Review: Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think that I've found my favorite book of 2012. THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. IT CANNOT BE MISSED. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone and everyone. It's beautiful - the writing, the story, the characters, and everything else. It's all beautiful.

Books rarely make me FEEL something. But, this one really connected to me in a way that I didn't expect at all. I was so taken with every single aspect of this book. I can't recommend it highly enough. It resonated with me on so many levels. It's a coming of age story but its also a story about compassion, family, love, friendship and growing into yourself.

The main character, June, spoke to me in so many ways - she has such a unique and beautiful voice! She is unlike most people and that is what I really love about her. She knows who she is and she's OK with who she is. She is comfortable in her own skin in a way that I wish we all were.

I am not going to say much because I don't want to ruin the book. All I can say is this - don't miss this book, it's beautiful, it's a GREAT read, and the writing is so good. If you don't read another book this year, read this one. Seriously. It's worth taking the time to read. In fact, its so worth it, that I plan to buy this one and re-read it. I feel like I have to have a copy nearby so I can revisit the story again one day. I rarely (ok, usually never) re-read books. With the exception of Beach Music by Pat Conroy which I have read numerous times. This one is right up there with Beach Music for me - a book you want to revisit again because it gets under your skin!

After finishing it, I immediately called several friends to tell them that they HAVE to pick it up and read it. I loved it that much. I highly recommend it. Without a doubt, this is my favorite book of this year. And I cannot wait to see what Carol Rifka Brunt has coming in the future.

And I also want to note that this book has one of the best explanations of how it feels to be shy (introverted) in an extroverted world ... it hits the nail on the head for me! THIS is how I feel at social events and parties -

“That's what being shy feels like. Like my skin is too thin, the light too bright. Like the best place I could possibly be is in a tunnel far under the cool, dark earth. Someone asks me a question and I stare at them, empty-faced, my brain jammed up with how hard I'm trying to find something interesting to say. And in the end, all I can do is nod or shrug, because the light of their eyes looking at me, waiting for me, is just too much to take. And then it's over and there's one more person in the world who thinks I'm a complete and total waste of space.
The worst thing is the stupid hopefulness. Every new party, every new bunch of people, and I start thinking that maybe this is my chance. That I'm going to be normal this time. A new leaf. A fresh start. But then I find myself at the party, thinking, Oh, yeah. This again.
So I stand on the edge of things, crossing my fingers, praying nobody will try to look me in the eye. And the good thing is, they usually don't.” ― Carol Rifka Brunt, Tell the Wolves I'm Home

What are you doing??? GO READ THIS BOOK!!! :)

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Review: Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff

Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is without a doubt one of the most unusual novels that I've ever read but I shouldn't be surprised ... that is Matt Ruff in a nutshell. He has such a unique voice and gives his readers such amazing experiences in reading! And this novel is no exception!

This is a difficult book to describe but its really a mash up of a lot of different kinds of books - thriller, mystery, and more. It's certainly what I'd describe as a wild, mind bending ride! Twists and turns abound throughout the novel. You're never entirely sure where you are or what is truly happening yet you cannot stop reading because its all so compelling!

I don't think this will be a book for everyone - you have to let go of your preconceived notions and just suspend disbelief which isn't something everyone can or wants to do. It's out there. It's different. It's even odd. But, if you're open to it, I think its a fantastic book that really takes you on a great ride, challenging you to think about things in new and interesting ways!

I've never read anything like this and I think that it was definitely worth the read. Compelling story, great writing and unique plot! Matt Ruff has done it again!

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Review: The Book of Joe by Jonathan Tropper

The Book of Joe by Jonathan Tropper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I just love Jonathan Tropper ... something about his writing and characters just speaks to me. Although this particular novel wasn't quite as good as This Is Where I Leave You, it's a really good novel that was a joy to read. I laughed, I cried and everything in between. Tropper just has a way of making you FEEL as you read - the good, the bad and the ugly. This book definitely reminded me of the TV show October Road (which was one of my favs before it was cancelled way too early).

I wouldn't say the plot is mind blowingly original but I think it was well done and kept my interest throughout. It's really the characters that make this book stand out for me. This entire novel is essentially a study of human relationships and emotional growth.

I really liked this one and definitely recommend it to anyone interested in a novel that has warmth, humor, and interesting characters. It's a fairly quick and easy read ... but one that is definitely worth the time.

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Review: Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this novel - what a cool idea! The world building here is outstanding and really makes this book great! I can't think of another novel that I've ever read that covers this territory in this way - Imaginary Friends!

This is a novel that is deceptively easy to read and seemingly simple. Yet, it's much more complex than it appears as you read. After finishing, I realized just how effectively the author pulled it all together - he took something that could have been very complex and made it feel easy and simple.

As a parent, this book really expressed a number of of things that really resonated with me. I truly enjoyed the experience of reading this book. The pacing was fantastic, the character development was great and I thought the writing was good.

This is a book that I definitely recommend to anyone. Very nice, unique story with a really interesting perspective and voice. I am so glad I took the time to read this one!

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Review: Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although I didn't love this one quite as much as Gone Girl, I think it might be my next favorite of Gillian Flynn's books. She's very dark and twisty but never boring or predictable! I think this is one of those books that will stick with me awhile - it's almost haunting!

As is typically the case with Gillian Flynn's characters, each and every one of them has a myriad of flaws. In fact, most of them are just one big bundle of flaws. And they interact with one another in extremely unhealthy ways. Gillian Flynn's ability to weave all of these different strings into a really interesting, well paced story. And although some pieces were obvious to me as we went along, others really snuck up on me and made me practically gasp aloud as the next thing was unearthed.

This definitely isn't a novel to read when you're feeling down or low but if you can handle the darkness, it's a fantastic wild ride through dysfunction! It is disturbing and definitely made me uncomfortable at moments but I didn't want to put it down. I had to follow it through. And I'm so glad that I did. I definitely recommend it but not for the faint of heart. If you can't handle darkness, dysfunction, violence and ugliness, this may not be the novel for you. But, if you can handle it, this is definitely a worthwhile read!

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Review: The Night Season by Chelsea Cain

The Night Season by Chelsea Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this next book in one of my favorite series right now. I was worried this one wouldn't be great since I didn't think the previous book in the series was as strong as 1 & 2. I'm hoping that #3 was just an anomaly! If this book is any indication, I think that might be correct!

Although Gretchen Lowell is not really more than a quick mention in this book, her influence permeates every page due to her lasting impact on Archie. I love Archie and Susan so this book really gave Chelsea Cain a chance to give the reader some dedicated time with them!

The story was well done and unique. Lots of intrigue and good overall storytelling. And I love how Susan's character developed throughout this novel - she was Susan at her best! Chelsea Cain does a fantastic time creating a Portland that I can see and feel, almost as if I'm there.

I really enjoyed this one and look forward to getting into the fifth book in the series soon!


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Review: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book had so much potential and I was so excited to read it after hearing so many good things from people that I respect! And its a good book but its not quite the book that I was hoping for ... and expecting. I am giving it a 4 star rating but its really more of a 3 and a half to me.

I love mythology so I was excited to read this book which centers around Achilles and Patroclus. The mythological aspects of the novel were fantastic and engaging. Overall, the book really started strong for me but it lost steam somewhere in the middle and I didn't feel like it ever quite recovered from that. And that is what is so sad for me - if it had stayed strong beyond the middle, I think it could have been a 5 star. I feel like it was perhaps in need of a bit more editing to be really great.

Many have called this a romantic book and although the novel centers around a romance, it never felt romantic to me for some reason. I loved getting to know Patroclus throughout the book - such an interesting and multifaceted character as developed by Madeline Miller.

I believe this is Madeline Miller's first novel which could perhaps be part of the problem I had with the book - the pacing was off and a bit more editing was needed. BUT, overall, it was an enjoyable read. I liked it. I just wanted to love it so much!

Definitely not one of my favorite reads of the year but definitely worth a read especially if someone has an interest in mythology. I am eager to see what Madeline Miller brings in the future as she has intrigued me with this effort.

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Review: Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After hearing a number of friends rave about this novel (and seeing that beautiful cover art), I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one! And I certainly wasn't disappointed! What a fantastic little novel! I had no expectations going in. And I was definitely pleasantly surprised by how lovely this novel was to read! It's one of those novels that reads so effortlessly, appears to be a light sort of novel but is really a more complex, in depth novel when you scratch below the surface. Or at least that is how it felt to me.

It took me about 30 pages to get sucked into the story but once I was, I was IN. 100% in. It grabbed me and didn't let go until the final sentence. Which is refreshing and surprisingly rare these days!

This is a novel about so many things - forgiveness, choices, family, and even redemption. Yet, it is a quiet sort of novel. No huge crises or tensions to make you think WOW. It's more of a journey through the lives of a group of people who weave in and out of the novel. They are definitely connected but they are also separate journeys, many in parallel, that each teach another nuance of the overall story. Jess Walter weaves these stories together so effortlessly and makes the entire novel so readable. Yet, its never simple or easy. Just fluid and effortless.

This is a novel that reads like a summer sort of 'beach read' yet it's really so much more nuanced than what you'd usually call a beach read. I think its a special book in that way. This book is a charming read that I really enjoyed. I think its something almost anyone would enjoy and get something out of. What a gem! I'm so glad that I found this one!

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Review: The Mirage by Matt Ruff

The Mirage by Matt Ruff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I heard an interview with Matt Ruff about this novel and the discussion was so fascinating that I immediately went and began reading it. The premise is certainly compelling - taking 9/11 and turning it inside and out into an alternative history. What a fascinating idea! And since I loved how amazing Matt Ruff's novel Set This House In Order was, I thought that this may be a great next Ruff novel for me. And its a good, solid novel. It's not quite as good as I'd hoped but its definitely worth a read for those interested in the topic.

My biggest issue with the novel was the pacing. It took me a long time to wade through this one and there were times that I had to make myself pick it up. And other times, I didn't want to put it down. It was just inconsistent in that way. Which is why its being rated 3 stars. Although, in the end, I think the read was a good one, I don't think it was quite as great as I'd hoped it would be.

On the other hand, Matt Ruff's imagining of this alternate history is alone worth the read. I found his pulling all the pieces together and looking at them in a new way fascinating! I think Matt Ruff is a genius at this sort of thing! He is clever and his pulling the various pieces of reality together in the alternate view of history is really breathtaking and thought provoking! Although I didn't love how all of those pieces ultimately played out in the novel, I can look at them objectively and see how clever and current they were. Especially some of the tiny details which made me chuckle (CSI: Halal, for example).

I definitely think this is a novel worth reading but I also think it has a number of flaws that make it less than what it could have been. But, given how complex an undertaking this entire enterprise was for Matt Ruff, I think he and his novel deserve a read! Even with its imperfections, it's pretty compelling!

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Review: Broken Harbour by Tana French

Broken Harbour by Tana French

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Tana French does it again! I love how consistently fantastic her novels are ... each and every one of them is well worth the read! She is able to put literary fiction, psychological thrillers and police procedurals together in a way that is unlike anything I've ever read! Although the whodunit pieces of her novels are always compelling, I think its the why and how of her novels where she really stands out. She gives you more than just a mystery or a good police whodunit. Although those aspects are fantastic, the way she gets into the minds of the characters and the way that she explores humanity at its best and worst is where she truly excels!

Although I think The Likeness was and is my favorite of her novels, this one is probably now my second favorite. First and foremost, Tana French is a fantastic writer in every way. She paces so well, making the reading experience such a pleasure. Sometimes I'm not sure where she's going but I'm having a fantastic time getting there. And then, when I get there, I'm amazed at how effectively she got me where she needed me without ever boring or frustrating me. In fact, I suspect that Tana French could write about pretty much anything and I'd love every moment of reading it. Something about her writing style really resonates with me. And, frankly, she is incredibly skilled at bringing people and places alive in ways that most writers can only dream of. Although she does places well in all of her novels, this one is the best yet! The setting of this novel is as much a character as any of the people in the novel.

This novel just got under my skin, making me question everything and anything. There was much in this novel that I could relate to as a mother, wife, child, friend, etc. It was successful for me BECAUSE of how it made me see how close any one of us can be to the brink of so many disastrous things - homelessness, hardship, and even the unspeakable. It was an eye opening and thoughtful look at the economy's impact to individual lives as well as the impact of madness to individuals, families and communities.

I definitely recommend this novel. It's a fantastic novel that will not only keep you on the edge of your seat but it will also compel you to think about things you may not have considered. Really ... this is a well done novel that I can't say enough good things about. I can't wait to see what she has coming for us in the next novel!



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Review: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It feels like it took me forever to get through this book for a number of reasons (including misplacing my paperback for several weeks) but I have to say that by the end, I was BLOWN AWAY by this book, its message, and how much it gave me to think about.

The dual narrative helped keep the pacing moving effectively. The reading is dense but not slow. There is just so much packed into each chapter that it takes awhile for the reader to absorb it. Also, there are so many characters and narratives needing introduction and elaboration that it took time for Mary Doria Russell to really prepare the reader for what was to come. In retrospect, she did it so effectively that I can't believe how much she really packed in without ever making me feel bored or irritated. Amazing!

This books strength lies in the philosophical exploration that it takes you on emotionally and spiritually. This is a thoughtful book that makes you look at the world and your inner feelings in new ways. The book is so beautifully layered with nuances that come together so seamlessly as the novel concludes. I'm really in awe of how effectively Mary Doria Russell told this story without going overboard on the philosophy. The story is beautifully told, brutally felt and enormously impactful to the reader.

This is a novel that you need to read and experience for yourself, it would be impossible for me to effectively describe how wonderful this novel is ... it's one that you have to explore for yourself.

I also want to mention that this is in no way what I'd characterize as a Christian book - not that there is anything wrong with Christian books. But, I want to be sure to point out that it is more of a spiritual book that explores issues of faith, religion and humanity. But, it is in no way preachy or heavy handed.

I recommend this one for EVERY one. Take the time to savor it, give it time ... it takes awhile to really get engaged in the story but it is so worth it. It won't be long until you're staying up half the night to read 'just one more chapter.' Off to purchase the sequel which I am also hearing wonderful things about ...


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Review: The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This novel has gotten a lot of buzz recently and the premise sounded like something up my alley so I was eager to read it. All in all, I really enjoyed it.

The writing is lovely - there were so many passages that struck me as beautiful and even, on occasion, profound. I found myself highlighting several on my Nook to come back to later.

Although this is very effective dystopic/speculative fiction, its also rather charming and magical which I think is a result of the way Karen Thompson Walker puts words together. Although the book seems to have a depressing premise, the author does a fantastic job of keeping the story whimsical and light while also highlighting the darkness underneath.

The concept of the Earth's rotation slowing down and its consequences on the human race was very compelling but this novel is really more about a girl and her family than about the human race. Both are covered but because of the focus on this family, it feels less a story about the world and more of a story about a family in the midst of something affecting the world. Perhaps its not a huge difference but I think it makes the book have a different slant, one that I think is ultimately more effective. Most of the 'world is ending' type books that you'll find on bookshelves are nothing like this little book. This book is more poetic, more lyrical and more focused than many of those others.

It's not a perfect novel which is why I'm giving just 4 stars but its a really good book worth a read. I think some of what wasn't perfect is the result of this being a debut novel so I cannot wait to see what the future brings for Karen Thompson Walker!

Although I wholeheartedly recommend it, I don't know that it will be interesting to everyone. It's not as fast paced or action oriented as a lot of the 'world is ending' type books you'll find these days - it's more subtle and soft. If you're ok with that, this is definitely a book you should pick up!

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Review: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I'd avoided reading this for awhile because of my reservations about what I kept hearing about Amy Chau's parenting practices. I wasn't sure that I was interested in reading an entire book about that. But, I didn't find it to be nearly as disturbing as I'd expected. I'm not sure what all the fuss is about ... yeah, she's a nut & I think much of her behavior as shown in the book is borderline abusive but I don't find it quite as egregious as many seem to find it. I felt for her children and her husband but I didn't feel the need to call Child Protective Services or something.

I was disturbed more by her attitude throughout the book - the self-satisfaction and the complete and utter inability to be in any way self-reflective. I also just kept wondering what the point was of the book ... it never clearly demonstrated to me what the point of the entire thing WAS. It's not a parenting book, its not quite a memoir, it's not a cultural analysis. I'm still not 100% sure what it is exactly. But, it was a fairly quick and easy read. Nothing difficult about it. I just didn't find it to be life changing or as disturbing as so many seemed to find it. Not sure that I can recommend it unless you have a strong connection to that particular parenting style and want to explore it further.

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Review: Shadown of Night by Deborah Harkness

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Let me warn you up front, this review is going to be a mish mash of my feelings about the book. No rhyme or reason. No cohesive thoughts. No worries over writing well or being clear. (I'm apparently modeling my review after the book itself! LOL)

Oh boy! Although I really loved the first in this trilogy, I was disappointed in this one. I still enjoyed reading it but it isn't nearly as good as the first one. Whereas A Discovery of Witches was engaging and interesting and compelling, this one was slow moving, meandering, and at times seemed pointless. I still like these characters and I liked the new characters introduced in this one (although I have to admit that many in Matthew's 16th century close circle of friends were interchangeable to me - and they never really came into their own).

I liked how the novel took you to the late 1500s in England - experiencing that was probably the most compelling thing about the book beyond the characters. I just felt like the plot never went anywhere. It's almost like the author got so involved in setting the place and characters in Elizabethan times that she forgot to actually move the plot forward in any way.

Whereas the first novel had a very well plotted premise, this one was just all over the place. At times I felt as if I couldn't understand why we even went where we went - nothing seemed to be actually moving the plot forward. And, for me, as much as I enjoyed the visit to the late 1500s, I'd also like to feel like we're DOING something while we are there other than exploring a bunch of new characters and 16th century 'stuff.' The glimpses into Diana's emerging magic and the politics of the time were nice but not enough to save the plot for me.

Another aspect that I found frustrating was how contrived it all was - Matthew in the 1500s is apparently the most connected person on the planet - he knows anyone who is anyone in the late 1500s intimately. I just think that is completely and utterly unrealistic - even within what we know of the character. The entire plot while in England seems to be that they (and their entourage) move from place to place, doing not so interesting things and getting into trouble. Diana learns to be a 16th century woman and has occasional 'lessons' in magic while Matthew does goodness knows with the myriad of famous and connected people that he knows. It just never made sense to me. I know why they came to the 16th century but I never really 'got' the sense that they were actually there doing what they intended to do. Going around in circles over and over is just not compelling fiction. Very frustrating for me.

Time travel is not done well here. At all. It's done so much better elsewhere that its really sad to see it so badly managed in this novel - particularly given how central to the plot it is in this novel.

I still love the characters and that was the novel's saving grace for me. I loved seeing the existing relationships grow and new relationships develop.

The book was entirely too long and too under edited. Someone needed to take a red pen to this one and edit all of the nonsense out. It isn't unusual for sequels to not live up to the original. And that is certainly the case here. For those who hated the first, you will REALLY hate this one. For those who loved the first, you will likely either love this one (apparently some people have loved it) or be, at the very least, disappointed by it.

I was so looking forward to this sequel. And so disappointed in the final product. I didn't hate it (despite the long review of all things icky about the novel). But, I didn't love it. Not even close. It wasn't BAD but it certainly wasn't GOOD.

The escapism of the story and my interest in the characters is compelling me to keep reading and finish the trilogy. However, if you can't get beyond unimpressive prose, bad plotting, and horrible pacing, this probably isn't the novel for you.

(Sorry for all of the rambling ...)

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Review: In One Person by John Irving

In One Person by John Irving
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read someone once say that horrible John Irving novels are still MUCH better than most other people's novels. And after reading this novel, I have to say that I agree wholeheartedly. I think John Irving is a brilliant novelist. Some of his novels have blown me away but all of them have been good. This is not his best by any stretch of the imagination. This is not his masterpiece. But, this is still a good novel that has a great deal to say about identity, tolerance and acceptance.

The Irving hallmarks (boldness, quirky characters, complex plotting) are all here in this novel. You'll also find wrestling, dysfunctional families, prep schools, abortion, single parenting and a reference or two to bears (although not traditional bears).

This novel focuses on sexual identity and really gave me a lot to think about. I think the proportion of sexually unconventional characters in this particular novel is pretty unbelievable but that is classic Irving in my opinion. He takes the quirky and makes it big and puts it upfront and center. So, in the end, I can overcome the fact that there are so many sexually unconventional characters in the relatively small world of this novel.

The pacing of the novel wasn't as strong as some of his other novels. It took a long time for me to get through this novel. I think it is partly because some of the descriptive sequences were under edited. I felt that the narrative would meander around some things for considerably longer than was actually necessary. There was also quite a bit if repetition in the narrative which I found to be too much at times. Although the reading experience was at times slow and meandering, in retrospect, I feel it was an absorbing novel that picked up midway through and stayed strong until the end.

The characters are classic Irving - flawed, quirky, unusual and always compelling. I loved their voices - good and bad. I enjoyed learning about them and what makes them unique. The novel definitely has a strong voice - at times, it reads similarly to a memoir.

Irving really shows his writing prowess during the section of the novel that focuses on the AIDS epidemic. Such compassion and sensitivity there! He really made the terror and devastation of that time in history come alive. That was one of the sections of the novel that was most effective for me.

Upon reflection, I think this is a strong addition to Irving's novels. Although not nearly as good as Garp, A Widow for One Year or the Hotel New Hampshire (my personal favorites), this is a good novel that deserves a read if you're a fan of Irving or if you're particularly interested in themes of sexual identity.

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