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1Severn
Had lots going on and fallen way behind, so I'll pick this up again next year..I've barely been reading, and this has sunk into the land of non-read threads anyway. :)
2MusicMom41
This is a good idea--to switch over. It's easier to interact if we are all in the same group! I enjoyed checking out your 2008 thread--and am getting some fantasy ideas from you. That's an area I'm going to be exploring in my 999 challenge--however what I read there will also be posted here. Everything I read next year will be posted in my 75 Challenge list. See you late next week--in 2009!
4alcottacre
Glad to see you are joining us in the 2009 group!
5MusicMom41
Severn
Thanks for the comment on my 75 thread. If you want a preview of what I'll be posting and commenting on in my 75 challenge I have quite a few books listed on my 999 challenge that I plan to read--although some may change, most of them I'm pretty committed to.
Thanks for the comment on my 75 thread. If you want a preview of what I'll be posting and commenting on in my 75 challenge I have quite a few books listed on my 999 challenge that I plan to read--although some may change, most of them I'm pretty committed to.
6GeorgiaDawn
Hello there, Severn! I look forward to following your list of books. See, my every growing and never ending TBR pile is partially your fault. :o)
7Severn
1 - The Flamboya Tree by Clara Olink Kelly.
My review:
Memories twist and change throughout our lives - they become something other than that the fact of an event. They're imbued with our emotions, and our reactions. I do not doubt that the Olink family was imprisoned in a Japanese Concentration Camp in Java, nor do I doubt that the father of the family was forced to do soul-destroying work on the Burma railroad. I believe that life was absolutely horrendous for the family. And I also believe that a series of family myths and lore, passed down from mother to child, has been set down as a passionate memoir. I believe some of the stories will have been altered over time because, as already expressed, that is what memory does. This is one of the several reasons that I found connecting with The Flamboya Tree difficult.
It is, at its core, a story of hope and survival. A fight for life for a family held to ransom in a brutal, brutal time. It struck me, therefore, that this particular family escaped brutal consequence. Yes, they starved like everyone else. But, the mother was able to hold her young, restless child and stand upright, looking directly at a Japanese Officer - given to delivering beatings at a whim - at a roll call in the endless sun, while all others were made to bow and scrape; and if a prisoner risked eye contact, they were often beaten to death. Apparently, the entire camp could sing a Christmas carol and not be commanded to the usual severe silence. Such mysticism seems out of place in a biography of life inside a prison camp, and reinforces the possibility of inaccurate, changing memory.
Two other issues prevented me from attaining full enjoyment of the book. Firstly, the patronising attitude toward the 'native' population of Java. The author, and the author's family, was very much from a patriarchal, colonial background, living in India and Indonesia as wealthy plantation owners and taking cheap labour from the local population as servants and workers. An attitude of superiority, and the idea that the locals were deliriously happy to work for the colonists - away from their homes and families - sadly infuse the book. It's true that that was the way of life at that time, but there seems no attempt at reflection upon this, no awareness on the author's part of the resentment that must have been boiling in these servant's hearts. Little connection is made between this and the uprising of furious Indonesians against colonial rule that kept the women and children inside the camp for their own safety, after Japan had lost the war.
Secondly, the portrayal of the father's role left much to be desired. It is also true that the author wrote the book as a tribute to her mother. With that in mind I suppose it should come as no surprise that the failure of her parent's marriage after the war is attributed entirely toward the father; he assumes an unrelenting role as marriage-wrecker. Once again, there seems to be a lack of awareness on the author's part of the nature of war, and what it does to a person. How it can change a person, and how a family that ran on tight rules, and severe gender roles, couldn't just return to the way it was after a four year sentence of separation.
While I did enjoy reading the account to a degree, there was much that frustrated me, and the author's somewhat lackluster style of writing didn't aid the frustration. I would recommend it as an account of life inside a horrifying prison camp in World War II, but only if it's taken with a grain of salt, and a realisation that it is utterly, utterly biased.
eta - bah, touchstones that still won't work
My review:
Memories twist and change throughout our lives - they become something other than that the fact of an event. They're imbued with our emotions, and our reactions. I do not doubt that the Olink family was imprisoned in a Japanese Concentration Camp in Java, nor do I doubt that the father of the family was forced to do soul-destroying work on the Burma railroad. I believe that life was absolutely horrendous for the family. And I also believe that a series of family myths and lore, passed down from mother to child, has been set down as a passionate memoir. I believe some of the stories will have been altered over time because, as already expressed, that is what memory does. This is one of the several reasons that I found connecting with The Flamboya Tree difficult.
It is, at its core, a story of hope and survival. A fight for life for a family held to ransom in a brutal, brutal time. It struck me, therefore, that this particular family escaped brutal consequence. Yes, they starved like everyone else. But, the mother was able to hold her young, restless child and stand upright, looking directly at a Japanese Officer - given to delivering beatings at a whim - at a roll call in the endless sun, while all others were made to bow and scrape; and if a prisoner risked eye contact, they were often beaten to death. Apparently, the entire camp could sing a Christmas carol and not be commanded to the usual severe silence. Such mysticism seems out of place in a biography of life inside a prison camp, and reinforces the possibility of inaccurate, changing memory.
Two other issues prevented me from attaining full enjoyment of the book. Firstly, the patronising attitude toward the 'native' population of Java. The author, and the author's family, was very much from a patriarchal, colonial background, living in India and Indonesia as wealthy plantation owners and taking cheap labour from the local population as servants and workers. An attitude of superiority, and the idea that the locals were deliriously happy to work for the colonists - away from their homes and families - sadly infuse the book. It's true that that was the way of life at that time, but there seems no attempt at reflection upon this, no awareness on the author's part of the resentment that must have been boiling in these servant's hearts. Little connection is made between this and the uprising of furious Indonesians against colonial rule that kept the women and children inside the camp for their own safety, after Japan had lost the war.
Secondly, the portrayal of the father's role left much to be desired. It is also true that the author wrote the book as a tribute to her mother. With that in mind I suppose it should come as no surprise that the failure of her parent's marriage after the war is attributed entirely toward the father; he assumes an unrelenting role as marriage-wrecker. Once again, there seems to be a lack of awareness on the author's part of the nature of war, and what it does to a person. How it can change a person, and how a family that ran on tight rules, and severe gender roles, couldn't just return to the way it was after a four year sentence of separation.
While I did enjoy reading the account to a degree, there was much that frustrated me, and the author's somewhat lackluster style of writing didn't aid the frustration. I would recommend it as an account of life inside a horrifying prison camp in World War II, but only if it's taken with a grain of salt, and a realisation that it is utterly, utterly biased.
eta - bah, touchstones that still won't work
8Severn
2 - Dancing in a Distant Place by Isla Dewar
My review:
When Iris moves into the country after her husband's unexpected death in the late 1960's, she has no idea that her new position as the local school's 'Missie' will reshape her life. The decision is one she makes out of desperation after she loses her home due to her husband's secret gambling habits. Unwillingly, she wakes each morning in a beautiful place, longing for her city home, and for human touch.
Dewar's warm, full characters make 'Dancing in the Distant Place' a rich novel, one that induces laughter, watery eyes and statements such as 'No! Don't do that!' She writes with graceful, strong prose, and possesses an uncommon ability to paint her characters as well as she does the country scenery in Scotland. Her world and the lives in it are convincing - those rare kind of characters one could recognise walking down the street.
There's little Colin - a self-imposed mute whose love for the little things, and quiet fight against the world, is precious to read. There's Emily, whose surge into free love has met with the bitter truth that she is just homesick and wants to eat more than potatoes and lentils. Michael likes to drive with his eyes closed along the country roads, because he knows and loves them so well. And Sophy, Iris's teenage daughter, thinks death is a very romantic thing indeed.
This is definitely one of those kind of books that will stay with me for a long time, and I'm very pleased to discover she has six more books out there for me to get my greedy little hands on.
My review:
When Iris moves into the country after her husband's unexpected death in the late 1960's, she has no idea that her new position as the local school's 'Missie' will reshape her life. The decision is one she makes out of desperation after she loses her home due to her husband's secret gambling habits. Unwillingly, she wakes each morning in a beautiful place, longing for her city home, and for human touch.
Dewar's warm, full characters make 'Dancing in the Distant Place' a rich novel, one that induces laughter, watery eyes and statements such as 'No! Don't do that!' She writes with graceful, strong prose, and possesses an uncommon ability to paint her characters as well as she does the country scenery in Scotland. Her world and the lives in it are convincing - those rare kind of characters one could recognise walking down the street.
There's little Colin - a self-imposed mute whose love for the little things, and quiet fight against the world, is precious to read. There's Emily, whose surge into free love has met with the bitter truth that she is just homesick and wants to eat more than potatoes and lentils. Michael likes to drive with his eyes closed along the country roads, because he knows and loves them so well. And Sophy, Iris's teenage daughter, thinks death is a very romantic thing indeed.
This is definitely one of those kind of books that will stay with me for a long time, and I'm very pleased to discover she has six more books out there for me to get my greedy little hands on.
9TadAD
I enjoyed Secrets of a Family Album by her last year, so maybe I'll hunt this one also. Thanks for the review.
10mckait
Thank you for the ticker help... now how do you update the thing???
( just call me stupid.. sigh)
( just call me stupid.. sigh)
11Whisper1
Hi Severn
Thanks for your wonderfully written reviews!
You started 2009 with two very interesting books!
Thanks for your wonderfully written reviews!
You started 2009 with two very interesting books!
12MusicMom41
#7 Severn
What a masterful and insightful review of this book. I love the way you read "between the lines" and gain more insight than the author intended--or maybe more understanding than even the author had! When reading a memoir the reader has to remember that this is the story from the author's perspective! This is why a memoir may tell a lot but a biography is usually more objective.
I am really looking forward to reading your other reviews this year.
What a masterful and insightful review of this book. I love the way you read "between the lines" and gain more insight than the author intended--or maybe more understanding than even the author had! When reading a memoir the reader has to remember that this is the story from the author's perspective! This is why a memoir may tell a lot but a biography is usually more objective.
I am really looking forward to reading your other reviews this year.
13alcottacre
I have heard good things about Dewar's books, so I will be on the lookout for them. Thanks for the review of Dancing in a Distant Place.
15arubabookwoman
Thank you for your reviews. I enjoyed reading them and look forward to more. Looks like you're going to have an eclectic reading list this year.
16Severn
~blush~ Thanks guys! That kind of response is really encouraging and will really help me reach my goal of reviewing each book! :)
17suslyn
I'm a sci-fi/fantasy nut so I'm really looking forward to following your thread this year :) -- Susan
18Severn
3 - The Hallowed Hunt - by Lois McMaster Bujold
My Review (mild, mild spoilers):
The Hallowed Hunt comprises the third novel set in the same world as Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls, but in a different locale, with a new set of characters and at a different time. For these reasons, the book can be read easily as a standalone novel. In any event, it feels completely unconnected both in style and story, to the first two novels.
The book is slow to start. Perhaps detrimentally so. I realised that I was genuinely excited by events when there were 70 pages left out of 400. The story is told through the eyes of Lord Ingrey, who carries a magic he does not understand. The villain, Wencel, carries a similar magic and is using it for ill purpose, and again Lord Ingrey is in the dark to his intentions or the truth of the magic.
Consequently, most of the book is a foray into Lord Ingrey's mind as he soul-searches, thinks and asks many, many questions about what is happening, what could happen and what he might do about it.
Given that I did become enthralled by the last few chapters I realised that somewhere along the slow journey I had come to care about the characters and their fates. But, perhaps, things could have started happening earlier.
Bujold's writing lacked a certain spark that brought the previous Chalion novels to rich life. In 'The Hallowed Hunt' the writing was dry, bordering on dull. The love story is stale, predictable and didn't feel particularly genuine either. In fact, it felt like a means to an end, which is a crushing judgment on any love story in a novel.
So, while by the end of the book, I enjoyed 'The Hallowed Hunt', I can understand if others throw the book aside early on out of sheer boredom, as I nearly did.
4 - Earthly Possessions
As usual, Anne Tyler writes with a sharp, clear view of life, and of her characters. Charlotte, who is in the bank about to cash a check so she can run away from her husband and children, is instead taken hostage by a bank robber who bungles the job; she finds herself taking the same journey away but under very different circumstances.
The book's form alternates between telling one chapter of the journey with the would-be bank robber, Jake, and one of life before her new status as hostage. With a gun in her ribs, and her past behind her, Charlotte stares enthralled at the passing countryside and relives her memories.
And as the book progresses it's little wonder that Charlotte, for all her instinctive desire to get away from Jake, is captivated by the life outside the window. Her life as a child, and then as a married woman, was unequivocally dull, tragically so. Charlotte has spent her life - beginning as a child - planning to leave all behind her and just get away.
Charlotte's resignation permeates the book, and it isn't hard to understand why she boards the bus away so peaceably, without a hint of a struggle. It's obvious that it is more than just the gun doing its job, as from the start Jake is an inept criminal. This resignation gives the work a sad, dark tone, and many times Charlotte is just so frustrating as she watches her life sail by, with a glum outlook.
There are spots of humour however, which relieve the otherwise unrelenting, quiet tragedy. Tyler is a genius when it comes to telling a story, and the flow of events, and such humour is very deliberate I'm sure. She also has a knack for creating characters that aren't exactly likable, but are ones a reader engages with nevertheless. Consequently, I was fascinated to the end.
My Review (mild, mild spoilers):
The Hallowed Hunt comprises the third novel set in the same world as Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls, but in a different locale, with a new set of characters and at a different time. For these reasons, the book can be read easily as a standalone novel. In any event, it feels completely unconnected both in style and story, to the first two novels.
The book is slow to start. Perhaps detrimentally so. I realised that I was genuinely excited by events when there were 70 pages left out of 400. The story is told through the eyes of Lord Ingrey, who carries a magic he does not understand. The villain, Wencel, carries a similar magic and is using it for ill purpose, and again Lord Ingrey is in the dark to his intentions or the truth of the magic.
Consequently, most of the book is a foray into Lord Ingrey's mind as he soul-searches, thinks and asks many, many questions about what is happening, what could happen and what he might do about it.
Given that I did become enthralled by the last few chapters I realised that somewhere along the slow journey I had come to care about the characters and their fates. But, perhaps, things could have started happening earlier.
Bujold's writing lacked a certain spark that brought the previous Chalion novels to rich life. In 'The Hallowed Hunt' the writing was dry, bordering on dull. The love story is stale, predictable and didn't feel particularly genuine either. In fact, it felt like a means to an end, which is a crushing judgment on any love story in a novel.
So, while by the end of the book, I enjoyed 'The Hallowed Hunt', I can understand if others throw the book aside early on out of sheer boredom, as I nearly did.
4 - Earthly Possessions
As usual, Anne Tyler writes with a sharp, clear view of life, and of her characters. Charlotte, who is in the bank about to cash a check so she can run away from her husband and children, is instead taken hostage by a bank robber who bungles the job; she finds herself taking the same journey away but under very different circumstances.
The book's form alternates between telling one chapter of the journey with the would-be bank robber, Jake, and one of life before her new status as hostage. With a gun in her ribs, and her past behind her, Charlotte stares enthralled at the passing countryside and relives her memories.
And as the book progresses it's little wonder that Charlotte, for all her instinctive desire to get away from Jake, is captivated by the life outside the window. Her life as a child, and then as a married woman, was unequivocally dull, tragically so. Charlotte has spent her life - beginning as a child - planning to leave all behind her and just get away.
Charlotte's resignation permeates the book, and it isn't hard to understand why she boards the bus away so peaceably, without a hint of a struggle. It's obvious that it is more than just the gun doing its job, as from the start Jake is an inept criminal. This resignation gives the work a sad, dark tone, and many times Charlotte is just so frustrating as she watches her life sail by, with a glum outlook.
There are spots of humour however, which relieve the otherwise unrelenting, quiet tragedy. Tyler is a genius when it comes to telling a story, and the flow of events, and such humour is very deliberate I'm sure. She also has a knack for creating characters that aren't exactly likable, but are ones a reader engages with nevertheless. Consequently, I was fascinated to the end.
19Whisper1
Hi Severn
I agree with you regarding Anne Tyler. She is a master! Though, I've been a bit disappointed in her latest books compared to her earlier ones. Dinner at the Homesick Restuarant is my favorite.
I agree with you regarding Anne Tyler. She is a master! Though, I've been a bit disappointed in her latest books compared to her earlier ones. Dinner at the Homesick Restuarant is my favorite.
20TadAD
>18 Severn:: I'm glad to read your review of The Hallowed Hunt. I've read the first book, have the second on my TBR pile, but I think I may skip the third. Now that there is not shortage of books I'm waiting to read, marginal ones need to be avoided.
21suslyn
>20 TadAD: I haven't read the third, but Paladin may be my fav of the others. It's actually hard to say. I started this comment to firmly vote for Paladin, but I really like Curse as well. Surprisingly enough given the same universe, same chars, etc., they're pretty different. Not like Doomsday and TSNOTD different, but... well, you'll see. (Aren't y'all glad I popped up here to say... nothing?!)
23ronincats
Thanks also for your review of The Hallowed Hunt. I had nearly identical reactions when I first read it. I think that was partly because I loved The Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls so much, and this was a let-down in comparison. I do find that it improves upon re-reading, and so think my expectations were just not on target for my first reading. I really like Chalion as well, Susan, but Ista is my favorite so Paladin of Souls wins out.
24Severn
@19 - I aim to get my hands on everything she's written eventually. I have to more waiting to be read currently, but they're in the alphabetical literary fiction list heh, so they have to wait their turn. (Seriously, it's the only way I can get through them all, and make sure I don't just jump to the ones I desperately want to read to the exclusion of all else!)
@20, 21, 23 - Yeah, I need to avoid marginal too. Alas, I had already bought it with high expectations. I still can't quite understand the shift from the first two to 'Hallowed.' I think of them all The Curse of Chalion is my favourite. Oh, btw, I like random nothing comments, Suslyn. :)
@22 - Kath, you're welcome! Thanks for dropping in to my poorly maintained thread heh. I'm so slow to update it..sigh.
@20, 21, 23 - Yeah, I need to avoid marginal too. Alas, I had already bought it with high expectations. I still can't quite understand the shift from the first two to 'Hallowed.' I think of them all The Curse of Chalion is my favourite. Oh, btw, I like random nothing comments, Suslyn. :)
@22 - Kath, you're welcome! Thanks for dropping in to my poorly maintained thread heh. I'm so slow to update it..sigh.
25suslyn
>24 Severn: Whew! oh good :) Looks like I've found a second home.
26Severn
Hehe...grab some cheese and crackers while you're here...hm..Suslyn, have you been to the Green Dragon group yet? It's *all* about random comments over there...
27mckait
k, dear... I put this in my thread, but I will put it in yours too.. check out BetterWorldBooks.com and see what sort of shipping you can get there.. ok?
hugs
k
hugs
k
28scaifea
Loved your review of Earthly Possessions - I think it may have to go on the wishlist!
29Severn
5 - A Sorcerer's Treason (Isavalta, 1) by Sarah Zettel
Whenever I read Sarah Zettel's books, I have an urge to cuddle up with pillows, and hot drinks, and settle in on the couch for hours. Her writing is lucid, crisp and her characters really live; I care about those character's enormously. Their struggles are mine, and their triumphs bring me tears.
In her Isavalta series, Zettel manages to mix political, high and romantic fantasy into one intriguing blend. A woman of the late 1800's journeys to another world to find herself, a new place to belong and a different life entirely - a fraught life, but more of a life than she had at home, where she tended her lighthouse and kept sailor's safe by the edge of Lake Superior, hiding herself away.
Zettel weaves Russian mythology and lore into her tale, and creatures of legend, such as Baba Yaga, become accessible even as they retain an air of dangerous mystery. There are many players in Zettel's world, and few can be trusted. Her plot is a labyrinth, and her characters move through it gracefully, doing what the best characters do - gradually revealing themselves, and growing along the way.
The most believable kinds of magic within fantasy are those that take something away from the crafter. Zettel's magic system is superb - intricate and delicate, it exploits the lives of sorcerers even though it gives them extra years. It's very nature is unpredictable, and the balance is fine between success and death. Bargains are struck with the old magics and creatures of lore, and the outcomes of such bargains are never certain.
Recommended for any who love mystery and magic, love and loss weaved into one beautiful tale.
Whenever I read Sarah Zettel's books, I have an urge to cuddle up with pillows, and hot drinks, and settle in on the couch for hours. Her writing is lucid, crisp and her characters really live; I care about those character's enormously. Their struggles are mine, and their triumphs bring me tears.
In her Isavalta series, Zettel manages to mix political, high and romantic fantasy into one intriguing blend. A woman of the late 1800's journeys to another world to find herself, a new place to belong and a different life entirely - a fraught life, but more of a life than she had at home, where she tended her lighthouse and kept sailor's safe by the edge of Lake Superior, hiding herself away.
Zettel weaves Russian mythology and lore into her tale, and creatures of legend, such as Baba Yaga, become accessible even as they retain an air of dangerous mystery. There are many players in Zettel's world, and few can be trusted. Her plot is a labyrinth, and her characters move through it gracefully, doing what the best characters do - gradually revealing themselves, and growing along the way.
The most believable kinds of magic within fantasy are those that take something away from the crafter. Zettel's magic system is superb - intricate and delicate, it exploits the lives of sorcerers even though it gives them extra years. It's very nature is unpredictable, and the balance is fine between success and death. Bargains are struck with the old magics and creatures of lore, and the outcomes of such bargains are never certain.
Recommended for any who love mystery and magic, love and loss weaved into one beautiful tale.
31flissp
oooooh - I really like the sound of that last one! ...partly because of the image of cuddling down on the sofa with a large mug of tea at the same time... ;)
32Severn
Oh they're marvellous books. I'm glad my review is leaving a good impression of them! Zettel's fantasy has flown under the radar, which is sad. But it means I get to rave on about them even more!
(And yes...sofa, drink, book (sometimes chocolate) - reading heaven).
(And yes...sofa, drink, book (sometimes chocolate) - reading heaven).
33dk_phoenix
Yaaaaayyyy!!! Someone else is reading Zettel!!! I absolutely adore the Isavalta series, and I can't understand WHY she gets so little credit or mention when people talk about good fantasy writers. I have the final book sitting on my shelf, waiting to be read, but I'm considering just re-reading the series to get there since I love it so much (and it's just a few books... and it's been awhile!). Glad to have a kindred spirit around who appreciates her writing. I wish more people would seek her work out and get to experience Zettel's finely crafted world.
34beeg
ok, I'm intrigued. It's been a while since I've read good fantasy this is the first book? I hate starting in the middle.
35dk_phoenix
Beeg - The book here is the first book, but the second book in the series is a prologue. Therefore, if you'd rather read the prologue and then head into the series (books 1 & 3 are continuous), then read the second book first. Make sense? Lol. I read the prologue (book #2), Usurper's Crown before I read Sorcerer's Treason and Firebird's Vengeance, and I think I enjoyed the books more for it. But that was just me! :)
36flissp
bother - i've just ordered Sorcerer's Treason from GreenMetropolis.com - now I'm clearly going to have to go and find the prologue too!!
37Severn
Hehe....yes...I'm not sure why she chose the order she did. I can kind of see why...but not really. Not really at all.
Because basically once you have read book one - which comes after book two chronologically - you pretty much know what's going to happen in book two. Not that I mind at all, because I find her story-telling so superior that it's just quirky and interesting.
So, this time around I'm reading them in this order: 1, 3, 2, 4.
Bridget's story first - which comprise 1 and 3.
Then Medeoan's in book 3 (the events of which take place 30 years before 1 and 3).
Then the new character whose name I can't remember in 4. I'm not sure if book 4 comes after or before the first three books either.
Because basically once you have read book one - which comes after book two chronologically - you pretty much know what's going to happen in book two. Not that I mind at all, because I find her story-telling so superior that it's just quirky and interesting.
So, this time around I'm reading them in this order: 1, 3, 2, 4.
Bridget's story first - which comprise 1 and 3.
Then Medeoan's in book 3 (the events of which take place 30 years before 1 and 3).
Then the new character whose name I can't remember in 4. I'm not sure if book 4 comes after or before the first three books either.
38Severn
My ugly little illness has reared its head lately and I haven't had the mojo to write reviews. So here's a list and some thoughts on the latest batch of books I've read, although I'll try and write full reviews for some of them later.
6 - The Mirror by Lynn Freed - now this is an odd novel. A more detestable heroine I've yet to find really - selfish, morally reprehensible, a bad mother. I could lay down many judgments. And yet...she was strong in a male dominated world in the early 1900's, carving a place for herself, using these despicable traits to get ahead and get by. So, reading her story was a conflicting experience, but then I'm drawn to unlikeable characters it seems.
Also, it was a different reading experience in the sense that it was devoid of speech marks. Written in almost a diary format (without any dates) and told from Agnes's point of view, spoken sentences just ran together. I really struggle with a lack of speech marks - I can't make those lines 'sound' like speech in my head if that makes sense. It's like being in a deafened bubble. Usually, I discard these kind of books immediately, but I was enthralled enough that I persevered, which says something about the book I suppose.
7 - The Firebird's Vengeance - by Sarah Zettel - which is just as good as A Sorcerer's Treason. In Firebird, Zettel writes from several more perspectives - with less of a focus on Bridget, the main character from Sorcerer - and immerses the reader in an unknown culture that was only referred to in Sorcerer. These developments make for a more expansive novel, yet just as finely drawn as the first.
8 - Father Lands by Emily Ballou - a beautiful book, written mainly from the perspective of 8 year old Cherry, who takes part in the first integration of white and black schools in America in the 70's. Her and her sister are among only 9 white children sent to a black school, and, as it says on the blurb of the book, they're 'unaware that the shame of white America awaits them'. Her fledgling, awkward friendship with Hugo; the concealed hurts of their parents; the child innocence that informs every event -these things create a marvelous novel that I recommend to all really.
9 - This Present Darkness and 10 - Piercing The Darkness by Frank Peretti
These are old favourites, ones that I read whenever I need some spiritual nourishment in the form of fiction. The writing isn't brilliant - there's definitely some flaws in the writing style and the text itself, and the character development isn't great either. However, the love of God shines through these books and its beautiful. I cry my way through them heh, and give thanks.
6 - The Mirror by Lynn Freed - now this is an odd novel. A more detestable heroine I've yet to find really - selfish, morally reprehensible, a bad mother. I could lay down many judgments. And yet...she was strong in a male dominated world in the early 1900's, carving a place for herself, using these despicable traits to get ahead and get by. So, reading her story was a conflicting experience, but then I'm drawn to unlikeable characters it seems.
Also, it was a different reading experience in the sense that it was devoid of speech marks. Written in almost a diary format (without any dates) and told from Agnes's point of view, spoken sentences just ran together. I really struggle with a lack of speech marks - I can't make those lines 'sound' like speech in my head if that makes sense. It's like being in a deafened bubble. Usually, I discard these kind of books immediately, but I was enthralled enough that I persevered, which says something about the book I suppose.
7 - The Firebird's Vengeance - by Sarah Zettel - which is just as good as A Sorcerer's Treason. In Firebird, Zettel writes from several more perspectives - with less of a focus on Bridget, the main character from Sorcerer - and immerses the reader in an unknown culture that was only referred to in Sorcerer. These developments make for a more expansive novel, yet just as finely drawn as the first.
8 - Father Lands by Emily Ballou - a beautiful book, written mainly from the perspective of 8 year old Cherry, who takes part in the first integration of white and black schools in America in the 70's. Her and her sister are among only 9 white children sent to a black school, and, as it says on the blurb of the book, they're 'unaware that the shame of white America awaits them'. Her fledgling, awkward friendship with Hugo; the concealed hurts of their parents; the child innocence that informs every event -these things create a marvelous novel that I recommend to all really.
9 - This Present Darkness and 10 - Piercing The Darkness by Frank Peretti
These are old favourites, ones that I read whenever I need some spiritual nourishment in the form of fiction. The writing isn't brilliant - there's definitely some flaws in the writing style and the text itself, and the character development isn't great either. However, the love of God shines through these books and its beautiful. I cry my way through them heh, and give thanks.
39mckait
I have been wondering where you were.... glad you ar back to posting and hope that you are feeling better
((((k))))
((((k))))
40suslyn
9 & 10 and what a stir they made! Have you read Lawhead?
Father Lands sounds like a good read.
edited to fix touchstone -- I had a typo in the title -- no wonder it came up wrong ;->
Father Lands sounds like a good read.
edited to fix touchstone -- I had a typo in the title -- no wonder it came up wrong ;->
41dk_phoenix
SO glad to hear you liked Firebird's Vengeance... I really need to get on that...
Also, I read This Present Darkness many years back, when I was in high school, and I remember finishing it late at night... and then not being able to sleep for the rest of the night, and when I did, I had terrible nightmares. I never ended up reading Piercing the Darkness for that very reason. Such powerful books, but my goodness, not a great choice for a late night and an overactive imagination.
Also, I read This Present Darkness many years back, when I was in high school, and I remember finishing it late at night... and then not being able to sleep for the rest of the night, and when I did, I had terrible nightmares. I never ended up reading Piercing the Darkness for that very reason. Such powerful books, but my goodness, not a great choice for a late night and an overactive imagination.
42Severn
Hugs Kath. :) Oh it's an ongoing thing - some weeks are worse than others.
Sus - I have read some Lawhead yes. I'm feeling like this might end up being a year of rereads - I can see Bodie Thoene's books in my nearish future hehe. The series that starts with Vienna Prelude. I have 6 of them and I only recently found out that the series didn't stop there! Have to get the rest I suppose. Initially I didn't like how the books changed from character to character and generation to generation - and they're so sad in places - but still, I love them.
Dk - Oh I know what you mean. I'd recommend Piercing though..it's beautiful. Underneath the fictionalised scary beasts, the message and the love are amazing. Still...just imagine that it's really like how the author depicts. Scary!
Sus - I have read some Lawhead yes. I'm feeling like this might end up being a year of rereads - I can see Bodie Thoene's books in my nearish future hehe. The series that starts with Vienna Prelude. I have 6 of them and I only recently found out that the series didn't stop there! Have to get the rest I suppose. Initially I didn't like how the books changed from character to character and generation to generation - and they're so sad in places - but still, I love them.
Dk - Oh I know what you mean. I'd recommend Piercing though..it's beautiful. Underneath the fictionalised scary beasts, the message and the love are amazing. Still...just imagine that it's really like how the author depicts. Scary!
43Whisper1
Severn
I'm sending good wishes your way for better days of health.
Take good care of yourself.
I'm sending good wishes your way for better days of health.
Take good care of yourself.
47Severn
11 - The Innocent Mage and 12 The Awakened Mage by Karen Miller.
I really liked these. I've been in a fantasy mood so I abandoned my rigid one fantasy, one literary fiction routine for a little while. At first, I thought that the prose itself might be a little ho-hum, but by the end of both books I was thoroughly engrossed, couldn't put them down and adored the characters (which is likely the reason for the first two reactions). Because of this I stopped caring that the writing wasn't particularly lyrical, or special. Adventure, heart, sacrifice, love...these books have them all in abundance.
13 - The Gardens of Kyoto by Kate Walbert.
Now this, on the other hand, had magnificent prose. Set after world war 2, the author lyrically narrates her character's mysterious world: half imagination and half event - and occasionally one can never be sure which is which. For some reason the cover really got to me, which doesn't usually happen when I read a book. A cover is just a cover, but I found myself staring at it over and over. It's somewhat eerie, especially when read in context with the book. The haunted man on a couch too big for him. At its heart, it is a sad tale, but there are glimmers of light throughout.
14 - The Usurper's Crown by Sarah Zettel
Continuing on the wonderful Isavalta series. Set before number's 1 and 3, it's ok to read this one as a prologue. Having read it I can see why the author chose to put this in the middle of books 1 and 3, as it does fill in some detail that a reader might miss if they don't read it before book 3. However, in terms of the narrative it's fine to read it first I think.
I really liked these. I've been in a fantasy mood so I abandoned my rigid one fantasy, one literary fiction routine for a little while. At first, I thought that the prose itself might be a little ho-hum, but by the end of both books I was thoroughly engrossed, couldn't put them down and adored the characters (which is likely the reason for the first two reactions). Because of this I stopped caring that the writing wasn't particularly lyrical, or special. Adventure, heart, sacrifice, love...these books have them all in abundance.
13 - The Gardens of Kyoto by Kate Walbert.
Now this, on the other hand, had magnificent prose. Set after world war 2, the author lyrically narrates her character's mysterious world: half imagination and half event - and occasionally one can never be sure which is which. For some reason the cover really got to me, which doesn't usually happen when I read a book. A cover is just a cover, but I found myself staring at it over and over. It's somewhat eerie, especially when read in context with the book. The haunted man on a couch too big for him. At its heart, it is a sad tale, but there are glimmers of light throughout.
14 - The Usurper's Crown by Sarah Zettel
Continuing on the wonderful Isavalta series. Set before number's 1 and 3, it's ok to read this one as a prologue. Having read it I can see why the author chose to put this in the middle of books 1 and 3, as it does fill in some detail that a reader might miss if they don't read it before book 3. However, in terms of the narrative it's fine to read it first I think.
48alcottacre
#47: Well, I will just throw books 11-13 on to the Continent - I am sure it will not mind :)
50mckait
Hello K! You have been much on my mind. I miss our chatter :)
Hope all is well with you. It looks like you have been doing sone very good reading ~
Hope all is well with you. It looks like you have been doing sone very good reading ~
53Severn
Read two post-apocalyptic titles in the last few weeks:
15 - The HandMaid's Tale by Atwood.
Stark, brutal, chilling - any number of blunt adjectives apply. It's easy to attribute the feminist era in which Atwood wrote this particular novel to its themes and darkness, but that aside it's a superb novel which deserves its modern classic status.
16 - Into The Forest by Jean Hegland.
This has a blurb on the front comparing it to The Handmaid's Tale (it was just a pleasing alphabetical coincidence that lead me to read them one after the other). However, it's really nothing like it, except for the exploration of survival in a collapsed society. In fact, Into the Forest tends toward the mystical at the end of the novel, which is a device I always find annoying - unless it's a magic realism work right from the outset. However, despite that element, I did enjoy it very much.
17 - Sword of the Deceiver by Sarah Zettel
This continues on her Isavalta series, although the book is not set in Isavalta, but a different country on the same world. I liked it, although I had some problems with the pacing and continuity from the previous books. Or rather - the previous books had continuity issues as this one is set before them. While I adore her writing, I am confused at the apparent haphazard series order. I'm sure it isn't really haphazard, and that's just my impression, but this time it was a little off-putting. The continuity issues weren't to do with plot, per se, but the characters themselves. Ah well. She's still fantastic.
18 - The Lions of Al-Rassan by G G Kay
One of my all time favourite novels - I've decided this is the year of the Re-read. I love his prose so much - not many other fantasy authors carry me away so totally into both world and character. Although, these books are more historical fiction than fantasy (if one goes by the premise that fantasy includes a magic system, because Lions does not). A truly inventive mind.
15 - The HandMaid's Tale by Atwood.
Stark, brutal, chilling - any number of blunt adjectives apply. It's easy to attribute the feminist era in which Atwood wrote this particular novel to its themes and darkness, but that aside it's a superb novel which deserves its modern classic status.
16 - Into The Forest by Jean Hegland.
This has a blurb on the front comparing it to The Handmaid's Tale (it was just a pleasing alphabetical coincidence that lead me to read them one after the other). However, it's really nothing like it, except for the exploration of survival in a collapsed society. In fact, Into the Forest tends toward the mystical at the end of the novel, which is a device I always find annoying - unless it's a magic realism work right from the outset. However, despite that element, I did enjoy it very much.
17 - Sword of the Deceiver by Sarah Zettel
This continues on her Isavalta series, although the book is not set in Isavalta, but a different country on the same world. I liked it, although I had some problems with the pacing and continuity from the previous books. Or rather - the previous books had continuity issues as this one is set before them. While I adore her writing, I am confused at the apparent haphazard series order. I'm sure it isn't really haphazard, and that's just my impression, but this time it was a little off-putting. The continuity issues weren't to do with plot, per se, but the characters themselves. Ah well. She's still fantastic.
18 - The Lions of Al-Rassan by G G Kay
One of my all time favourite novels - I've decided this is the year of the Re-read. I love his prose so much - not many other fantasy authors carry me away so totally into both world and character. Although, these books are more historical fiction than fantasy (if one goes by the premise that fantasy includes a magic system, because Lions does not). A truly inventive mind.
54lunacat
Wow, I'm looking forward to some of your reads. The Handmaid's Tale is one of the only school assigned books that I actually enjoyed and can read again and again and again. I remember it being a text we were allowed into the exam to answer questions about and it was SO hard to focus on answering and not just sit and read favourite bits. I love rereading it because I get more out of it every time.
I'd also recommend the film of the same name, starring Natasha Richardson who sadly died yesterday :( Its a very good, very interesting take on it.
I'll look out for Into the Forest, and I'm trying to gradually work my way through all Guy Gavriel Kay's works. I've also got the first two books of the Isavalta series sitting on my tbr bookshelf so at some point I will get round to these as well!
I'd also recommend the film of the same name, starring Natasha Richardson who sadly died yesterday :( Its a very good, very interesting take on it.
I'll look out for Into the Forest, and I'm trying to gradually work my way through all Guy Gavriel Kay's works. I've also got the first two books of the Isavalta series sitting on my tbr bookshelf so at some point I will get round to these as well!
55dk_phoenix
Interesting to hear that about Sword of the Deceiver... oh well, I'll read it anyway, simply because Zettel is wonderful :)
56suslyn
I did not enjoy Kay's TLoA at all. Wish I had though! That guy can write. Hmmm maybe I'll give it another try someday :)
57cameling
....adding The Lions of Al-Rassan to my wishlist. That makes 8 from your reading list that I've either added to my TBR pile or my wishlist. *sigh*
59ronincats
The Lions of Al-Rassan pulled me in, chewed me up, and spit me out! I cried, I cared about the characters so much. Lovely prose, great depth of descriptive world-building, great pain at the inhumanity of man toward man, great relationships that redeem, in part, the consequences of that inhumanity.
60Whisper1
severn
I've added The Lions of Al-Rassan on the ever growing tbr pile. How can I pass up a recommendation that says it is one of your all-time favorite novels.
I've added The Lions of Al-Rassan on the ever growing tbr pile. How can I pass up a recommendation that says it is one of your all-time favorite novels.
61Severn
Luna - My friend also had to read The Handmaid's Tale at school...I don't know what I think about that: it's a bit adult in nature in places! She also enjoyed it though...I considered seeing the film, but I suppose I'm a bit of a purist because when I read about that changes between film and book I guess the film changes seem to alter the point of the novel completely. Not sure I could comfortably watch it heh. Hope you find Into the Forest somewhere...would love to know your thoughts on it if you do.
Dk - Yeah, it wasn't a bad book by any means at all. Just...a bit different than the rest of the series. She said in the front in acknowledgments that she found this one harder than the others, and dare I say it shows? There's just a certain quality to the writing that has changed. I still really enjoyed it though.
Sus - sorry I've been quiet lately! Do you remember why you didn't like Lions? His books are so different from each other sometimes. For example, I can't stand his silly Summertree series at all. And Song for Arbonne is my least favourite of the ones I really like. Also, I wouldn't dream of touching his latest, what's it called...meh, I don't remember. A teenage boy protagonist and from a flip through that character just seems weak and annoying.
Cameling - heh, glad to be of service. But seriously, I know what you mean. Every time I get the energy to peruse these threads in here I find a handful of books to add each time. Gets tiring in all honesty. Which is why I've gone into selfish hiding hehe.
Kath - hugs and hello's. :)
Ronin - I know what you mean. Last night when I finished it completely I had that awful, aching gap you get sometimes when you finish reading a beloved book. I, too, love it for those very reasons you mentioned. Tigana and his Sarantine Mosaic duology has exactly the same effect upon me as well.
Whisper - Oh now that's a compliment. I won't evilly direct you to my Top 40 tag group in that case then. Muahahaha. :)
Dk - Yeah, it wasn't a bad book by any means at all. Just...a bit different than the rest of the series. She said in the front in acknowledgments that she found this one harder than the others, and dare I say it shows? There's just a certain quality to the writing that has changed. I still really enjoyed it though.
Sus - sorry I've been quiet lately! Do you remember why you didn't like Lions? His books are so different from each other sometimes. For example, I can't stand his silly Summertree series at all. And Song for Arbonne is my least favourite of the ones I really like. Also, I wouldn't dream of touching his latest, what's it called...meh, I don't remember. A teenage boy protagonist and from a flip through that character just seems weak and annoying.
Cameling - heh, glad to be of service. But seriously, I know what you mean. Every time I get the energy to peruse these threads in here I find a handful of books to add each time. Gets tiring in all honesty. Which is why I've gone into selfish hiding hehe.
Kath - hugs and hello's. :)
Ronin - I know what you mean. Last night when I finished it completely I had that awful, aching gap you get sometimes when you finish reading a beloved book. I, too, love it for those very reasons you mentioned. Tigana and his Sarantine Mosaic duology has exactly the same effect upon me as well.
Whisper - Oh now that's a compliment. I won't evilly direct you to my Top 40 tag group in that case then. Muahahaha. :)
62Whisper1
Thanks for posting your top 40. Some of these books are ones that I enjoyed as well. For example, River God by Wilbur Smith is an incredible book.
64Severn
There are many stand-outs I think...those kind of books that just grip one from start to finish. Impacting, life-changing books some of them. Life-changing sounds dramatic: I suppose I mean they spark a huge neural reaction in your brain and you say 'YES! Yes I get this.' And it just means so much.
65mckait
I know what you mean about the YES reaction. It has happened to me.
One of the most memorable being Mists of Avalon.
One of the most memorable being Mists of Avalon.
66Severn
Yes, and they stay with you and you hope to find them again. I'm hoping to find it with my current read The Fox Woman. I've read two pages. I sense the YES is imminent. :)
68Whisper1
Severn
I just finished a Newbery Award winner Missing May. It is a small book with a large wonderful message. It is destined to be one of the stand-outs.
I've never heard of or read The Fox Woman and now have added it to my list of tbr.
I just finished a Newbery Award winner Missing May. It is a small book with a large wonderful message. It is destined to be one of the stand-outs.
I've never heard of or read The Fox Woman and now have added it to my list of tbr.
69Severn
Sus - I linked my tag list in post 61, at the bottom. :)
Whisper - The Fox Woman is getting better with every page. It's exquisite. Isn't it great when you find a 'yes' book?
Whisper - The Fox Woman is getting better with every page. It's exquisite. Isn't it great when you find a 'yes' book?
70suslyn
Thx -- We have one in common if I assume that your list somewhat corresponds to my 'favs', also a tag :)
71FlossieT
>53 Severn:: The Handmaid's Tale is the cause of one of the most commonly rerun argument between my husband and me. It's the only Atwood he's read - for one of his "general topic" lessons at school - and on the strength of it he concluded that Margaret Atwood was a terrible writer. He will hold forth on this subject at the drop of a hat, despite the distance in time since reading and slender evidence basis. Every time it happens I think maybe I should re-read so I can marshall a more objective and carefully justified defence. I thought it was a great book. Personally, I didn't enjoy the film as much as the book - much of the violence in was, I thought, toned down in the film for obvious reasons, which did reduce the overall impact of the central thesis.
73Severn
*waves to Cal*
Flossie - heh. That's funny. What didn't he like about it? The content? Writing style? I really have been put off seeing the film, given how many changes seem to be in it. If I read the book first, film versions are usually ruined for me. Bah, I suppose I'm a bit of a purist.
Read a couple more, both of which I want to review, but will just put short thoughts in for now. No doubt I'll review them in a few months heh.
19 - Jigs & Reels by Joanne Harris. The author of Chocolat sure knows her quirk! These are, for the most part, inventive and colourful. I didn't respond to all of them, but the ones that I did, wow, they really got me: thinking, feeling. It's not often, truthfully, that many short stories have the power to shock me anymore. But some of these did. Not in a gratuitous way - she's far too subtle for that - but in a hold-my-breath-and-think-out-of-the-box kind of way. If you love short stories, I recommend this collection.
20 - The Fox Woman by Kij Johnson. Nothing but wonderful things to say about this. I adore fairy tale fantasy. This is at the upper end of the Brilliant scale in terms of its genre, mystery and prose. I love it. Love it!!!! It, as mentioned before, hit the Top 40 tag two pages in.
Flossie - heh. That's funny. What didn't he like about it? The content? Writing style? I really have been put off seeing the film, given how many changes seem to be in it. If I read the book first, film versions are usually ruined for me. Bah, I suppose I'm a bit of a purist.
Read a couple more, both of which I want to review, but will just put short thoughts in for now. No doubt I'll review them in a few months heh.
19 - Jigs & Reels by Joanne Harris. The author of Chocolat sure knows her quirk! These are, for the most part, inventive and colourful. I didn't respond to all of them, but the ones that I did, wow, they really got me: thinking, feeling. It's not often, truthfully, that many short stories have the power to shock me anymore. But some of these did. Not in a gratuitous way - she's far too subtle for that - but in a hold-my-breath-and-think-out-of-the-box kind of way. If you love short stories, I recommend this collection.
20 - The Fox Woman by Kij Johnson. Nothing but wonderful things to say about this. I adore fairy tale fantasy. This is at the upper end of the Brilliant scale in terms of its genre, mystery and prose. I love it. Love it!!!! It, as mentioned before, hit the Top 40 tag two pages in.
74alcottacre
The Fox Woman is going on the Continent. Thanks for the glowing recommendation!
76mckait
I am going to have to check out The Fox Woman, it sounds interesting..
Just popped in to see what is happening ins Severn-ville and say hello !
Just popped in to see what is happening ins Severn-ville and say hello !
77FlossieT
>73 Severn:: I think it was both - mainly he complains about the writing, saying he thought it was too descriptive, but I have heard him venture opinions something along the lines of finding the sexual politics too simplistic and gratuitously distorted (I'm paraphrasing). Mainly it seems to be the writing though.
I find her quite an uneven writer myself: I love Cat's Eye, The Blind Assassin and Alias Grace, very much liked The Handmaid's Tale, but a lot of the others I've read have disappointed me (especially her earlier stuff).
I find her quite an uneven writer myself: I love Cat's Eye, The Blind Assassin and Alias Grace, very much liked The Handmaid's Tale, but a lot of the others I've read have disappointed me (especially her earlier stuff).
78girlunderglass
>77 FlossieT: hmmm never read anything by Atwood, although I've mooched Handmaid's Tale and I should receive it soon enough. You and your husband's dissenting opinions regarding the book have intrigued me even more - Can't wait for it to arrive now!
79lunacat
#78 Eliza
Hope you enjoy it has much as I have over the years. I can certainly see how it can provoke debate.
Hope you enjoy it has much as I have over the years. I can certainly see how it can provoke debate.
80Severn
Well, it's definitely a book to cause dissent. I was describing the plot to hubby and he thought it sounded both ridiculous and depressing. Actually, he associates ALL literary fiction with depressing now - thanks to me. I think that fate was sealed in his mind when I (perhaps stupidly, but I needed to talk about it) described - in detail - the events of Being Dead.
'too descriptive'? Interesting. I think the sexual politics were intentionally simplistic and distorted - actually, I think that was kind of the point? Great. Now I'm getting in on the debate hehe. Flossie, I have just gotten Alias Grace, so I'm glad to hear a good recommendation for it. I read Cat's Eye in uni, and because I had to study it I didn't like it - but I'm going to reread it, because I feel I would really like it minus the study part.
'too descriptive'? Interesting. I think the sexual politics were intentionally simplistic and distorted - actually, I think that was kind of the point? Great. Now I'm getting in on the debate hehe. Flossie, I have just gotten Alias Grace, so I'm glad to hear a good recommendation for it. I read Cat's Eye in uni, and because I had to study it I didn't like it - but I'm going to reread it, because I feel I would really like it minus the study part.
81MusicMom41
Severn
Fox Woman sounds really intriguing. My local library has it so I will probably read it sooner rather than later. :-)
Fox Woman sounds really intriguing. My local library has it so I will probably read it sooner rather than later. :-)
82mckait
I suggested that one to my son.. he is on the lookout for it. B&N didn't have it where he lives yesterday...
83flissp
Handmaid's Tale was the first Margaret Atwood I read too - it's been a very long time since I read it, but it struck me as quite different from those I've read since then - there were large gaps in between books though, so this could be my memory playing me false.
Alias Grace is head over heals my favourite of her work that I've read - I hope you enjoy it too Severn!
Alias Grace is head over heals my favourite of her work that I've read - I hope you enjoy it too Severn!
84ludmillalotaria
Just popping in to say hi and see what you're reading these days... Fox Woman is another in my big TBR so I'm glad to read that you love it. For some reason, I've been putting it off thinking I should really read my Japanese mythology book first, but maybe it doesn't matter if I'm not familiar with the source tale? I'm still struggling with the too many books to read, not enough time syndrome.
85Severn
@83 - Oh I think I will! I read the first few pages, and did a flip through in the store and I was enchanted.
@84 - Hi you. :) Nice to see you pop in and say hi. I know what you mean about time. I'm reading really slowly at the moment too. I'm actually still on The Fox Woman, just taking ages to finish it up. I don't think you need to know the back story per se. One of the character's (the enchanted man's wife) explains through her diary the myths around foxes and so on. So it's nicely filled in, without seeming like info-dumping at all.
@84 - Hi you. :) Nice to see you pop in and say hi. I know what you mean about time. I'm reading really slowly at the moment too. I'm actually still on The Fox Woman, just taking ages to finish it up. I don't think you need to know the back story per se. One of the character's (the enchanted man's wife) explains through her diary the myths around foxes and so on. So it's nicely filled in, without seeming like info-dumping at all.
86mckait
I have been reading slowly too. Not good when there are so many books waiting expectantly for me to read them.
87Prop2gether
It's really funny reading about gender reactions to The Handmaid's Tale because of the entire leitmotif about gender discrimination! I generally find men don't like it, but won't specify beyond "ridiculous" or "bad writing." Women can be all over the map, but generally find something to agree about in the story. I've read it several times, decades apart, and find parts of it more relevant than ever. I, too, was disappointed with the film when I first saw it, but on re-viewing fairly recently found it more interesting.
92Severn
I'm reading a big 800 page book right now...taking some time! I did read one before that too, but I like making a new book post after I've read a few. Could be awhile till I update my thread hehe..since I'm still reading so slowly. :)
Hugs to you both
Hugs to you both
95TadAD
We talked last year about Jacqueline Carey's new books. I just saw that Naamah's Kiss is due out this summer. As she hinted, it does take place in Terre d'Ange but not in the time period of Phèdre.
96Severn
Ooh thanks for the heads up, Tad. That's very exciting news for me! I'm still waiting for Kushiel's Mercy, and it's great to know that more fabulous works by her are in the offing!
I'm nearly done with my 800 monster...and then there are two more to follow. Sheesh, these fantasy tomes...and I'm still reading so slowly! Ack..hope I can actually make my target hehe.
I'm nearly done with my 800 monster...and then there are two more to follow. Sheesh, these fantasy tomes...and I'm still reading so slowly! Ack..hope I can actually make my target hehe.
