| August books |
[Tuesday
August 19th] |
 Dope (Dope) by Sara Gran.
This starts promising but fizzles in the end even with the surprise ending. The 50's New York is well done, so is the drug scene. The problem is more one of character motivation and a weak lead character. Not every character can be pull off a Philip Marlowe. Josephine doesn't. Too naive, too green, she's easily manipulated and doesn't know it. Marlowe always knows he's being pushed in one particular direction and doesn't fool himself that he controls the game. So good for the atmosphere but very average in the character department.
 Fais pas ta rosière (The Little Sister) by Raymond Chandler.
This plot has so many twists and turns it effectively twirl the reader around and sideways but manages to never make you sick. You get the nice girl, the bad girl, the very bad girl, a few psychotic killers and a somewhat out of control Marlowe that tries to make some sense out of a very bad situation. Nothing is what it seems and the good guys aren't always wearing white hats. A solid plot, characters that make you care about them even if they are soooo bad. Like this one a lot.
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| I'm a sad little bunny. |
[Monday
August 18th] |
Right now, I'm kind of at that in-between stage where I'm not crying, but I'm extremely sad. Crying over people is usually pretty rare for me, but this got to me.
One of my friends(the person I'm probably closest to) from the Buzzwire chats has a 3cm brain tumor, and at the moment, there's nothing all that much that they can do for it.
No one saw this coming, probably least of all her, but we're all floored by it and it's just fucking sad and wrong and unfair.
The worst part? I can barely stand to hold a conversation with her right now, because it makes me cry, and I know that's selfish and I feel fucking horrible about it, but it's true. If I try to talk, I feel like I'm being cold and aloof, but I'm really just trying to hold back on saying things I know she doesn't need to hear right now. She's got enough to deal with without us all crying over it.
I'm just sad about it. This shit just isn't fair.
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3 * Make Me Scream
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| My musical taste...says I might like some Phelpedo love. |
[Sunday
August 17th] |
To explain that, I like equal parts pop rock/discotheque/etc and hip hop/rap/R&B.
Maybe I should just go fuck Cullen Jones. He needs some lovin.
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6 * Make Me Scream
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| August Books |
[Sunday
August 17th] |
 Temeraire Black Powder War by Naomi Novik.
Third novel in this wonderful series of dragons in Napoleonians time. This one felt a little long in some parts unlike the first two. The Prussian campaign was a bit too long for my taste. I liked the whole silk road trip. I've read a lot on that area and how caravans travelled across the silk road. It was really done well. I liked the feral dragons and how the role they played in the novel. I have no idea how Temeraire is going to reconcile his view of dragon's rights to the reality of Laurence's England. But it's going to be fun to find out.
 Amuse Bouche by Anthony Bidulka.
Canadian writer. Story is set in Saskatoon of all places. Russell Quant, ex cop, is working as a PI. Bidulka paints vivid images of his city and the people. So Russell is gay, big deal. The strength of the novel is the plot and clues the reader is given along the way. I liked Russell, I liked his friends and how he goes doing his business. I liked how Bidulka built up the suspense and finally had Russell put two and two together. A very nice surprise. Will read the next novel in this series.
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| The Name Of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch |
[Sunday
August 17th] |
The Blurb On The Back:
Warning: Do not read this book!
... For amongst its strange and alarming contents you will fin:
two extraordinary adventurers ...
a missing magician's diary ...
a symphony of smells ...
and a deadly secret.
But wait, you already know too much! It is too late. I'm afraid nothing will stop you now. Open the book if you must. But, please, tell no one.
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
In trying too hard to create an artificial sense of humour, Bosch has created an artificial, oddly lifeless book that lacks charm. This is a shame because a book about synaesthesia has the potential to be fascinating and it seems that Bosch's intention is to develop a series around it. Unfortunately, I'm not interested in reading more about Cass's or Max-Earnest's adventures.
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| So a funny thing happened on the way to the forum... |
[Monday
August 18th] |
I know I haven't updated in a while, but I have to share what happened.
Tonight I went out to find dinner with another observer. We had dinner, found some drinks, I did some Karaoke. Well, we come back, walk into the apartment and one of the other guys (Sam) walks out, we ask if he's the only one there and he says that he was until about a minute before when someone came in, climbed into bed with him and then climbed onto the top bunk and was using a chair as a blanket. I go in, realize i've never seen this guy before and go upstairs to see if either of the other apartments is missing a drunk guy. They say no so I go back downstairs. Aparently it's a drunk native homeless (we're assuming homeless) guy. There quite a few homeless people in the neighborhood and even more drunks/druggies.
Aparently while Sam was asleep he'd wandered in, got chips all over the living room then decided to go to the bedroom. He then went into the bedroom, climbed into Sam's bed, got up, stripped off his pants and underwear, climbed to the top bunk and used and overturned chair to cover up his balls. Then when Alex (the guy I had been karaokeing with) went in to see what was up, he rolled off the bunk, hit my bunk (breaking the bed) and laid there disoriented. He then presented a large blade (not threatening, just looking for it) then dug through the stuff in the room looking for his pants. Alex and Sam managed to get him out the door and now we're all just kinda wondering what the hell happened. I switched my matress with the one he laid on so that I have a clean matress on a non-broken bunk and I think it may be time to go to bed soon.
Yay for the super fun events in Anchorage!
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1 * Make Me Scream
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| Music Lovers' Books for Reading and Rereading |
[Saturday
August 16th] |
Many years ago I read a book in which the main character was a prodigy cellist who, in his quest for perfection, forfeited his career. Alone and very introverted, he eventually gets to know himself, his relationship with music, and understand his life through some seemingly ordinary turns of events. I really liked the book, but forgot the author and title. For years I looked for this book, a couple of times coming across it in some random way only to lose it again. Finally, I found it, and immediately purchased it. How did I ever forget the title? The book is The Soloist, by Mark Salzman. If you love classical music, soul searching, intellectual and spiritual questions and a novel that reads and will resonate like Ravel's only string quartet, this is a great read. (I've read at least three times now think I will never tire of it.)
Even if you are not a fan of Bob Dylan, if you love music and are interested in how a performer of such legendary status came to be, Chronicles Volume One by Bob Dylan is a fine time hanging out in bookworld with a very interesting guy. This book doesn't respond so much to "How does it feel?" -- the question Dylan has wailed out for years. But it does give you a sense of what it was like to be in Bob's shoes as he navigated through New York town, Greenwich Village, the early folk scene, the music business, and an amazing scenario populated with musicians and behind the scenes folk from all walks of life. It's an all over the place shuffle of Dylan's experiences. Who knows if there will ever be a Volume Two. But this is another book which will well weather new insights and discoveries through multiple readings.
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| Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody |
[Saturday
August 16th] |
Series: The Obernewtyn Chronicles
Publisher: Tor, 1999
Genre: Fantasy
Sub-genre: Post-apocalyptic
Isobelle Carmody is an Australian author who primarily writes fantasy for children and teens. In fact, even though the version of Obernewtyn I have here is marketed as adult fantasy, it's being reprinted by Random House as YA later this year. Carmody has done very well down under, but it's only been relatively recently that her books have become available in North America. Which is a shame, because if this book is any indication, we've been missing out on a lot.
Post-apocalyptic fantasy is awesome.
I have to say, I loved Carmody's prose. Some books are about the story they tell, and some books are about the telling. Obernewtyn is one of the latter, and as a result, even when the plot was slow moving, I couldn't stop reading. The world is well drawn, with just the kind of dark intensity that draws me, and the simple beauty of the language had me devouring the book like Cookie Monster with, well, cookies.
So what are the flaws? Actually, Elspeth covers them pretty much all on her own. I never did get much of a feel for her personality, in spite of the first person narrative. I'm not sure if that was perhaps a conscious choice on Carmody's part, providing a convenient place for reader insertion, but it bugged me a little that even the animals seemed to have more definite personalities than the protagonist. (I adored Maruman, the slightly insane cat, but that comes as no surprise to anyone.)
My issues with the protagonist aside, I really enjoyed the book, which goes to show you just how awesome the writing really is. Obernewtyn kickstarts a series of 6 books, which I'm now going to have to get my paws on.
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1 * Make Me Scream
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| Zal And Zara And The Great Race of Azamed by Kit Downes |
[Thursday
August 14th] |
The Blurb On The Back:
It’s time for the Great Race of Azamed – the most famous magic carpet race in the world. Zal and Zara believe that only an enchanted Rainbow Carpet could possibly steal the prize, but perhaps such a thing is just the stuff of stories … The race is on for the pair to discover the magic behind the legends and weave the winning carpet, but will their enemy Haragan beat them to their dream?
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
This just didn’t have the spark or va-va-voom to make it a classic and the depiction of religious beliefs and arranged marriages between children is faintly disturbing. The book is the first of a series, but I’m not in a rush to carry on with it.
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| City of Bones review |
[Thursday
August 14th] |
City of Bones by Cassandra Claire
My rating: 2/5
Summary (Taken from Amazon): When Clary Fray witnesses three tattoo-covered teenagers murder another teen, she is unable to prove the crime because the victim disappears right in front of her eyes, and no one else can see the killers. She learns that the teens are Shadowhunters (humans who hunt and kill demons), and Clary, a mundie (i.e., mundane human), should not be able to see them either. Shortly after this discovery, her mother, Jocelyn, an erstwhile Shadowhunter, is kidnapped. Jocelyn is the only person who knows the whereabouts of The Mortal Cup, a dangerous magical item that turns humans into Shadowhunters. Clary must find the cup and keep it from a renegade sector of Shadowhunters bent on eliminating all nonhumans, including benevolent werewolves and friendly vampires.
( My review under the cut. )
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1 * Make Me Scream
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| Review - Song and Story; Michael D. Morrissey |
[Wednesday
August 13th] |
Song and Story: An Anthology of Irish Folk SongsMichael D. Morrissey Non-Fiction; History / Music / Collection Continuing on in my Irish kick and at the same time giving my Poppy a plug, this is a book my father wrote a couple of years ago to celebrate his love of Irish folk music, in particular its storytelling aspect. It really is a wonderful compendium spanning, literally, centuries, throughout which one can trace Ireland’s rich and complex history. It’s a celebration of the Irish’s three favorite things: a fair fight, a stiff drink, and a good roll in the hay!
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| 35. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer |
[Wednesday
August 13th] |
| [ |
mood |
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 accomplished |
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Title: Breaking Dawn
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Genre: Young Adult - Fantasy
ISBN: 0-316-06792-X
Pages: 754
Rating: 5/5
Series/Anthology: 4th in the Twilight Saga.
About this book:
To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, she has endured a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife to reach the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fate of two tribes hangs.
Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating and unfathomable consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life - first discovered Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse - seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed....forever?
My thoughts:
I'm going to do this a little different. While I was reading, I wrote down my feelings and thoughts about some of the sections of the book since it was so big. So I'm going to copy and paste here and then add my thoughts about the book since I finished it.
( Major Spoilers... )
All in all, I don't see what all the drama is about this book and why the fans were disappointed in it. I think Meyer's did an excellent job with finishing off the series. I couldn't have asked for better because I think it was the best there could have been.
Amy
Pages read YTD:10,546
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2 * Make Me Scream
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| Neil Gaiman Giveaway |
[Tuesday
August 12th] |
It's a Gaiman Giveaway at Fashionista Piranha!
(click here to enter and for more details)
Amongst my friends Neil Gaiman is second only to J.K. Rowling in popularity. My brother eagerly devours everyone one of his novels. One co-worker fell in love with the movie Stardust and now adores the novel. I am enchanted by his Sandman series. We all enjoy the grand debate of whether Neverwhere worked best as a novel, a comic, or the tv series.
So when I heard that my work, Lush Cosmetics, was launching a new bath bomb called "Stardust" around the time Neil's newest book, The Graveyard Book, would be released, I decided it was time to have a Neil Gaiman giveaway. This time, we will have multiple winners in a random drawing. Each winner will get to pick from a selection of Neil Gaiman-themed items:
THE PRIZES
- an ARC copy of Gaiman's newest book, The Graveyard Book, due to be released September 30th, 2008.
- Coraline, one of Gaiman's newest graphic novels
- a hardcover copy of American Gods by Neil Gaiman
- Gaiman's Bath Surprise: one Stardust bath bomb and one Comforter bubble bath, which Gaiman has written about in his blog
- $25 to the charity of your choice!
What's more, for every 50 entrants I will add another prize - so the more people enter the contest, the more things you'll have a chance to win! I have got books, perfumes, charity donations and more all queued up so the more people drop by, the more fun we'll all have!
Contest is open to international readers!
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| Meme: Ideal Wedding Dress |
[Tuesday
August 12th] |
What Your Ideal Wedding Dress Says About You
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Your Personal Style:
Classic and elegant. You prefer to make a statement with a few quality pieces.
Your Ideal Wedding:
Traditional and formal, but not tacky. You think the most beautiful weddings are understated.
Your Philosophy on Marriage:
It's a serious commitment, and the couple entering it should be ready to work for their relationship.
Your Perfect Marriage:
Is calm, stable, deep, and meaningful.
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5 * Make Me Scream
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| Summer in the Land of Skin by Jody Gehrman |
[Tuesday
August 12th] |
Title: Summer in the Land of Skin
Next up: Atonement by Ian McEwan
Total Pages: 444/15,000 pages (.051% complete)
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| August Books |
[Monday
August 11th] |
90.  Knitting Bones by Monica Ferris.
This is her latest title in the needlepoint series. It came out last December. Her newest one is due next December Thai Die. Betsy Devonshire, the needlepoint store owner/sleuth is barely in this one. She conveniently breaks her ankle or leg can't remember in the first chapter. The weight of the plot is then transferred on Godwin, her trustful friend and employe at the needle shop. It's fun to watch Godwin try to emulate Betsy and Ferris does try to makes this endeavour interesting but with mixed results. The mystery isn't really one, the bad guy is a very bad caricature of the gay man into drugs, party and money. Not her best and it looks like the series has lost its direction somewhat. Can't have the supporting characters do all the work.
91. Snuffed Out by Tim Myers.
Second novel of four in this candlemaking craft mystery. This one is better than the first one because we get to know the cast of colourful characters better. Harrison is still pinging not straight. And the ping is getting even louder in the third one I'm reading now. The plot is not very important, one tenant dies in less than mysterious circonstances and Harrison is pushed into investigating in order to keep the peace with the rest of this tenants. You get some nice scenes of candle making, Mrs J. is growing on me, Harrison trying to get to know this kayak renting lady better but getting shut down. This is first class fluff cozy mystery with no protein in take at all.
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| Book 28 |
[Monday
August 11th] |
| [ |
mood |
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 calm |
] |
Title: Watchmen
Author: Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons
Published: 1986
Pages: 424
Synopsis: Imagine a future where Nixon is still President, America won the Vietnam War, and the nuclear clock stands at five minutes to midnight.
Rating: 3.5/5
Review: I have to be honest and say I am not a big reader of graphic novels, and the last one I read by Alan Moore ('From Hell') I really didn't like. This time I'm a little conflicted, I didn't exactly love the story but I was taken with the idea of it being an alternative version of history with a different take on the whole superhero mythos. There was a lot going on and at times I did get a little lost (particularly with Veidt's explanation for everything) and occasionally distracted by the comic-within-a-comic plot (which I sort of preferred to the main story). I'm glad I read it though as it's nice to read something different for a change. I look forward to seeing the film.
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| Forever In Blue. |
[Saturday
August 9th] |
Forever In Blue by Ann Brashares
(Fiction - Teen; 2007)
Summary: (from Barnes & Noble) With unraveled embroidery and fraying hems, the Traveling Pants are back for one last, glorious summer.
Lena: Immerses herself in her painting and an intoxicating summer fling, fearing that the moment she forgets about Kostos will be the moment she sees him again.
Carmen: Falls under the spell of a sophisticated college friend for whom a theatrical role means everything and the heritage of the Pants means nothing.
Bridget: Joins a dig for an ancient city on the coast of Turkey and discovers that her archaeology professor is available in every way except one.
Tibby: Leaves behind someone she loves, wrongly believing he will stay where she has left him.
Join Ann Brashares's beloved sisterhood once again in a dazzling, fearless novel. It's a summer that will forever change the lives of Lena, Carmen, Bee, and Tibby, here and now, past and future, together and apart.
Review: I always loved these books because I've been able to relate to the characters, especially Lena and Carmen, which makes it a lot easier to root for them. I also liked how much each of the girls grew; instead of being flat, they were able to learn from mistakes, and had flaws to balance out their strengths - they were complex. I was sad to finish it, because this is the last one, but I still loved it.
Rating: 5/5.
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| Timeline by Michael Crichton |
[Saturday
August 9th] |
Title: Timeline
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4 * Make Me Scream
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| Question: Irish/Scottish/Welsh books? |
[Saturday
August 9th] |
Recommendations and suggestions being solicited!
After recently reading Anne Enright's The Gathering and Erin Hart's Haunted Ground, I find that I have a sudden, borderline-obsessive interest in reading more Irish authors and Ireland-themed books. Could anyone throw out some names and/or titles? I've been looking at Maeve Binchy, Cecilia Ahern and Marian Keyes, and of course more Enright, but would like to explore a broad range of styles and genres. Mysteries, horror, contemporary lit....whatever ya got! Anything anyone wants to suggest would be welcome. Thank you very much in advance!!!
(I should add that I'm more interested in Ireland as the setting and/or the theme. If it's an Irish author writing about, say, Iraq, I'm not really interested in that).
(P.S. I'm also very interested in Welsh and Scottish settings, authors and themes, as well - so toss me some of those, too, if you want!)
(x-posted)
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10 * Make Me Scream
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