Victoria Griffith

So this was a short, fun read. The tension and pacing definitely kept me awake and the pages turning! I particularly enjoyed it for seeing how the author kept things happening, setting the pace high and never letting it slack. The setting was great, too; in isolated Scotland with all the mists and mysteries that go along with it. The main character, Maria, was well drawn and definitely going through something terrible, which became clearer as the story unfolded (though admittedly the truth show more about what happened to her mother felt off to me). The story itself reminded me the most of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, with a heathy sprinkling of Jane Eyre tossed in as well. Overall, a fun read with a refreshingly realistic ending that I appreciated. If you're looking for something a little dark, a little suspenseful, and definitely a little creepy, check this one out! show less

Telling the tale of the once famous, now often forgotten aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, sometimes called "the father of aviation," Griffith and Montanari challenge the idea that we owe flight to the Wright brothers alone. Soft pastel illustrations allow the yellowish paper on which Griffith drew them to show through, creating a somewhat airy, textured effect that would not work half so well on a white background. This looseness of pigment in places compliments the long-limbed, slightly show more sketchy art style Montanari favors in this work. The narrative seems somewhat disconnected, in part because after a mid-story time jump, it switches point of view from Alberto to his friend and wrist-watch inventor Louis. The soft illustration, and the unique subject matter, which challenges a standard US-centric view of the history of flight, however, makes this picture book an excellent non-fiction tale for young readers. show less

I won “Amazon Burning” in a Library Thing Member Giveaway.

I wanted to like this book, it has mystery and romance in it but unfortunately I found it to be too unbelievable and it didn't work for me. I didn't find myself caring for Emma or Jimmy, which is a shame since they are the main characters. I found the story to be stilted and it didn't flow. I did enjoy reading about the Amazon though :) I found myself struggling to finish the book.

Those We Fear was very well written. It played out live a movie. I was completely engrossed every time I picked it up, and it was extremely hard to put down. I do not read a lot of mystery books, but I am gad I read this one.Victoria Griffith has a way with words that grips the reader. Though it was on the shorter side, the reader gets to know each character in depth: their fears, hopes, aspirations, and darkest secrets. Her approach to the protagonist's tragedy broke the mold of thriller show more fiction and created a truly remarkable story. Get ready for a heart-pounding adventure spanning from busy Boston to the heart of Scotland. show less