, the unraveling of his partner’s murder formula stuff, a satisfying but predictable outcome. The characters felt flat with the notable exception of the Sergeant in charge of the dog handling unit – he rocked. And while I knew it was coming I still wasn’t prepared – the bit where Maggie’s partner dies? Overdone, reeked of emotional manipulation. Okay – overreaction – I really need to grow up. Weaned on *Greyfriars Bobby, add to that personal experience with messed up abandoned dogs - any story about a dog unable to deal with losing their owner and I’m a puddle. So not saying this isn’t worth reading because it is. A quick read, entertaining escapism, a solid 3 stars, I just expected a bit more.
"They will see and witness your greatest shame, and will not judge you! These dogs will be the truest and best partners you can ever hope to have, and they will give their lives for you. And all they ask, all they want or need, all it costs YOU to get ALL of that, is a simple word of kindness."
*Greyfriars Bobby: In 19th-century Edinburgh Bobby was a wee terrier famous for his unwavering devotion – legend has it he couldn’t be coaxed away from sleeping on the grave of his owner where he remained till the day he died. ...more
It’s an imaginative tale with a fable-like quality. Bod, the lone survivor of the murder of his entire family finds protection and comfort in the oddeIt’s an imaginative tale with a fable-like quality. Bod, the lone survivor of the murder of his entire family finds protection and comfort in the oddest of places – a graveyard. A story of murder, survival and retribution chalk full of dead people that somehow manages to be both dark & cheerful at the same time – like how Gaiman pulled that off. An easy, entertaining read - young adult leaning towards children’s - fun to read at any age. Fast moving plot right from this hook of an opening line "There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife." The world building handled so well it seemed perfectly reasonable that a child could be raised in a graveyard by a bunch of ghosts, though I did wonder how he bathed. For me it's most memorable scene the dance with the dead. "Time to work and time to play, Time to dance the Macabray"
Full of ghouls, werewolves & all sorts of supernatural creatures with murderer Jack taking top billing in the evil department. Wonderful characters; Bod’s personal guardian Silas is outstanding as a creature neither living or dead - he get’s the best lines. "It is going to take more than just a couple of good-hearted souls to raise this child. It will take a graveyard."
Thanks for the words of wisdom, a reminder to live life to the fullest. "truly, life is wasted on the living"
3 ½ stars rounded up to 4 ________________________________________ Kiss a lover, dance a measure, Find your name and buried treasure Face your life, its pain, its pleasure, Leave no path untaken ...more
A darkly comedic novel, fresh and just plain fun. Ignore the screaming chick-lit cover & book blurb, obviously the marketing department was calling thA darkly comedic novel, fresh and just plain fun. Ignore the screaming chick-lit cover & book blurb, obviously the marketing department was calling the shots. Recently released from a 4 year gig in a mental institution, Pat People is fixated on reconciling with his ex-wife. With heartbreaking tunnel-vision he believes as long as he has an uber-positive attitude he’ll win her back. It’s a great debut, a quirky story that grapples with an eclectic mix of subjects including mental illness, the dynamics of a dysfunctional family, love, rejection, football & dancing. Pathos & humour brought to you by a truly jaw dropping glimpse into the cult like fanaticism of seriously obsessed sports fans and the lunacy of a “Dance Away Depression" competition. For a good 1/3 of the book I was thinking give me a break, enough with the ‘behind every cloud is a silver lining’ shtick. That is till the sheer force of Pat’s personality won me over. Imagine Forrest Gump with a major attitude problem prone to fits of rage. Yes it’s a bit predictable, I didn’t care. Plus any book with an uplifting message seems to get pegged as lightweight. Disagree - it managed to avoid the cheese factor with a reality check. Life can be brutal – but in a good way.
For originality and pure entertainment value 4 ½ stars. Made me feel good, I'm rounding up to 5
Not spoilers just Pat’s thoughts on classic American literature and offered as a taste of the humour. If you're not amused doubtful you'll like the book, I'd say give it a pass.(view spoiler)[ A Farewell to Arms Hemingway’s best love story. I eagerly crack open the book and can feel myself getting smarter as I turn the first few pages. But the novel is nothing but a trick. He thinks up the worst ending imaginable: I will not be quoting Hemingway anytime soon, nor will I ever read another one of his books. And if he were still alive, I would write him a letter right now and threaten to strangle him dead with my bare hands just for being so glum. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath: At first, even though it is really depressing, this book excites me because it deals with mental health, a subject I am very interested in. Esther loses her virginity, hemorrhages during the process, and almost bleeds to death—like Catherine in A Farewell to Arms— and I do wonder why women are always hemorrhaging in American literature. I actually rip the book in half and throw the two halves at my bedroom wall. (hide spoiler)]...more
Deliciously disturbing, a modern fairytale with a surrealistic feel. I mean you’re stuck in an alternate dimension with parents with sewed on buttons Deliciously disturbing, a modern fairytale with a surrealistic feel. I mean you’re stuck in an alternate dimension with parents with sewed on buttons for eyes, friendless except for a talking cat with a bad attitude. Coraline is totally believable; a bored sweet kid who gets herself into and out of a terrifying situation by being gutsy & resourceful. So unless you figure you’ve outgrown fairytales (which is kind of a shame) what’s not to like about it?
Nasty flu & a crummy day at work had me pretty well pissed off at the world. Crawled into bed early in a definite funk, figured I’d try a few pages of this little novella. Riveted I read it cover to cover. Snuggled under a pile of blankets, suitable ambience provided by a fierce rainstorm slashing at my windowpane I felt like I was ten again. Bliss. Finished in a couple of hours,when I drifted off to sleep I was feeling almost human. Sometimes a good story cures all that ails ya:)
I’m a Gaiman fan so take this with a grain of salt. People tend to disdain contemporary novels so give it another 50 years. I’m betting this will earn its place among classics like Hansel & Gretel, Alice In Wonderland & Pinocchio. Okay, maybe I'm stretching it with Pinocchio…
For the genre of creepy fairytales 4 ½ stars. ________________________________________ “She stepped out of the way as the thing clicked and scuttled past her and out of the house, running crablike on its too-many tapping, clicking, scurrying feet. She knew what it was, and she knew what it was after. Five-footed, crimson-nailed, the color of bone.”...more
Florence (Lefty)
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Books:
2013
(45)
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