ForeignCircus 75 in 2011 - Chapter 1

OK, I joined late last year then just couldn't seem to break into a rhythm for posting, but I keep hearing wonderful things about this group so I am determined to try again!

My first read of of the year so far is The Island of Lost Maps which is very enjoyable so far (I'm about halfway through). Hope to be done in a couple of days so I can post a review and get 2011 kicked off right!

Stealing an idea from Zoë to list my 2011 books in this first post (* in front of the number means I reviewed the book, an :( means I didn't read it as planned):

January 2011
*1. The Island of Lost Maps by Miles Harvey (TIOLI) *completed*
:( Up from the Blue by Susan Henderson (TIOLI)
*2. The Convent by Panow Karnezis *completed*
3. Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb *completed*
*4. Finding the Dream by Nora Roberts *completed*
*5. The Naked Gardener by L.B. Gschwandtner *completed*
6. The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley (TIOLI)*completed*
7. Chart Throb by Ben Elton *completed*
*8. The Girl in the Green Raincoat by Laura Lippman (TIOLI)*completed*
*9. Helen of Pasadena by Lian Dolan (TIOLI) *completed*
*10. The Price of the Stars by Debra Doyle and James MacDonald *completed*
*11. Finding Nouf by Zoe Ferraris *completed*
*12. Mothers and Other Liars by Amy Bourret *completed*

February 2011 here
March 2011 here
April 2011 here
May 2011 here
June 2011 here
July 2011 here
August 2011 here
September 2011 here
October 2011 here
November 2011 here
December 2011 here

I am glad to se you are giving us another try, Colleen!

Hi Colleen, welcome to this year's group. You might like to check out the TIOLI (Take it or leave it) challenge which Madeline (squeakychu) introduced into the 75 group last year to help build a sense of community. It's a fun way to choose what to read next. The Island of Lost Maps sounds great, so now I've visited a new thread and already added to my reading list!

Welcome back!

2 & 4> thanks for the welcome!

3> interesting. I have dipped my toe in the water in two of the challenge categories to see how it goes. thanks for the advice!

Great - don't forget to post what you'll be reading for what challenges on the current TIOLI thread, that's where the 'sharing' gets down. Some challenges also start a separate thread to discuss that particular topic - links are in either the 1st or 2nd post.

>1 ForeignCircus: That goes straight into my wishlist, looking forward to your review.

The Island of Lost Maps review:
It is hard to know what to say about this book which rather defies description. It purports to be about the prolifigate map thief Gilbert Bland, but really Bland's crimes are just the jumping off point for a book about maps, those who made them, and those who covet them. I thought this book would be more similar to The Man Who Loved Books Too Much (which is by the way a fabulous read I got last year from my SantaThing Santa), but because Bland remained but a shadowy presence, the feel of the two books is completely different. That said, I still found myself pulled into this book and unable to put it down. I can't really explain why I enjoyed it so much, I just did, to the tune of five stars. If you love maps then you are likely to love this book, but if you are looking for a true crime caper, this might not be your cup of tea.

A great way to kick off the year, my 75 book challenge, and my first foray into TIOLI!

#8: I enjoyed The Island of Lost Maps too, Colleen, so I am glad to see the book has found another fan!

Finding the Dream review:
Good girl falls for bad boy. Lots of drama and hot sex. Everyone lives happily ever after. THE END.

OK, perhaps a bit simplistic but not really. This is the final book in a trilogy and in my opinion is the best of the bunch. This is vintage Nora Roberts- great characters and believable scenarios make for a wonderful escape from real life for a few hours. Given the genre, the happy ending is inevitable but which no way lessens the enjoyment. Highly recommended beach or blizzard read. 4 stars because it is a great example of the genre.

I popped in to say that "ForeignCircus" is a great username! And you have additionally sold me on The Island of Lost Maps!

The Convent review:
This story about a foundling baby boy left on the doorstep of an isolated Spanish convent is a compelling and atmospheric read. The book is really more of a series of character studies that highlights the underlying tensions in a community of cloistered women. The reader will have no trouble figuring out the "miracle" of the the child's birth, but since this isn't really a plot-driven novel, the lack of mystery is less relevant than the author's ability to paint a vivid picture of the isolated life in the convent.

Not really an enjoyable read, at only 200 pages it is nevertheless a quick one. Wonderful use of language and a lyric style made this a four star read for me.

>11 FemmeNoiresque: great username
Not that your name is so bland or anything. ;-)

The Naked Gardener review:
This is an interesting tale about life and love and women and relationships, an unexpectedly appealing story with great characters. The story revolves around Katelyn, an artist trying hard to maintain her distance from her live-in lover Maze. As she works through the reasons why she feels the way she feels, she finds herself leading a group of inexperienced paddlers on a canoe trip through the wilderness. Each of these women has a problem and of course the trip becomes a bonding experience that helps them work through these problems.

Despite what seems like a hackneyed plot, this book is actually quite enjoyable. The characters are appealing, both as individuals and as a group, and I was quickly pulled into their story. My initial dislike of Maze was eventually tempered as more of his character is revealed, and the sub-plot about their Vermont town was equally engaging. The ending makes it clear a sequel is in the works, but the author does an admirable job of wrapping up the story, providing enough of a conclusion to satisfy readers while introducing a hook to help sell the sequel. 4 strong stars- a great way to ring in the new year!

I like your reviews, Colleen! Keep up the good work.

11 & 13: I agree that Femmenoiresque is a fabulous username!

15: Thanks Stasia!

Based on info I gleaned from another thread, I am including books that are rereads in the challenge. I have a tendency to pick up old favorites when I'm having a hard time picking something off Mount TBR so I expect that my utlimate count at the end of the year will be at least 1/3 rereads. It does give me a handy reason to review old favorites that I read long before I started reviewing...

>12 ForeignCircus: Re Karnezis, I think you should take another shot at him with The Maze. A historical novel about the Greek-Turkish war that after the Turskish victory led to the Lausanne Treaty which stabilized the borders between the two countries and helped founding the modern Turkish State by Kemal Ataturk and the Neo-Turk Movement.

Also if you like short stories, there is Little Infamies which describes (with black humour) the horrors of living in Greece outside of the big cities.

17: I'll add The Maze to my wishlist- thanks!

Just finished another book with a color in the title- seems to be the theme of my January!

The Girl in the Green Raincoat review:
This light mystery novella is a far cry from Lippman's wonderful What the Dead Know which is truly unfortunate. Though the parallels with Rear Window are immediately obvious, this book had none of the suspense or thrill of the original. The plot could easily have been worked into a full length novel which would have given Lippman a chance to flesh out these characters enough to pull in the reader; as it was, I couldn't share Tess' obsession with the missing woman nor understand how or why Lloyd and May fit into things. The book was just too short in my opinion to pull me in; I finished it in just under two hours with no sense of satisfaction. 3 stars because the writing as always was good, there just wasn't enough of it.

I loved What the Dead Know and cannot recommend it highly enough- my review of that one from Dec 2009 is here.

I liked What the Dead Know too, Colleen. Too bad about The Girl in the Green Raincoat.

yeah it was disappointing. on the other hand it was a really quick read, and if future Tess Monaghan books are full length rather than novellas, I would give one a try.

I have enjoyed the Tess Monaghan series since Baltimore Blues so I will be on the look out for more too.

Helen of Pasadena review:
When Helen's husband is killed in a run-in with a parade float, she faces a new reality as a single mother forced to sell her home and look for a job, all the while trying to cope with the loss of everything she thought she knew about her life and her marriage.

Though the plot sounds like a standard chicklit offering, this book manages to steer a course as straight fiction. Helen is a wonderful character- well written and easy to relate to as a reader. She manages her situation as best she can and her evolving feelings seem to be reasonable developments rather than just plot points to move the story forward. The relationships in the book between friends and family are well drawn; for example, what appear to be stereotypical relationships between Helen and her in-laws actually unfold in unexpected and delightful ways. The romatic relationship was the weakest in the book in my opinion- hence the 4 stars rather than 5.

All in all a great read likely to appeal to a wide range of readers because of the quality of the prose. A great book to fill a few winter afternoons.

Price of the Stars review:
I first read this book some years ago and it a testament to the story that I somehow return to it once a year even though I no longer read much science fiction. This wonderful space opera introduces a wonderful cast of characters and a suitably convoluted plot to carry through the series. I especially love that the main character is Beka, a rebellious young woman who left home rather than continue her training as the hereditary ruler to a dead planet. When her mother is assassinated, Beka starts a quest to hunt down the killers and ends up saving the galaxy. Of course, the saving the galaxy part doesn't happen until later in the series, but the cornerstones are all laid in this first book. A great read that stands the test of time- 5 stars!

#23: Too bad my local library does not have that one yet. It looks like one I would enjoy.

I think it first came out almost 20 years ago so your library's copy might be long destroyed! Amazon has some used copies available though...

Unfortunately I am on a book buying ban this year. Oh well.

Finding Nouf review:
I picked up this mystery based in Jeddah because I am currently living in Dhahran KSA and was intrigued. The author lived in Saudi Arabia and certainly has an understanding of the complexities of life here.

The mystery itself wasn't that mysterious especially if you are familiar with the culture here, but the book itself was nevertheless engaging with its focus on a conservative male desert guide and a fairly liberal female employee of the morgue. It is these two characters and their growing understanding of each other that forms the backbone of the story; the search for the missing daughter of a wealthy family is simply the mechanism that brings them together. 4 stars for quality writing and an interesting & unusual theme.

Nice review, Colleen!

thanks Stasia! I have the second in the series City of Veils in my TBR pile for February...

Mothers and Other Liars review:
This is the latest in a series of books I've read about abducted children, but one that certainly dealt with the problem of a child torn between two families in a unique way. When orphaned 19-year old Ruby finds a baby in the trash at a rest stop, she makes the impulsive decision to take the baby with her on a cross country adventure. Years later, Ruby and Lark are a happy family of two, about to become four thanks to Ruby's boyfriend Chaz and their baby onboard. That happiness is shattered when Ruby sees a newspaper article that reveals that baby Taylor (now Lark) was stolen and dumped all those years ago, and has parents still searching for her.

Without revealing too much of the twist, I will say that though it was a surprise at the time, the actaul outcome quickly became predictable, and the ending itself was very disappointing in the way it negated so much of the story that came before. Three stars.

#29: I think I will skip Mothers and Other Liars.

I hope your next read is better for you!

February 2011 (* in front of the number means I reviewed the book, an :( means I didn't read it as planned)
*14. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson (TIOLI) *completed*
:( City of Veils by Zoe Ferraris *TBR*
:( Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland *TBR*
:( The Truth-teller's Lie by Sophie Hannah *TBR*
15. Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb *completed*
*16. The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus by Sonya Sones *completed*
17. Spinsters in Jeopardy by Ngaio Marsh *completed*
*18. The Fates Will Find Their Way by Hannah Pittard *completed*
19. Real Murders by Charlaine Harris *completed*
20. Three Bedrooms, One Corpse by Charlaine Harris *completed*
21. The Julius House by Charlaine Harris *completed*
22. Last Scene Alive by Charlaine Harris *completed*
23. Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews *completed*
*24. The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady by Elizabeth Stuckey-French *completed*

I read Major Pettigrew's Last Stand and loved it. I hope you enjoy it, Colleen.

I am also a huge fan of the 'In Death' series. I hope you like that one too.

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand review:
This book has been on my wishlist for months, and I finally got a paperback copy as a Christmas gift, and then of course I was reluctant to start the book because I was afraid it woudn't live up to the build-up. Thankfully, my fears were unfounded as this gem of a book more than lived up to the hype.

This beautiful story about finding love a second time around amid the complications of grown children, family businesses, and busybody neighbors also explores themes of racism, greed, loss and redemption. The characters are wonderfully drawn and the writing is flawless. Once I started reading, I simply couldn't put it down, and when the book ended, I was sorry to no longer be a part of that world. 5 stars for this wonderful book!

#33: I am glad to see you enjoyed the book!

Hi Colleen!

I'm glad you got hold of my book Zarafa which I think you'll enjoy very much. Interestingly enough, I mooched this book originally from the middle east. My copy came from Israel! So back to the middle east it goes. The story is also about the middle east - Egypt. Oh, well...you'll read it. Enjoy!

I didn't realize you were also a "75-er" but now I have your thread starred. :)

Hi There

Happy Almost Birthday! I hope the 28th is a Happy Birthday for you.

thanks Linda for the lovely cake!

Just got back from a week in Rome- fabulous vacation but now I am desperately behind on reading (both books and threads)/reviewing/posting. I hope to catch up over the next few days...

A vacation in Rome sounds wonderful! :)

The Fates Will Find Their Way review:
The central figure in this book, 16 year old Nora Liddell, never actually appears other than in the memories and speculations of the boys who were her friends. As they grow up and marry and have children of their own, they are always haunted by the memory of perfect Nora- she looms large over their psyches despite her long absence. As they debate whether or not she ran away or was abducted, whether she hopped a plane to AZ or was buried in a shallow grave it the woods, some part of them is always stuck in childhood in that focus on Nora and her family.

This is a wonderfully written book- truly original and an excellent read. Though at the beginning, I kept hoping to get some clarity on what actually happened to Nora, by the end it was clear that knowledge was unnecessary. Though Nora and her sister are in many ways the central chracters in this drama, it is the reactions of the boys around them that are the focus of this engaging novel. Highly recommended!

I'm behind on reviews but if I don't start the March thread, I'll lose track or what I'm reading...

March 2011 (* in front of the number means I reviewed the book, an :( means I didn't read it as planned)
25. With No One as Witness by Elizabeth George *completed*
26. Poppy Done to Death by Charlaine Harris *completed*
:( I Think I Love You by Allison Pearson *reading*
*27. Miles From Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams *completed*
28. Death of a Writer by Michael Collins *completed*
29. A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka *completed*
30. One Two Buckle My Shoe by Agatha Christie *completed*
31. A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley *completed*
32. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear *completed*
*33. Girl, Stolen by April Henry *completed*
34. The Dissemblers by Liza Campbell *completed*
35. I Was Vermeer by Frank Wynne *completed*
36. The Hidden Gallery by Maryrose Wood *completed*
37. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall *completed*

Miles From Ordinary review:
I chose this book because I read Carol Lynch Williams' The Chosen One a couple of years ago and thought it was wonderful. If anything, Miles from Ordinary surpasses that earlier work with its tender and haunting look at one daughter's effort to care for a mother spiralling into madness. 13 year old Lacey has simple desires for her summer- jobs for her and her mother, and the chance to make a friend. The book traces one day in Lacey's life, one day that starts out hopeful only to fall apart in every way when her mother goes missing. Williams has a unique ability to convey the pain of adolescence and Lacey is a powerful character who is much harder on herself than any reader will ever be. Highly recommended for both YA and older readers.

Girl, Stolen review:
It could be this book suffered in my estimation because I read it immediately after Miles From Ordinary which was just exceptional, but I also thought it compared unfavorably to What Happened to Cass McBride? Though there are compelling elements to the story of the accidental kidnapping of a blind teenager who turns out to be the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, there are too many elements toward the end that do not pass the smell test. The book has a strong opening, and Henry does a great job portraying Cheyenne's experiences as a newly blind teen. Griffin is a strong character, though less compelling than Cheyenne, and the big revelation about his family history was no surprise to this reader. The first two-thirds of this novel made for a great read, but the last third was disappointing in its treatment of the characters. 3.5 stars.

The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus review:
I was both intrigued and frightened when I discovered this entire novel is actually written in verse. Though at first it was strange to read, I quickly found myself immersed in the story and unable to put the book down. It is truly remarkable how vibrant and packed with detail this story is despite the spare poems that convey the meaning in dramatically fewer words than a normal prose novel. I can't say anything else except that this book is a definite must-read that I am recommending to all my family and friends.
5 stars.

I am way behind on threads, but hopefully I can keep up with you for the rest of the year, Colleen!

Thanks Stasia- I can relate given how far behind I am on reviews!
onward and upward...

April 2011 (* in front of the number means I reviewed the book, an :( means I didn't read it as planned)
*39. Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris *completed*
*40. Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris *completed*
*41. Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland *completed*
:( The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall
42. Smokin' Six Shooter by B.J. Daniels *completed*
*43. Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones *completed*
44. Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender*completed*
45. Starpilot's Grave by Debra Doyle *completed*
46. By Honor Betray'd by Debra Doyle *completed*
47. Jane Austen and the Unpleasantness at Scargrove Manor by Stephanie Barron *completed*
*48. The Ninth Wife by Amy Stolls *completed*
*49. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J Watson *completed*
*50. City of Veils by Zoe Farraris *completed*
51. Powers that Be by Anne McCaffrey *completed*
52. Power Lines by Anne McCaffrey *completed*
53. Power Play by Anne McCaffrey *completed*

I really need to get to that Harris series. I think I own at least 2 of the books in it, but have yet to read any of them.

Silver Sparrow review:
This book was not what I expected when I picked it up- but in the end the story delivered more than I anticipated. This story, told from the points of view of the two daughters of a man with two families (one open, one secret) was dark and rather heartbreaking. I was appalled by the actions of the adults in this story, especially the father, who had no redeeming qualities that I could see. The life of secret daughter Dana was so sad that I found it hard to relate to Chaurisse when her turn came even though she had no idea how much impact her wants and needs had on the life of her secret sister.

The writing was excellent, and I suppose if the story had a different ending I would likely have gone for five stars, but the epilogue made me sad and cast a pall over the story for me (though other readers may disagree).

#48: Nice review, Colleen!

Thanks Stacia! I'm way behind on reviewing even if I am doing OK on reading!

Clara and Mr. Tiffany review:
This is a tough review for me because despite the fact that I really wanted to love this book, I just couldn't. I found Clara a strangely flat character despite the interesting times in which she lived; it was hard for me to feel an emotional connection to her. I always felt that Clara was remote and found myself more interested in the other women and the glassware than in Clara herself.

The writing was wonderful and I love that the story was inspired by true events, but I guess I think Vreeland tried too hard to tread the fine line between fact and fiction and so missed the mark on both. 3.5 stars even though I feel bad saying that...

Grave Sight review:
The start of a new series, this paranormal mystery about a young woman struck by lighting who can now locate the dead and see the moment of their passing is surprisingly good. Though it doesn't take long for the reader to figure out the mystery, it really doesn't matter- it is the characters that carry this book along amd make it impossible to put down. I've read other books by Harris and enjoyed them, but this is head and shoulders above The Southern Vampire Series or the Aurora Teagarden mysteries. Highly recommended even if you don't normally enjoy Charlaine Harris.

Grave Surprise review:
An outstanding follow-up to the series opener, this offering continues the story of Harper (the lightning-struck girl who can see dead people) and Tolliver (the step-brother that manages the business they built on her skills). Once again the murderer isn't hard to figure out early on in the story, but once again it doesn't really matter- the gradual sharing of information about Harper and Tolliver's lives and their past is more than enough to capture reader interest. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Before I Go to Sleep review:
In this well-written "thriller", Christine wakes up every day unsure of who she is, unable to believe she is the middle-aged woman in the mirror. She can't remember her husband or the life they led together. She can't remember anything. Eventually she finds a journal and learns she has been seeking answers and then the book builds to an interesting climax that I won't reveal here.

This story is solid and engaging, but I just never got the spine-tingling thrill I had expected. It was an interesting read, and I did enjoy it, buthe lack of real tension as the book moved towarded the big denouement made it easy to put down when interrupted. I was left feeling vaguely let down and dissatisfied which is why I'm only giving it 3.5 stars.

The Ninth Wife review:
When Bess finally finds that special someone who wants to share his life with her, Rory has just one small surprise- he has been married 8 times before! As she tried to work through her feelings about his past and theor future, she embarks on a cross country road trip from DC to take her grandparents to their new home in AZ, stopping along the way to meet as many of Rory's former wives as she can find.

From the description and flap copy, I expected a standard chick-lit book, full of humor and froth. What I got instead was a well-crafted family drama that explores love in all its different incarnations. The backstories here are poignant and complicated, giving the book a depth that I did not expect. Bess and Rory are great characters, as are Bess' friends and grandparents (who sounds quirky in the flap copy but are actually quite tragic in their way). I found it hard to put this excellent novel down and highly recommend it.

May 2011 (* in front of the number means I reviewed the book, an :( means I didn't read it as planned)
54. Diamond Mask by Julian May *completed*
55. Magnificat by Julian May*completed*
:( Compass Rose by John Casey *reading*
56. Original Sin by Beth McMullen *completed*
*57. These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf *completed*
58. Runaway Jury by John Grisham *completed*
59. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen *completed*
60. Bride Leads the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
61. Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen *completed*
62. The Informationist by Taylor Stevens *completed*
*63. Tassy Morgan's Bluff by Jim Stinson *completed*
64. Public Secrets by Nora Roberts *completed*
65. The Search by Nora Roberts *completed*
66. Genuine Lies by Nora Roberts *completed*

The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady review
Despite a wonderful title, entertaining premise, and funny opening, this book ultimately fell flat for me. Billed as a comedy, this book takes too many dark turns for me to find it amusing. Plotting and maybe even carrying out revenge on the doctor that tricked you into participating in secret government research- perfectly fine and potentially funny. Turning your attentions to ruining the lives of his already fragile grandchildren when you discover he is afflicted with Alzheimers- not OK and not at all funny.

This read like two separate stories to me- one a serious and interesting look at family disfunction, one an amusing tale of revenge. When combined into one book though, neither story as allowed to live up to its potential. 3 stars.

#57: I have seen one positive review for that one and now one negative. I guess I am going to have to try it for myself one of these days!

June 2011 (* in front of the number means I reviewed the book, an :( means I didn't read it as planned)
*67. The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin *completed*
*68. Foxy's Tale by Karen Fraunfelder Cantwell *completed*
*69. Herb 'n' Lorna by Eric Craft *completed*
70. Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie *completed*
71. Saints in Limbo by River Jordan *completed*
72. The Beach Club by Elin Hilderbrand *completed*
73. Promises in Death by J.D. Robb *completed*
74. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson *completed*
75. One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson *completed*
76. When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson *completed*
77. Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb *completed*

Tassy Morgan's Bluff review:
This light read filled with quirky characters thrown together by improbable circumstances was a delightful summer read. The setting is great, the small town politics accurate, and the cast of characters is truly original. Tassy and Linc make a great couple and I loved reading about their efforts to maintain Tassy's dilapidated cottage in the face of machinations by the town council.

My only quibble is that the end of the book seems rather sudden and doesn't tie up all the lose ends for the characters other than Tassy and Linc. If this is the start of a series with more books to follow that flesh out the rest of the oddballs introduced here, then I would bump it up to 5 stars.

#60: Someone else in the group recommended Tassy Morgan's Bluff recently too. I am glad to see you enjoyed it, Colleen!

The American Heiress review:
Though I found this book slow going for the first 50 or so pages, I eventually found myself pulled into the story. The improbably named American heiress Cora Cash is wealthy enough to be the prime catch of the season, and her mother is determined to use that status to marry into a titled English family. Cora is determined to get married to escape from her overbearing mother, especially after her first love turns down her proposal to dedicate himself to art.

Though there was nothing unexpected about the plot, I did find the characters engaging, and welcomed the few glances into the life and views of the servants involved in all these family machinations. Cora's naivete can be annoying at times, and she certainly isn't the brightest heroine, but she is nevertheless a well-meaning girl who does attract the reader's sympathy as the story develops.

A good summer read once you sink into the story. 3.5 stars.

#62: Your review of The American Heiress mirrors others I have seen of the book. I think I will keep it on the back burner of the BlackHole.

Yeah, I got it through LTER but am not certain I would recommend bumping it to the top of anyone's TBR list...

Foxy's Tale review:
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book- after all, the whole vampire thing is getting to be a bit much. At its heart though, this is a story about families and relationships not about blood sucking creatuers of the night. Foxy is a former beauty queen recently dumped by her former NFL-star husband and struggling to parent her daughter when she is barely a real grownup herself. She's a shopaholic who worries constantly about her daughter Amanda's goth style and only has a decent business because of the work of Knot Knudsen, a guy who basically wandered in off the street to rent a room only to become her antique store's savior. Add in a third boarder, weird Myron who keeps blood in the fridge, and Amanda's wish that her Mom was more like June Cleaver, and you have an amusing cast of quirky characters that are surprisingly compelling.

The book is well-written and funny, and I enjoyed it more than I anticipated. The book resonates because it has heart, and the oddball characters all have a pathos that make their stories compelling. All in all and excellent summer read; I look forward to the next installment in this unusual series.

Foxy's Tale looks fun. I will see if I can locate a copy. Thanks for the recommendation, Colleen!

I think it is $0.99 at the Kindle store- well worth the investment.

Well, I do not have a Kindle, I have a Nook, but thanks anyway.

I've been back in the US for vacation and training- wow am I far behind on tracking here! will try to catch up later this week...

Nice to see you checking back in, Colleen!

July 2011 (* in front of the number means I reviewed the book, an :( means I didn't read it as planned)

*78. Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews *completed*
79. The Love Season by Elin Hilderbrand *completed*
80. The Ice House by Minette Walters *completed*
81. The School at the Chalet by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
82. Jo of the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
83. The Princess of the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
84. The Head Girl of the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
85. The Rivals of the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
86. Eustacia Goes to the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
87. The Chalet School and Jo by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
88. The Chalet Girls in Camp by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
89. The Exploits of the Chalet Girls by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
90. The Chalet School and the Lintons by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
91. A Rebel at the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
92. The New House at the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
93. Jo Returns to the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
94. The New Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
95. A United Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
96. The Chalet School in Exile by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
97. The Chalet School Goes to It by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
98. The Highland Twins at the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
99. Lavender Laughs in the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
100. Gay From China at the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
101. Tom Tackles the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
102. The Chalet School and Rosalie by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
103. Three Go to the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
104. The Chalet School and the Island by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
105. Peggy of the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
106. Carola Storms the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
107. The Wrong Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
108. Shocks for the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*

(to be completed when the box of books I read while home on vacation arrives. Also, I was obviously revisiting childhood favorites with the Chalet School series but since they are such short reads, I'm not really sure about how to count them.)

August 2011 (* in front of the number means I reviewed the book, an :( means I didn't read it as planned)
109. Have His Carcase by Dorothy Sayers *completed*
*110. The End of Everything by Megan E. Abbott *completed*
*111. The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin *completed*
112. Coming Up for Air by Patti Callahan Henry *completed*
113. The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie *completed*
114. The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie *completed*
115. Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie *completed*
116. Mrs. McGinty's Dead by Agatha Christie *completed*
*117. Other People's Money by Justin Cartwright *completed*
118. Poirot's Early Cases by Agatha Christie *completed*
119. The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie *completed*
*120. The Clocks by Agatha Christie *completed*
121. A Pocket Full of Rye by Agatha Christie *completed*

I am currently re-reading the Lord Peter Wimsey series again. I hope you enjoyed Have His Carcase.

Herb 'n' Lorna: A Love Story review:
Presented as the biography of the grandparents of a well-known fictional character, this lovely novel is a strangely engaging read. Though the book starts off slow and is a little difficult to really sink into, once the story takes off, it is difficult to put down. Well-written, sweet, funny, and a little naughty, this novel was an unexpectedly enjoyable offering. Herb and Lorna are wonderful characters that I found myself totally invested in- the grandparents any of us would love to have. This story of an ordinary family, its place in history, and its quirky secrets offers hours of enjoyment that you will want to share with your friends and family. 4 stars (would have been 5 if I hadn't started and stopped a couple of times before I finally got hooked).

#74: I have never heard of that book before. I will have to see if my local library has it. Thanks for the recommendation, Colleen!

thanks Stasia- it was oddly enjoyable. Apparently the author has written other books about the character whose grandparents feature in this one, but I haven't read any of his other stuff.

The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb review:
Before reading this book, I knew very little about Lavinia Warren other than the fact that she was married to General Tom Thumb. In this well-imagined look at her life, Melanie Benjamin recreates a unique time in American history populated by larger-than-life characters (no matter what their size). Once I started this engaging book, I simply couldn't put it down. Combining historical fact with well-researched creative license, Benjamin crafted a highly enjoyable work of historical fiction. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoyed Alice I Have Been or who enjoys the early history of the circus. 5 stars.

Summer Rental review:
This story of three best friends and a summer rental is a wonderful beach read. Nothing here is a surprise, but despite the formulaic plot, the writing elevates this otherwise predictable beach read. The sub-plot with the woman on the run felt like a bit of an add-on and was certainly wrapped up a little too easily. All in all though, a decent addition to the Andrews canon and certainly a great book to help wrap up your summer vacation. 4 stars.

Other People's Money review:
This novel tells the tale of a family, a banking family, caught in the web of a pending financial collapse. At heart this is a family drama rather than a deep look at the ills that helped cause the recent financial crisis. An incapacitated father, a son trying to stave off the collapse, a stepmother trying to rediscover her lost youth, a young journalist trying to make her mark, an aging editor desperate for one last story- all make this character-driven story a delight to read. The writing is magnificent, the characters finely drawn, and the situation realistic; this novel is a tuly excellent read. Highly recommended work of literary fiction. 5 stars.

#77: I did not care overmuch for Alice I have Been, but am willing to give Benjamin another chance. I am glad to see that you enjoyed The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb so much, Colleen.

Stasia- I really loved Alice I have Been so it might not be your cup of tea. I enjoyed it because I didn't know much about the real life character inspiration (much like my experience with Alice). I guess whether you like it or not might depend on why you didn't like Alice...

I cannot remember now exactly why I did not like Alice - it has been well over a year since I read it.

OK, I'm obviously revisiting old favorites despite the huge mountain that is my TBR pile. Since I'm rereading my Agatha Christie, I might as well be reviewing them...

The Clocks review:
I've been a Christie fan since 8th grade and have read them all so many times that I always remember whodunit. Nevertheless, I find them a relaxing and enjoyable read when I'm taking a break from more weighty fiction. This offering is not one of my favorites, mostly because Hercules Poirot, though he makes an appearance, is not central to the story which focuses instead on a young friend of his who finds himself pulled into a murder mystery when he is investigating a case of espionage. The mystery itself is quite enjoyable and the solution satisfying as always; I just prefer to snuggle in with Poirot or Miss Marple when I have the chance. 4 stars.

#83: I'm obviously revisiting old favorites despite the huge mountain that is my TBR pile.

Sometimes, we just need those comfort reads. . .

The End of Everything review:
This novel is a well-written look at the girls transitioning into young women, trying for the first time to understand what it means to be growing up. Lizzie and Evie are best friend who share everything until one day they don't, one day when Evie goes missing and Lizzie is the last person to see her. As Lizzie tries to understand what she knows, she delves deeper and deeper into Evie's family and Evie's disappearance, and slowly comes to realize that everything is not as it seems even in Evie's perfect family. An excellent look at a time of transition, a time when innocence is lost (one way or another), a time when childhood is finally left behind. This book captures those delicately posed moments and every one of the characters rings true. Highly recommended!

These Things Hidden review:
This wonderful novel that traces the life of young Allison after she is released from prison for an unspeakable crime. As she tried to rebuild a life, she is desperate to reconnect with her parents (who have no desire to let her back into their lives) and her younger sister (who steadfastly refuses to speak to her). As this former golden girl gets a job and starts to find her footing, she unexpectedly finds herself on a collision course with the past, one that will have shocking consequences. The characters are well-drawn and the raw emotions had a ring of truth. A wonderful story which unfolds layer by layer, this book builds to an impressively powerful ending. Highly recommended.

#85/86: Too bad that my local library does not have either one of those!

Stasia- both were ARCs so I'm not 100% if they have been released yet. You might want to keep checking with your library...

Ah, OK. Good to know. Thanks, Colleen.

September 2011 (* in front of the number means I reviewed the book, an :( means I didn't read it as planned)
122. Dead Man's Folly by Agatha Christie *completed*
123. Death in the Air by Agatha Christie *completed*
124. Wrecker by Summer Wood *completed*
125. Curtain by Agatha Christie *completed*
*126. A Thousand Lives by Julia Scheeres *completed*
127. The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi Durrow *completed*
128. Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear *completed*
129. Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear *completed*
130. Final Curtain by Ngaio Marsh *completed*
*131. The Very Picture of You by Isabel Wolff *completed*
132. After the Funeral by Agatha Christie *completed*
*133. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie *completed*

A Thousand Lives review:
Working from recently released documents and tapes seized in Guyana after the mass murder/suicide in Jonestown, Scheeres has created a moving account of the People's Temple by focusing on several individuals who followed Jim Jones (some to their deaths). Scheeres treats this tragedy with acute sensitivity and a remarkable lack of judgmental rhetoric. She clearly spells out how Jim Jones initially drew people to his church and how his message shifted over the years from one of openness and integration to one of megalomania and paranoia. Scheeres also reveals a disturbing lack of action on the part of both the US and Guyanese governments whose dismissive attitude towards Jones' public threats of "revolutionary suicide" helped set the scene for his final solution.

As the narrative wound toward its tragic conclusion, Scheeres did a wonderful job of showing how Jones worked his followers, using drugs, violence, and starvation to keep them compliant and apathetic to his discussions of mass suicide. Scheeres' research makes it clear that Jones had a long range plan to kill all his followers and that he used drugs, threats, and both physical and psychological torture (beatings, sensory deprivation boxes, sleep deprivation, and a constant barrage of Jones' rantings broadcast day and night) to desensitize his followers to that danger. Ultimately, Scheeres did a wonderful job of placing the blame on Jones and on the upper levels of the People's Temple leadership, those who saw Jones unraveling and yet either did nothing or actively abetted his insanity. Using their own words (from interviews with survivors and from journals recovered from Guyana), Scheeres portrays the hundreds who dies in Jonestown as victims, horribly betrayed by a man who, through deception on every level, had gradually taken over every aspect of their lives.

Highly recommended!

The Very Picture of You review:
This story of a portrait painter working on three portraits that ultimately change her life had all the ingredients of a great read but unfortunately never really came together. Though Ella was a sympathetic character, she was also woefully incapable of seeing things that were right before her eyes. As a reader, I was frustrated that the twists that so shocked Ella were things I had figured out ages before. I also thought that the plot devices of visits and stories from clients were too similar to that of Wolff's enjoyable A Vintage Affair.

Given how much I loved A Vintage Affair, I really wanted to like this book but my overall impression after finishing was "meh". Because there were no real surprises, it was hard to share Ella's sense of surprise at every turn. It was also hard to believe Ella was able to see deeply into her clients in order to paint their portraits given her general inability to see the truth about those close to her.

3.5 stars.

Murder of Roger Ackroyd review:
I've been a Christie fan since 8th grade and have read them all so many times that I always remember whodunit. Nevertheless, I find them a relaxing and enjoyable read when I'm taking a break from more weighty fiction. This is one of the finest examples of the genre- I still remember being shocked at the murderer the first time I read this book. Hercule Poirot was certainly on his game when he tackled this country house mystery. Though Hastings and Inspector Japp were absent, it was delightful to get a fresh perspective on Poirot from the narrator, a country doctor with an inquisitive sister. Certainly an excellent read for any mystery fan, and an excellent introduction to Christie for the uninitiated. 5 stars.

October 2011 (* in front of the number means I reviewed the book, an :( means I didn't read it as planned)
134. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie *completed*
135. Dumb Witness by Agatha Christie *completed*
136. Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie *completed*
137. Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen *completed*
138. A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen *completed*
139. The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie *completed*
140. The Dead Cat Bounce by Sarah Graves *completed*
141. Wicked Fix by Sarah Graves *completed*
142. Triple Witch by Sarah Graves *completed*
143. Repair to Her Grave by Sarah Graves *completed*
144. A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie *completed*
*145. The Third Girl by Agatha Christie *completed*
*146. A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner *completed*

The Third Girl review:
I've been a Christie fan since 8th grade and have read them all so many times that I always remember whodunit. Nevertheless, I find them a relaxing and enjoyable read when I'm taking a break from more weighty fiction.

This book features two of my favorites- Hercules Poirot and Ariadne Oliver. When a young girl comes to see Poirot and confesses she might have committed a murder before running out claiming he was too old to help her, Poirot is on the case. As he tracks down the identity of the girl and searches for a death that might fit the bill, Mrs. Oliver add bits and pieces of important information that help him solve the case. The final solution is one I never saw coming (the first time I read the book at least)- a very satisfying mystery indeed!

A Sound Among the Trees review:
Marielle Bishop met Carson online and married him, moving across the country and into Holly Oak, the historic home he and his children shared with her grandmother Adelaide. Adelaide thinks the house is stuck, her friends insist the house is haunted- the bottom line is this house has a history that dates back to the Civil War and the battles fought in Fredricksburg, VA. The book tells the tale of Marielle's efforts to cope with the house, her new family, and the shadow of the past.

This book was very hard to get into, and never really captured my interest. The narrative improved dramatically halfway through the books when Susannah's Civil War correspondence came to light, allowing her story to be told. I certainly felt more emotional connection to Susannah than to any of the modern-day characters. Marielle was too undeveloped, Adelaide too cryptic, Pearl too annoying, Carson too absent- the most interesting modern character was Caroline and she didn't enter until halfway through the novel. Susannah and her war-time experiences would have made an excellent stand-alone story freed from the unsatisfying frame of Marielle's story. The historical part was 4 stars but the contemporary portion barely hit 2 stars so 3 overall for this promising but frustrating novel.

November 2011 (* in front of the number means I reviewed the book, an :( means I didn't read it as planned)
147. Mallory's Oracle by Carol O'Connell *completed*
*148. I Am Half Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley *completed*
*149. How the Mistakes Were Made by Tyler McMahon *completed*
*150. Irma Voth by Miriam Toews *completed*
*151. Catherine the Great by Robert Massie *completed*
152. A Test of Wills by Charles Todd *completed*
153. Wings of Fire by Charles Todd *completed*
154. The Man Who Cast Two Shadows by Carol O'Connell *completed*
155. Killing Critics by Carol O'Connell *completed*
156. Stone Angel by Carol O'Connell *completed*
157. Shell Game by Carol O'Connell *completed*
158. The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall *completed*

I Am Half-Sick of Shadows review:
This fourth novel featuring aspiring chemist-cum-sleuth Flavia De Luce is a wonderful addition to the canon with more focus on Flavia than on the murder mystery. Though the mystery of a world-famous actress cruelly killed while prepping to film a movie at cold and crumbling Buskshaw over the Christmas holiday is never really that engaging, it was the insights into Flavia and her relationships with her friends and family that are revealed which kept me reading late into the night. Flavia, determined to use science to capture Father Christmas, is a charming blend of naivete and experience, a mini-adult in some ways still struggling to come to terms with her childhood in others. Flavia is growing up and asking questions, revealing in the process a compelling vulnerability and emotional depth that was less evident in the earlier books. Heck, she didn't even try to poison anyone this time around!

All in all a great addition to any library; certainly a wonderful idea for a gift this holiday season!

How the Mistakes Were Made review:
This wonderful book tells the tale of Laura Loss who grew up in the punk rock scene in the 1980s then lost it all when that scene turned on her brother and their band. Now working in a coffee shop in Seattle and still playing music, she meets two young musicians in Montana and sees a spark. When they turn up at her door and fall into a gig, they accidentally become the hottest new indie band in the country. When the band implodes, torn apart by drugs, sex, and rock & roll, Laura finds herself blamed by the world- this book is her story of how the Mistakes were made.

Told in spare prose from Laura's perspective, this novel is raw and moving. As the band spirals out of control, Laura is forced to look at her life and her history and her music. Caught between the fans, the record companies, and her feelings for her bandmates, Laura has to confront the reality that success is fleeting and that sometimes the music itself just isn't enough. Well-written and ultimately heartbreaking, this novel is an excellent look at the music industry and life and love. Highly recommended.

December 2011 (* in front of the number means I reviewed the book, an :( means I didn't read it as planned)
159. Dead Famous by Carol O'Connell *completed*
160. American Pickers Guide to Picking by Libby Callaway *completed*
161. The Bettanys of Taverton High by Helen Barber *completed*
162. Jo of the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer *completed*
163. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver *completed*
164. Aftertaste by Meredith Mileti *completed*
165. Search the Dark by Charles Todd *completed*
166. Legacy of the Dead by Charles Todd *completed*
167. The Guides of the Chalet School by Jane Berry *completed*
168. A Fearsome Doubt by Charles Todd *completed*
169. Watchers of Time by Charles Todd *completed*
170. Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear *completed*
171. An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear *completed*
172. Raven Black by Ann Cleeves *completed*
173. A Long Shadow by Charles Todd *completed*

Catherine the Great review:
Though the heft of this book is daunting when you first pick it up, persevere. It only takes a few pages before you lose track of time and find yourself transported into the past. I read almost half the book in one sitting without even realizing it because the narrative was just so engaging. This is an excellently researched and well-drawn portrait of a truly fascinating woman who transformed herself from a pawn to the Empress of Russia. Massie's writing style is accessible and the characters he reveals through his prose create a deep well of interest and empathy. I knew very little about Catherine the Great before picking up this book, and was stunned by how she seized control of her own destiny to save herself and her adopted country.

Highly recommended, 5 stars.

Irma Voth review:
It only took a few pages for me to be completely hooked by this compelling novel- the spare prose and complicated characters make for a wonderful read. The story is told from the point of view of Irma, a 19 year old Mennonite girl in Mexico haunted by family secrets and the decisions she has made in life. When a strange film crew shows up to make a movie about her community, Irma is catapaulted into a new reality, one where she has new choices to make which have far-reaching consequences.

Watching Irma's torment as she tries to come to terms with her relationships with family and with God, I was unable to put this book down. The writing is bare bones which is disconcerting at first but quickly come to highlight the spare lifestyle Irma lives within the confines of her community. As the story of her past unfolds, it is impossible not to feel for Irma as she tries to correct her mistakes.

One of the best books I read in 2011.

Before I Fall review:
This book is young adult fiction at its best- a serious message presented as an incredibly engaging story. Sam is one of the queen bees of her high school- pretty, popular and seemingly perfect. And then she dies and she can't figure out why. As she relives the last day of her life over and over, trying different tactics to change the ultimate outcome, she reveals an astonishing depth of character and understanding for both her family, friends and those outsiders whose lives have touched on hers. It is difficult to go into much detail without spoiling this wonderful story, but trust me that once you start this book, you won't be able to put it down.

Samantha has an incredibly authentic voice, one capable of speaking to adults and teens alike. Her revelations about bullying, eating disorders, sex, and peer pressure are sure to strike a chord with any reader. This engaging novel also shares some powerful insights into the sometimes heartbreaking realities of teen life. Highly recommended- the best young adult book I read all year!