Member: midtowngirl

Wow, didn't see your comment on Molly Murphy until now...

I also really like Molly, and as for Daniel...hrm. It's hard to explain. I don't always fully like him as a character (the cocky rakishness, the chauvinism) but I think as a reflection of an Edwardian male, he's realistic. And I suppose for Molly, his success coupled with that devil-may-care Irish grin does it. I honestly like him a bit more after "Oh Danny Boy" because in the first few books he really does come across as an irresponsible young man who just doesn't quite have the balls to resolve his situation. After having gotten the crap kicked out of him both physically and professionally, he starts to show some more depth than as a roguish love interest.

I agree that in "Pretty Maiden" he was complaining a bit, but on further reflection I chalk that up to two things: a.) as the only child of two immigrant parents made good, I suspect he's been somewhat cosseted and spoiled in his life and b.) he's facing the absolute destruction of his career, his reputation, and his livelihood. Men readily committed suicide over that in those times because there really was no bouncing back from it as there is now. Aside from that very bleak future prospect, he feels he can't get his father's advice on it because telling the old man he's disgraced might kill him. And the woman he loves has a thriving business which has to be a blow, right or wrong, to his pride--as a potential Edwardian husband he's supposed to be demonstrating his ability to provide for her, not watching her bring home the bacon. From the male standpoint of that time he can't talk to his dad about his problems, and his pride's already hurt by his inability to be a steady man for Molly so he's hardly going to spill his guts to her. He's probably feeling very alone so he's expressing his fear, his shame, and his anxiety by complaining. It's not especially admirable, but I find it understandable. He may have the chauvinism of the period, and to be honest I find that more believable than a paragon of feminist equality, but he's evolving. When push comes to shove he's not too proud to work for Molly.

He's difficult to like at points, I agree, but I find him more realistic for that. Men, frankly, can be jerks and babies, right? ;) As a study of an evolving male character who's now moving from a reckless young playboy without the guts to disappoint Arabella or to let Molly go, his disgrace and his father's death are making him reassess some things and finally grow up a bit. (To be honest, I do fault Molly for not telling him about the baby because he ought to know, and that secret is rather damaging their relationship.) "In a Gilded Cage" continues that; he's still uncertain of how to measure Molly's successes against his own efforts to re-establish his career and it shows.

So overall while I would want to smack him, not date him, I find Daniel interesting as a portrait of a young, brash Edwardian man forced to cope with his comfortable situation being knocked out from under him. (I honestly like him as a character more than the romantic interest of the "Royal" series, who just seems like a cardboard playboy, though I do quite like Georgie.) I contrast him, of course, with another Gilded Age NYC copper: the slightly older, more lower class Frank Malloy of the Gaslight series. I like Frank a lot. He's a little more secure in his ways and his masculinity, but admittedly he doesn't have the professional rollercoaster and he's already been married once so he knows women a bit better.

posted by corglacier7 at 1:02 pm (EST) on Jun 14, 2009

Yay! Nicole Galland rocks! I'm glad you're loving her books as well. Do you agree that while they all have her awesome stamp, they almost feel like different genres or authors in regards to writing style and plot/characters? NG=uber diverse.

Things are going. I'm all packed up and have my room almost completely empty minus my furniture. I have very little to take home on Friday (some koosh balls, a paper game or two, a few DVDs and a couple of books). All I have left is to finish my end of the year paperwork, file my cum stuff (already printed and alphabatized), download my files onto my hard drive and check out. I think this is my best year yet for moving out. Sad how good I'm getting.

On a personal note, I took my very first pregnancy test today. I hate one pink line. I'm greedy- I want two! I refuse to accept defeat, and I'll just have to try harder. Ew, pun not intended. Sorry for then pointing it out. Wow. I'm stopping now. :)

Miss you, wanna see you!

posted by amysnortts at 1:03 am (EST) on Jun 4, 2009

I know!!! It was such a fun book to read. Especially once you start to realize what's going to happen, but not quite sure how they'll get there. ::sigh:: Now I may have to reread it. :)

posted by amysnortts at 8:58 am (EST) on May 21, 2009

I love this pic of you and Graham. :)

posted by cflorente at 12:34 pm (EST) on May 4, 2009

Let's see. Both share the same c.1900 NYC setting, but they're definitely different.

I'd say the Gaslight ones by Victoria Thompson are probably closer to Perry in tone; the leads, Frank and Sarah, a Detective Sergeant in the NYPD and a former rich girl turned midwife, put me in mind of William and Hester a little bit. Their pasts are particularly well-drawn, and have clear effects on their personalities and the story. Thompson's writing is a little less formal than Perry's which for me is neither here nor there, but the history is pretty vivid, and the same slow romantic arc and personal growth is present.

Molly Murphy is a little lighter in tone to start, which is always weird to say about murder mysteries, but it's about the only way I can describe it. The history there is also well drawn. Overall things are just a little more feisty and lighthearted than Thompson in the early books, though likewise, some serious subjects are tackled. The last few in particular, from the fifth book on, have stepped into some darker turf as both Molly and her leading man, Daniel, face some hard times and personal maturation.

I've actually got the Gilded Age ones on my TBR pile from a recent trip to the used bookstore, so I can't say anything one way or another yet.

posted by corglacier7 at 8:34 pm (EST) on Apr 7, 2009

Yeah, glad the "Twilight" hysteria is done...well, except for the next three movies. (cringe) In some ways I'm sort of glad that Edward's version of book 1, "Midnight Sun", isn't being released. (And I admit that I found Meyer's rather Victorian melodramatic swoon of "It's been leaked and I'm so upset I CANNOT CONITNUE" to be amusing. I understand her being upset and disappointed, but to call the whole thing off entirely? Really?)

The Monks...oh, I also read mainly for the characters, and the progress of William and Hester as characters and as people has been what brings me back time and again. But of course, over those bones go the clothes of the case of that particular tale, and it's on a combination of the William/Hester/Oliver/etc. elements and the mystery itself that I judge my "best of the Monks".

I agree the "Silent Cry" and "Weighed in the Balance" had some of the more satisfying and emotionally hard-hitting mysteries, and memorable secondary characters (before Margaret came on the scene I wondered about potential between Zorah and Oliver...) though I fault "Weighed" for bringing up so many fascinating aspects of German history and unification, its differences from England at that time, and then failing to realize any payoff from all that rich background in the actual case.

I had the same problem, though even more acutely, with "Funeral in Blue"...all that great info on the Revolution of '48 in Vienna, about triumph and tragedy and change, and it had nothing to do with the case whatsoever which basically just ended up being a rather grubby, stupid English domestic crime from sheer panic. The resolution just felt sloppy and rushed to me and very disjoint from the framework of the investigation. That, and Elissa Beck is a rather sloppy and contradictory retcon. She had been described previously as a rather pinched, passionless invalid who had shut Kristian out, suddenly she's a vibrant creature full of life and passion even if she has problems, and I suddenly find his deep marital woes, his sheer loneliness and craving for human contact, and his growing closer to Callandra over several books very hard to credit.

"Cain His Brother" gets my criticism just because of the sheer out-there-wackiness of the solution, and I find it hard to believe nobody put those pieces together prior to that point. I also think William and Hester are a little too prickly and angry with each other following their kiss in "Wolf". Clearly I understand they're afraid of losing the best of their relationship if they openly acknowledge their growing feelings and evolve from friends to lovers, but it went a little overboard.

I probably reread "Sins of the Wolf" the most for several reasons (followed closely by "The Face of a Stranger".) Its interesting setting and the contrasts between Scottish law and life and English, for one. The Farraline clan made for some very engaging characters and I wonder what happened to them in the aftermath. And most of all, I love it for the massive character insights we get from the fact of Hester being in danger and the keen response it fires in Oliver, but even more so in William. Particularly, of course, there's that scene near the end that's more poignantly romantic than dozens of so-called "romances".

I'm still just pretty pleased that "Execution Dock" is such a great read. Several other Monk fans have described it as her best work. I'm not sure I'd say it's definitely above all the rest, but I think it can confidently stand with several others as the best of her writing.

posted by corglacier7 at 2:48 pm (EST) on Apr 7, 2009

Thanks for the kind note, much appreciated, and I'm glad you'ev enjoyed my reviews thus far.

And I too really enjoy finding someone else who loves the Monk series. I do also like the Pitts, but they always feel a little more emotionally lightweight to me, and the latest ones in Special Branch where everything is a gigantic political conspiracy threatening to take down the British Empire just leave me sort of unmoved (same problem I had with her WWI series. The war was horrifying and outrageous enough without needing to be blamed on a massive German conspiracy). I appreciate that they're well-crafted and are a decent read, but I don't enjoy them as much. Perry is at her best writing the crimes that are excruciatingly, emotionally personal; she does a great job showing how crime can ruin and shatter lives and making the reader care intensely about it.

There is some more moralizing, perhaps, in the Monks, although I don't think it's beat-you-over-the-head. I think that's due in part to the darker nature of the crimes inviting it, and in part due to the fact that Monk and Hester are rather more intense, and openly opinionated, personalities than Thomas and Charlotte.

Basically, aside from Margaret (I agree with you on being disappointed by her but as she's sort of been a bit player to this point it didn't spoil my enjoyment as much as it might have), "Execution Dock" to me is a great example of Perry on top of her game. Considering my favorite, "Sins of the Wolf", was relatively early in the series and both my least favorite Monks (I think "Cain His Brother" and "Funeral In Blue" vie for that) have happened since then, I'm thrilled to see such a great comeback entry into the series. I just wish we'd get new entries more often. I too miss the days of a Monk book a year and worry that it'll be three more years for the follow-up to "Dock".

Now, as to "Twilight"...Anne Perry and Stephenie Meyers in the same post makes for an amusing comparison, don't you agree? Edward, to me, is the fairy-tale Prince Charming. Cordial, well-mannered, handsome, entirely devoted to his lady, but absolutely unwilling to have a mind or opinions of his own, or pressure her for things that he wants that she may not be so keen on. In a word, Edward is SAFE. Not that I go in for "bad boys"; personally, I prefer a mature and responsible man as my lead. But Edward is "triple-gloved-and-Lysol-sanitized-for-y... safe. And for that, he's rather boring.

The "son" to Jacob was kind of creepy, considering their deep-seated rivalry, and yes, his lack of paternal care towards Renesmee. And yes, Jacob's sudden acceptance of everything Bella has done and now is was a rapid, and unrealistic, 180 turn. To be honest, everybody in Breaking Dawn basically just forgets everything they've been worried or complaining about for the last three books, and they all fall over their own feet in a hurry to love and nurture Bella and Renesmee. As I said, I find the "Twilight" series to be an amusing cracktastic popcorn read, but "Breaking Dawn" is frankly just nauseatingly syrupy Mary-Sue treacle from start to finish.

I liked Jacob's voice as well, and I'd have liked to see more about Leah and her issues as a woman and a werewolf, which I found far more compelling that Bella's faux-angst.

Sorry to run so long here!

posted by corglacier7 at 11:01 am (EST) on Mar 30, 2009

Thanks for not f-ing with my LT. It's the mark of a true friend!

posted by amysnortts at 3:32 pm (EST) on Jan 31, 2009

Oh I'm going to be bad. Tomorrow is my eat Jimboy's for lunch day (sometimes I do Adalbertos- their taquitos with guac are a beautiful thing), and the #10 is a soda and two tacos. Can you say perfect lunch? But, just to show I can be grateful (why isn't it greatful or greatfull?), I'll have to suck it up and have an extra soda later. ::sigh:: Life is hard.

Speaking of chilling, I have crack balls chilling in the fridge for YOU!!!! Okay, they're for all of book club, but come on. I'm bringing a desert from ground up cookies. I had to have been thinking of you. Hello, it's what any good stalker would do.

I'm excited about only having to buy some in the series instead of the complete series!

posted by amysnortts at 12:35 am (EST) on Jan 30, 2009

You = my hero for giving me some free books! Yay!

posted by amysnortts at 2:20 am (EST) on Jan 29, 2009

I love that Jesus is MY man upstairs. Yep. We're tight like that. :) I already have [The Observations], mom gave it to me for Christmas (you know, my homey from upstairs's birthday). Thanks, though! I've passed on [Fast Food Nation] for now because... well... it hits close to home!

posted by amysnortts at 9:20 pm (EST) on Jan 17, 2009

You know what's funny? Your fist comment did indeed go through. :)

I am waiting to buy some more paranormals I think. I have a list of some books for February- I'm starting to budget myself with books. I'z bought a few too many recently. ::blushing::

On my profile page- I have links to the two 999 challenges I'm doing, and the groups are also listed under groups I am a member of. Not too late to join! You can just backlog the ones you've already read this year.

posted by amysnortts at 11:35 pm (EST) on Jan 13, 2009

Okay, so I need to by [And Only to Deceive] then. I'm buying a new batch next month, it'll go on the list! What did you think of [The Illuminator]? Did you read [The Mercy Seller]?

posted by amysnortts at 1:02 am (EST) on Jan 13, 2009

You know what's funny... I have had [A Poisoned Season] forever and keep meaning to read it. You mentioned that it isn't the first one? What comes first? I would like to read them in order if there is a series or a set of related books. Heehee... books. I heart them.

posted by amysnortts at 1:08 am (EST) on Jan 12, 2009

I see you added The Thirteenth Tale to your list....I loved that book.

posted by meadowmist at 8:54 am (EST) on Jan 11, 2009

I know! It's such a great book. When I first started reading it I had a hard time trying to figure out who was going to end up being the main focus. What's interesting is that the author said she was originally going to write the book about the Abbess, but it got away from her. Enjoy! Me likey those two books much.

posted by amysnortts at 11:09 pm (EST) on Dec 28, 2008

By this time tomorrow (my time writing this), we'll be saying that by this time tomorrow we'll be in Austria. By this time tomorrow (your time reading this), we'll be saying that by this time tomorrow we'll actually be on our way to Austria. Cool beans.

posted by amysnortts at 2:10 am (EST) on Nov 21, 2008

Group pic is up!

posted by amysnortts at 10:46 pm (EST) on Aug 2, 2008

*poke* :] I'm back in town! Paul wants to do happy hour this week...? Are you game?

posted by cflorente at 11:26 am (EST) on Apr 30, 2008

You're funny, I totally haven't added books since I joined last year...

posted by mariannec at 11:56 am (EST) on Apr 25, 2008

I added a whole bunch of topics to our group's page. We had talked about having a place for on-going discussions about books we've read so we can add later comments or thoughts on previous selections, or to get the discussion on our current book started early. I made a topic/discussion for each book. Right now it only shows the title, author, book club memeber and month/year it was picked (bless XXXTina for already doing the legwork on that part!). I may go back and do a brief summary of each book (or feel free to do so yourself!). Wasn't sure how much we wanted for posterity's sake. Where we met? Who was in the club at that time? You have the option of having our topics descended by date, when a comment was added, and so forth. You can also click on a button that shows you all of your unread messages. This way if we're bored and playing on the computer (aka: me right now), we can see if there are any new comments a bit more easily. Maybe we'll use them. Maybe we won't. But the option's there!

posted by amysnortts at 2:35 am (EST) on Apr 25, 2008

Yay! Our group is up to 2 members now! If only we can get the other girls in on the action. It actually would be nice for Sandeep since she can't usually come- that way she could be more involved.

See you Saturday! Yay! Confirming for 11:15. :)

posted by amysnortts at 11:07 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2008

Well, the boxes of books have been unpacked (though I think I'm missing one or two)... I've started updating, but I'm still not yet halfway through with my library! To say nothing of my bookshelves upstairs! Aaahh!!! Um... but I'm lovin' it!

posted by amysnortts at 6:27 pm (EST) on Dec 30, 2007

Now that I have an actual library, the thought of cataloging (sp?) all of those books is overwhelming!

posted by amysnortts at 7:37 pm (EST) on Nov 4, 2007

You got Eat Pray Love! Have you read it yet?

posted by popwaffle at 11:15 am (EST) on Sep 1, 2007

You go girl with adding those books!!!

posted by amysnortts at 12:30 am (EST) on Aug 29, 2007

Believe it or not, I've yet to read the Potter books, but intend to do so, if I can ever catch up on the existing incoming pile building up in my apartment!
Ah yes - my great grandfather Lamb-Shank...quite the Curler!....that's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Richjardo

posted by BaronVonLambshank at 7:35 am (EST) on Aug 10, 2007

hallo :]

posted by cflorente at 12:13 am (EST) on Aug 3, 2007

Caleb Carr & Ann Perry...what else matters?

Richard

posted by BaronVonLambshank at 7:56 pm (EST) on Jul 14, 2007

Hey! I call people sweetie! So I didn't pay attention to the little "(EST)" sign. Meh.

posted by amysnortts at 1:10 am (EST) on Jul 8, 2007

Nope, I was offline by 1:00am. It kept saying the site was going to shut down and update, so maybe that's why it was changing around. So funny- already close to the free limit and that was just from thinking of some of my favorite authors and series. I may need to invest $25!

posted by amysnortts at 10:07 pm (EST) on Jul 7, 2007