"He was tired of having to move so carefully, of having to be so careful. He wanted to be able to skip, for God's sake. He wanted to be Ichigo. He wan"He was tired of having to move so carefully, of having to be so careful. He wanted to be able to skip, for God's sake. He wanted to be Ichigo. He wanted to surf, and ski, and parasail, and fly, and scale mountains and buildings. He wanted to die a million deaths like Ichigo, and no matter what damage was inflicted on his body during the day, he'd wake up tomorrow, new and whole. He wanted Ichigo's life, a lifetime of endless, immaculate tomorrows, free from mistakes and the evidence of having lived. Or if he couldn't be Ichigo, at least he could be back at the apartment, with Sadie and Marx, making Ichigo."
I found this book beautiful--a meaningful story about friendship and tragedy and art, and why we turn to story worlds, and why we turn to the act of creation.
I also really enjoyed learning more about the history of video games. I'd played Oregon Trail when I was a kid, but not many of the others.
Two favorite things: 1. The character of Marx. He is the producer for the video game company, and he admits that he is a "Non Player Character." He's not a character you can choose to play in a video game; he's a side character. But he also holds the world together--he makes things happen. Most of us in life are non player characters, and in the character of Marx, we can see that it's a beautiful role. He's also given the title of "Tamer of Horses." He takes the wild and creative and makes it into something that can be used. It reminds me of the Academy Awards: the person who receives the award for Best Picture is not the director or the screenwriter or the star; it's the producer.
2. The point of view is absolutely fascinating in this book. It's in omniscient point of view, mainly dipping into Sadie and Sam's heads. It will switch back and forth between them at will, in the middle of a scene. There are a few other point of views in the book, for shorter segments (Sam's mom, and Marx). And the other interesting thing about the omniscient point of view is the storytelling, editorializing voice. Things like (and I paraphrase), "In 1990, video games did this/were like this." It's interesting because the narrator gives context and history, and sometimes makes connections between things that have happened or will happened. But it's not overbearing. As a writer, it looks like a very difficult technique to pull off, but Gabrille Zevin did it very well....more
I wasn't expecting to love this book--an only-semi-competent-at-life woman who reads tarot cards and works in a mall didn't initially sound interestinI wasn't expecting to love this book--an only-semi-competent-at-life woman who reads tarot cards and works in a mall didn't initially sound interesting to me, even with the murder added to the mix. But by the time I was three pages in, I was absolutely hooked. The character is so raw and real, the voice is so masterful, it pulls you across the page and into her world, her wants, and her desires. Suddenly I cared about her and her friendship--her murdered friend, one of the only people who hasn't tried to change or fix her.
I liked the character's approach to tarot cards--she's very pragmatic and relies mostly on clues from the person, as well as what she can get them to save about themselves. She's also willing to do a little snooping on someone's phone. Yet sometimes she seems to get a little bit of nudge from the mystical, which worked really well.
I liked how the main character isn't working against the police, but nor is she working for them--it's a bit of a parallel case, with some exchange of information. I also really liked the main character's family--her brother is amazing, and even though her sister and parents stress her out, they do mean well, and I like how things develop between them throughout the story.
This book won the Mary Higgins Clark Award. It's light on profanity overall, though it does have a couple of F-words in a few key moments....more
I'm going to Paris this summer, so naturally, I needed to read a mystery novel set in Paris by a French author.
This novel did not disappoint--wonderfuI'm going to Paris this summer, so naturally, I needed to read a mystery novel set in Paris by a French author.
This novel did not disappoint--wonderful twists and turns, great settings, and a detective we could root for, who is down and out on her luck. Yet this novel also defied my expectations, I think in part because I'm used to American and British mysteries/thrillers, and this book seemed to be using a slightly different set of conventions. I'll talk a little more about that in my spoilers section of the review below. But first, I'll mention that I liked the use of Greek mythology, and particularly the idea of how mythology is interpreted and used throughout history.
And now for the spoilers section of the review... . . . They're going to be big spoilers. . . . . (view spoiler)[ This book didn't have a happy ending! The detective solves the case, but there is no way for her to stop the final crime from being committed!!!!
It was definitely not what I was expecting, and gave the book a tragic arc. Which in many ways makes sense, since the book is dealing with Greek tragedies. However, it's not what I expected in a detective story--which partly made it more poignant.
I also thought it was interesting that the "acting" of the criminals was done so well that the man went to his death willingly, knowing but not knowing--playing the part they had scripted for him without ever seeing the script. (hide spoiler)]...more
One of the most beautiful, well-crafted books I've read in a long time. It mixes mystery, mythology, and history--all the things I love. There was pleOne of the most beautiful, well-crafted books I've read in a long time. It mixes mystery, mythology, and history--all the things I love. There was plenty of heartache and struggle in the book, but also moments of redemption. I suspect this is one of those that books that will stay with me....more
A beautiful reimagining of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. This novel is beautiful and heart wrenching all at once--I highly recommend iA beautiful reimagining of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. This novel is beautiful and heart wrenching all at once--I highly recommend it.
ETA: I didn't give this book the review it deserved, so here's a few more reflections a month later: -This is the sort of book that sinks into your soul, that latches on to the imagination and won't let go. -My changing the point of view character, this book has shifted my thoughts not just on Mark Twain's original story, but on the history of the time and place. -This book is filled with empowerment--giving a character a voice humanizes them. -All of the seemingly nonsensical things from the original novel--crazy coincidences, drastic consequences, separations and reunions, etc.--still happen in this book. But there's a little more rhyme and reason to them, or at the least, James acknowledges and recognizes them. -There's a beautiful moment near the end of the book that adds poignant depth to Huck and Jim's relationship. -Now I want to reread Huckleberry Finn and then reread this book....more
A dual timeline mystery/thriller that's dark and twisty, with some old school Stephen King vibes, and elements that fantasy-horror fans will really liA dual timeline mystery/thriller that's dark and twisty, with some old school Stephen King vibes, and elements that fantasy-horror fans will really like. Kurian masterfully handled six different POV characters in two timelines, which was most impressive....more
A delightful mystery novel in which a detective teams up with a psychic travel agent to solve crimes. The main character was quirky and engaging, and A delightful mystery novel in which a detective teams up with a psychic travel agent to solve crimes. The main character was quirky and engaging, and the story unfolded quickly. It was interesting seeing paranormal or fantasy elements weaved in to a mystery novel, while keeping it grounded in a feeling of normalcy and possibility.
Also, psychic karaoke sounds awesome. Sign me up....more
Absolutely delightful! A truly cozy fantasy novel, where the stakes are about getting tasty rolls and whether or not the bookstore will survive anotheAbsolutely delightful! A truly cozy fantasy novel, where the stakes are about getting tasty rolls and whether or not the bookstore will survive another week. Loved it....more
I enjoyed the prequel so much that I had to read the original book. Once again, delightful. I'm a huge fan of the "high fantasy low stakes" novel. I dI enjoyed the prequel so much that I had to read the original book. Once again, delightful. I'm a huge fan of the "high fantasy low stakes" novel. I did prefer the other book, but that might be partly due to my reading order (the author recommends reading this one first, apparently)....more
Page-turning mystery where past and present collide. Ann Cleeves is skilled at jumping between multiple viewpoints, while keeping a few main characterPage-turning mystery where past and present collide. Ann Cleeves is skilled at jumping between multiple viewpoints, while keeping a few main characters....more
I loved this spin on the mystery-fantasy crossover genre.
An assistant investigator with a perfect memory and secrets he needs to hide. A primary invesI loved this spin on the mystery-fantasy crossover genre.
An assistant investigator with a perfect memory and secrets he needs to hide. A primary investigator with Sherlock Holmes-esque genius but also a desire to never leave her house. An original fantasy world where the oft-praised things (the sword, outward power) are not what ultimately matters. A murder that unravels a larger series of murders.
I found the book delightful. In many ways, you can tell that the author was originally a mystery author--that's what takes center stage. This is my new favorite Robert Jackson Bennett novel, and I look forward to reading future books in the series....more
I absolutely adored this Edwardian mystery novel. Horseracing meets Downton Abbey meets MURDER. I loved the use of multiple POVs, and shuffling betweeI absolutely adored this Edwardian mystery novel. Horseracing meets Downton Abbey meets MURDER. I loved the use of multiple POVs, and shuffling between the rich American heiress who is never seen as good enough for British society, and the impoverished but titled hero who quickly begins to fall for her. Horseracing and horse breeding isn't something I knew much about, and so I loved reading about it in this book.
Great interweaving of history. I felt like I was there with the characters. I also loved the humor. And now I need to devour the rest of the books in the series....more
Another great Brandon Sanderson secret project. Loved the character and his transformation, and the world. HOWEVER, in order for the first third of thAnother great Brandon Sanderson secret project. Loved the character and his transformation, and the world. HOWEVER, in order for the first third of this book to make any sense, you really should have read: -The first 3 books from the Stormlight Archive series. AND/OR at least two of the the following: -Warbreaker -Elantris -Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell
My daughter is reading this book and really struggling with it. The only Sanderson Cosmere novels she has read are the Mistborn series, Tress, and Yumi, and those are NOT helping her understand what is going on. I've tried to give her a primer, but I'm not sure it's working.
The good thing is you don't have to have read any of them recently. It's like a mythology, that if you have enough exposure to it, then things make sense. It's a rather brave thing to write a book that requires so much outside knowledge for full enjoyment. Sanderson can get away with it, but most authors can't....more
A rollicking delight. This retells portions of Pride and Prejudice from Lydia Bennet's perspective, and takes us beyond the book to see what happens tA rollicking delight. This retells portions of Pride and Prejudice from Lydia Bennet's perspective, and takes us beyond the book to see what happens to her and to other characters, like Georgiana. In the book, Lydia is a witch, and despite all evidence to the contrary, she certainly does not like Wickham, who is a literal demon. There's magic and power and British mythology and love and loss. The book is quite funny, and while it doesn't necessarily redeem Lydia Bennet (she spends lengthy passages attempting to prove how wicked she is) it makes you look at the original story in a new light....more
This is one of those cases when I find it delightful that the source text (this book) and the adaptation (Bones) are wildly different. I loved the serThis is one of those cases when I find it delightful that the source text (this book) and the adaptation (Bones) are wildly different. I loved the series Bones years ago when I watched it, but I also like this book. Yes, the main character is a forensic anthropologist and is named Temperance Brennan, but she is much more emotional and less rational, she lives in Quebec, etc. The book details a very violent series of crimes. I loved the science. There was a large cast of other characters she was interacting with in different ways.
My favorite part of the book, that made me laugh out loud, was the very 1995-esque Internet/computer references. The character explains in rapture how email works, and that she's able to use her laptop, at home! The police office has begun digitizing records, and they have fun with computer database searches. ...more
I can see why this is one of the most famous works of French literature. It was a compelling story of not just one woman's journey (and descent), but I can see why this is one of the most famous works of French literature. It was a compelling story of not just one woman's journey (and descent), but also the responsibility and culpability of her family and the community around her.
I read a new translation of the book by Adam Thorpe, which is really attentive to the language and capturing the feel, style, and subtleties of the original book.
This book shocked much of French society at the time, and yet it was also wildly popular... it was on of French Impressionist painter Berthe Morisot's favorite books....more
My favorite book of Sanderon's secret novels. I love how this focuses so deeply on both brush painting and rock stacking, the meaning of art, and a coMy favorite book of Sanderon's secret novels. I love how this focuses so deeply on both brush painting and rock stacking, the meaning of art, and a complicated relationship....more
Engaging science fiction mystery, featuring a Jessica Fletcher-esque protagonist who runs into murders wherever she goes, even when she goes to an aliEngaging science fiction mystery, featuring a Jessica Fletcher-esque protagonist who runs into murders wherever she goes, even when she goes to an alien space station with almost no other humans. The worldbuilding and the aliens were just as interesting and twisty as the mystery itself. In the second half of the book, it split from single POV into giving us POV backgrounds from a number of other characters....more
Another delightful Scalzi sci-fi romp, in which the main character inherits a villain empire from an estranged uncle. Hilarious and I loved the role pAnother delightful Scalzi sci-fi romp, in which the main character inherits a villain empire from an estranged uncle. Hilarious and I loved the role played by the cats....more
While I have read quite a few Elizabeth Peters novels, this is my first Jacqueline Kirby mystery. It's a rather short book, and a fast read, and it's While I have read quite a few Elizabeth Peters novels, this is my first Jacqueline Kirby mystery. It's a rather short book, and a fast read, and it's fascinating because it's told from the perspective of a non-detective character. It keeps the suspense high because someone is trying to kill the main character, and because she doesn't know all the details of the investigation. The narrator is partly a Watson to Kirby's Holmes, but it also have very much of a modern thriller feel because of the pacing and the threat against her person....more
Loading...
