Midnight Blue
By
Bad writing. Silly book. Don't read. Just passing time. I kept expecting it to get better, but it never did.
Rating: 1/5
Recommendation: No.
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
#105 The Gustav Sonata
The Gustav Sonata
By
I finished this book, but barely. Twenty pages from the end I was ready to ditch it. I just couldn't see any point to it. Even though I finished it, I still couldn't see the point of the novel.
Rating: 1/5
Recommendation: Don't bother.
By
I finished this book, but barely. Twenty pages from the end I was ready to ditch it. I just couldn't see any point to it. Even though I finished it, I still couldn't see the point of the novel.
Rating: 1/5
Recommendation: Don't bother.
#104 That's My Baby
That's My Baby
By Francies Itani
An OK novel. Hanora is adopted, and as an elderly woman, she seeks to find out the truth about her birth. The novel travels back and forth between WWI and WWII and the present. Nothing great, not very memorable (I've forgotten already and I just finished it).
Rating: 3/5
Recommendation: Sure.
By Francies Itani
An OK novel. Hanora is adopted, and as an elderly woman, she seeks to find out the truth about her birth. The novel travels back and forth between WWI and WWII and the present. Nothing great, not very memorable (I've forgotten already and I just finished it).
Rating: 3/5
Recommendation: Sure.
Friday, November 17, 2017
#103 The Nest
The Nest
By Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
A well written family saga, based around a group of four siblings inheriting a sizeable trust when the youngest turned 40. Alas, the eldest, Leo, is a wastrel and has an accident with a young waitress in his car and she ends up with her foot amputated. The mother uses "the nest" to pay off the girl who lost her foot.
The novel is told in alternating voices, and explores the lives of the siblings, the young amputee, and a few other minor characters. All the siblings have money problems, and they are all counting on money from "the nest" to solve their problems.
Eventually, they all realize that "the nest" is gone and Leo has disappeared. He has a secret stash of money in an offshore bank account and could easily afford to pay back his siblings, but he chooses instead to disappear. An unsavoury fellow, for sure.
The novel seems like a good warning about expecting an inheritance: have no expectations until the $$ is in your pocket because anything could happen before that.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Strong writing, good pacing, good forward motion. Keeps you reading.
By Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
A well written family saga, based around a group of four siblings inheriting a sizeable trust when the youngest turned 40. Alas, the eldest, Leo, is a wastrel and has an accident with a young waitress in his car and she ends up with her foot amputated. The mother uses "the nest" to pay off the girl who lost her foot.
The novel is told in alternating voices, and explores the lives of the siblings, the young amputee, and a few other minor characters. All the siblings have money problems, and they are all counting on money from "the nest" to solve their problems.
Eventually, they all realize that "the nest" is gone and Leo has disappeared. He has a secret stash of money in an offshore bank account and could easily afford to pay back his siblings, but he chooses instead to disappear. An unsavoury fellow, for sure.
The novel seems like a good warning about expecting an inheritance: have no expectations until the $$ is in your pocket because anything could happen before that.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Strong writing, good pacing, good forward motion. Keeps you reading.
#102 Sourdough
Sourdough
By Robin Sloan
This was a strange novel, but how could I resist and novel about sourdough? The author obviously doesn't know much about the reality of making sourdough, as the main character was almost instantly turning out multiple loves of perfect bread in very short periods of time, which is not the reality how sourdough works.
Anyway, the book got weirder and weirder as it went along. Kind of turned into a futuristic story of what food might look like in the future.
Rating: 2/5
Recommendation: Don't bother.
By Robin Sloan
This was a strange novel, but how could I resist and novel about sourdough? The author obviously doesn't know much about the reality of making sourdough, as the main character was almost instantly turning out multiple loves of perfect bread in very short periods of time, which is not the reality how sourdough works.
Anyway, the book got weirder and weirder as it went along. Kind of turned into a futuristic story of what food might look like in the future.
Rating: 2/5
Recommendation: Don't bother.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
#101 Crimes of the Father
Crimes of the Father
By Thomas Keneally
By the same author as "Schindler's List", Thomas Keneally is a widely published Australian author, having published numerous books.
The novel follows various priests from a diocese in Australia, and one priest who ends up in Waterloo, Ontario (!) because of his political views in the 1970s and he was forced to leave Australia.
Frank, the radical priest, returns to Australia to visit his elderly mother and hopes to be able to return in good graces and be her caregiver.
Inadvertently, he becomes involved in the case of a well known priest being accused of sexual misconduct by three former children, one of who has just committed suicide. The accused, of course, denies allegations, but in the end, justice wins and he will lose everything. Justice is done.
The world of the Catholic Church and the priesthood is a strange world, and seemed no less so after reading this novel, though I'm sure the representation of both were very well done.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: a good solid read if the subject matter interests you.
By Thomas Keneally
By the same author as "Schindler's List", Thomas Keneally is a widely published Australian author, having published numerous books.
The novel follows various priests from a diocese in Australia, and one priest who ends up in Waterloo, Ontario (!) because of his political views in the 1970s and he was forced to leave Australia.
Frank, the radical priest, returns to Australia to visit his elderly mother and hopes to be able to return in good graces and be her caregiver.
Inadvertently, he becomes involved in the case of a well known priest being accused of sexual misconduct by three former children, one of who has just committed suicide. The accused, of course, denies allegations, but in the end, justice wins and he will lose everything. Justice is done.
The world of the Catholic Church and the priesthood is a strange world, and seemed no less so after reading this novel, though I'm sure the representation of both were very well done.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: a good solid read if the subject matter interests you.
#100 Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
By Gail Honeyman
Book #100, a momentous occasion, but alas, not a momentous book. A quirky book, but somehow, the character didn't jive with who she was supposed to be.
Eleanor is a socially awkward young woman who works in the accounts payable department of a local P.R. firm in Edinburgh (a rarity to find a book which takes place in Scotland!). She spends all her time outside of work alone, and has become an alcoholic, with Vodka her tipple of choice. Gradually, Eleanor starts to "come out" of her isolated life, with the help of her I.T. friend Raymond. Eleanor starts enjoying one of the first friendships of her life, and they start having lunch and going to concerts.
However, all is not right with Eleanor. She comes across as mildly autistic, but there is the disturbing character of her abusive mother and the scars on her face. Gradually the story comes out, after she tries to comment suicide and Raymond finds her, that Eleanor is a seriously damaged being. Her mother was abusive to Eleanor and her sister, and in a horrifying act of cruelty, sets their house on fire with the two children inside. Gradually, working with a counsellor, Eleanor is able to remember the cruelty of this act, and the death of her little sister in the fire.
The writing was good, the pacing was good, the characters well portrayed. What didn't work for me was, the character of Eleanor comes off very well as a mildly autistic person (which doesn't seem to be part of the plot) BUT in my mind, she does not come off as a person who has suffered severe emotional and physical abuse. I think that would have been a different character.
Rating: 3/4
Recommendation: An interesting read. The novel is portrayed as "quirky" but I think it is actually quite horrifying.
By Gail Honeyman
Book #100, a momentous occasion, but alas, not a momentous book. A quirky book, but somehow, the character didn't jive with who she was supposed to be.
Eleanor is a socially awkward young woman who works in the accounts payable department of a local P.R. firm in Edinburgh (a rarity to find a book which takes place in Scotland!). She spends all her time outside of work alone, and has become an alcoholic, with Vodka her tipple of choice. Gradually, Eleanor starts to "come out" of her isolated life, with the help of her I.T. friend Raymond. Eleanor starts enjoying one of the first friendships of her life, and they start having lunch and going to concerts.
However, all is not right with Eleanor. She comes across as mildly autistic, but there is the disturbing character of her abusive mother and the scars on her face. Gradually the story comes out, after she tries to comment suicide and Raymond finds her, that Eleanor is a seriously damaged being. Her mother was abusive to Eleanor and her sister, and in a horrifying act of cruelty, sets their house on fire with the two children inside. Gradually, working with a counsellor, Eleanor is able to remember the cruelty of this act, and the death of her little sister in the fire.
The writing was good, the pacing was good, the characters well portrayed. What didn't work for me was, the character of Eleanor comes off very well as a mildly autistic person (which doesn't seem to be part of the plot) BUT in my mind, she does not come off as a person who has suffered severe emotional and physical abuse. I think that would have been a different character.
Rating: 3/4
Recommendation: An interesting read. The novel is portrayed as "quirky" but I think it is actually quite horrifying.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
#99 One Brother Shy
One Brother Shy
By Terry Fallis
Alex is a shy man in his 20s, a computer programmer in a face recognition software company in Ottawa. After his mother dies (Yet another book featuring a dying mother who dies!), he discovers that he has a twin brother! He uses the face software to find his brother, who is an entrepreneur living in London.
Alex goes to London and reunites with his brother, Matt. The two men then realize they have to find their father, who neither of them knew. Their search takes them to Moscow, the realm of Russian hockey and the KGB. Through careful sleuthing and lucky sources, they eventually find their father. The story of their separation at birth and why they never knew who their real father was is finally revealed.
A light and entertaining read. Canadian author.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Sure.
By Terry Fallis
Alex is a shy man in his 20s, a computer programmer in a face recognition software company in Ottawa. After his mother dies (Yet another book featuring a dying mother who dies!), he discovers that he has a twin brother! He uses the face software to find his brother, who is an entrepreneur living in London.
Alex goes to London and reunites with his brother, Matt. The two men then realize they have to find their father, who neither of them knew. Their search takes them to Moscow, the realm of Russian hockey and the KGB. Through careful sleuthing and lucky sources, they eventually find their father. The story of their separation at birth and why they never knew who their real father was is finally revealed.
A light and entertaining read. Canadian author.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Sure.
#98 The Paris Key
The Paris Key
By Juliet Blackwell
Another novel featuring Paris, this one is a mystery as well. Genevieve flees the U.S. to go to Paris, after her marriage dissolves. She has inherited a locksmith shop from her uncle Dave, an American who married a Parisian after WWII. Through a series of chance meetings, Genevieve uncovers secrets about her mother, and who her real father is. Along the way, she ends up figuring out how to take over and run the locksmith shop, despite the many hurdles of the French burocracy. Of course, there is romance, after all, it's in Paris.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Chic lit, but well written, with some interesting facts from WWII and the Algerian War.
By Juliet Blackwell
Another novel featuring Paris, this one is a mystery as well. Genevieve flees the U.S. to go to Paris, after her marriage dissolves. She has inherited a locksmith shop from her uncle Dave, an American who married a Parisian after WWII. Through a series of chance meetings, Genevieve uncovers secrets about her mother, and who her real father is. Along the way, she ends up figuring out how to take over and run the locksmith shop, despite the many hurdles of the French burocracy. Of course, there is romance, after all, it's in Paris.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Chic lit, but well written, with some interesting facts from WWII and the Algerian War.
#97 Call the Nurse
Call the Nurse: True Stories of a Country Nurse on a Scottish Isle
By Mary J. MacLeod
This is a memoir, written by a former nurse, now in her 80s!
It might seem like I've read a lot of books in a very short time, and it's true. I've been sick, and the only thing to do is read, read, read. Fortunately I had a good supply of readable books, and only one dud that I probably won't keep reading.
These stories were charming little anecdotes about the adventures of the nurse and her family on an island in the Hebrides. The stories are from the 70s when her idealist family left London to live a simpler life on these remote islands. Light, entertaining, and easy to read.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Sure.
By Mary J. MacLeod
This is a memoir, written by a former nurse, now in her 80s!
It might seem like I've read a lot of books in a very short time, and it's true. I've been sick, and the only thing to do is read, read, read. Fortunately I had a good supply of readable books, and only one dud that I probably won't keep reading.
These stories were charming little anecdotes about the adventures of the nurse and her family on an island in the Hebrides. The stories are from the 70s when her idealist family left London to live a simpler life on these remote islands. Light, entertaining, and easy to read.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Sure.
#96 The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris
By Jenny Golgan
OK, chic lit. Does the title tell you that? Yes, but who can resist the two words "Paris" and "chocolate".
Clumsy Anna, works in a chocolate factory in London and fancies herself a chocolate expert. She has an accident at the factory, and ends up losing two of her toes and loses her job as well. Through a set of coincidences, she ends up with a job at a real chocolate shop in Paris. She packs up, moves there, and begins a strange apprenticeship of sorts with a renowned chocolatier. Anna is forced to learn the high art of making real chocolate, and yes, there is a romance involved. Hey, it's Paris after all.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Cute, light, includes recipes. If you like this kind of novel, sure.
By Jenny Golgan
OK, chic lit. Does the title tell you that? Yes, but who can resist the two words "Paris" and "chocolate".
Clumsy Anna, works in a chocolate factory in London and fancies herself a chocolate expert. She has an accident at the factory, and ends up losing two of her toes and loses her job as well. Through a set of coincidences, she ends up with a job at a real chocolate shop in Paris. She packs up, moves there, and begins a strange apprenticeship of sorts with a renowned chocolatier. Anna is forced to learn the high art of making real chocolate, and yes, there is a romance involved. Hey, it's Paris after all.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Cute, light, includes recipes. If you like this kind of novel, sure.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
#95 Underground Fugue
Underground Fugue
By Margot Singer
Yet another book about dealing with a dying mother! Gee, how am I managing to find these books?
Amanda returns to London from New York after her marriage breaks up, three years after the death of her only child. She deals with her dying mother and ultimate death. She meets an Iranian man who lives next door, divorced, with a troubled son.
The novel is told in the voices of the various characters, including the mother who travels back in her memory to her time growing up in easter Europe before WWII and how she, a Jew, escapes to England.
Javad, the Iranian doctor, also travels back in time to memories of his life growing up in Iran and his escape to England.
Ties in themes of racism in London, and includes the bombing of the London Underground as part of the plot.
Beautiful writing, though a rather unsatisfying ending.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommendation: Sure.
By Margot Singer
Yet another book about dealing with a dying mother! Gee, how am I managing to find these books?
Amanda returns to London from New York after her marriage breaks up, three years after the death of her only child. She deals with her dying mother and ultimate death. She meets an Iranian man who lives next door, divorced, with a troubled son.
The novel is told in the voices of the various characters, including the mother who travels back in her memory to her time growing up in easter Europe before WWII and how she, a Jew, escapes to England.
Javad, the Iranian doctor, also travels back in time to memories of his life growing up in Iran and his escape to England.
Ties in themes of racism in London, and includes the bombing of the London Underground as part of the plot.
Beautiful writing, though a rather unsatisfying ending.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommendation: Sure.
#94 Eat, Sleep, Cycle
Eat, Sleep, Cycle
By Anna Hughes
I always like reading travel books, and this one is about a bicycle trip around Great Britain. Not stellar writing, and not particularly interesting. Mostly about how hard the cycling was, the hills, and then onto the next town.
I would have preferred more about the places, the food, the people, rather than on and on about the cycling, though of course when you're on a long cycling trip, it really is all about the cycling and just getting to the next town.
Rating: 2.5/5
Recommendation: If you're into cycling, sure.
By Anna Hughes
I always like reading travel books, and this one is about a bicycle trip around Great Britain. Not stellar writing, and not particularly interesting. Mostly about how hard the cycling was, the hills, and then onto the next town.
I would have preferred more about the places, the food, the people, rather than on and on about the cycling, though of course when you're on a long cycling trip, it really is all about the cycling and just getting to the next town.
Rating: 2.5/5
Recommendation: If you're into cycling, sure.
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