What to Read? … What to Read?

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“Sometimes when Maryam Yazdan looked at her new little granddaughter she had an eerie, lightheaded feeling, as if she had stepped into some sort of alternate universe. Everything about the child was impossibly perfect. Her skin was a flawless ivory, and her hair was almost too soft to register on Maryam’s fingertips. Her eyes were the shape of watermelon seeds, very black and cut very precisely into her small, solemn face. She weighed so little that Maryam often lifted her too high by mistake when she picked her up. And her hands! Tiny hands, with curling fingers. The wrinkles on her knuckles were halvah-colored (so amusing, that a baby had wrinkles!), and her nails were no bigger than dots.

Susan, they called her. They chose a name that resembled the name she had come with, Sooki, and also it was a comfortable sound for Iranians to pronounce.”

I have had a super busy week so far and it only just started; time for a break.  A much deserved break, how about reading Digging to America written by Anne Tyler.

Anne Tyler’s richest, most deeply searching novel–a story about what it is to be an American, and about Iranian-born Maryam Yazdan, who, after 35 years in this country, must finally come to terms with her “outsiderness.”

Two families, who would otherwise never have come together, meet by chance at the Baltimore airport – the Donaldsons, a very American couple, and the Yazdans, Maryam’s fully assimilated son and his attractive Iranian wife. Each couple is awaiting the arrival of an adopted infant daughter from Korea. After the instant babies from distant Asia are delivered, Bitsy Donaldson impulsively invites the Yazdans to celebrate: an “arrival party” that from then on is repeated every year as the two families become more and more deeply intertwined. Even Maryam is drawn in – up to a point. When she finds herself being courted by Bitsy Donaldson’s recently widowed father, all the values she cherishes – her traditions, her privacy, her otherness–are suddenly threatened.

As I have stated before families are complex and Anne Tyler has shown us just how complex families can get. What she has done is put in cultural differences just to give it a layered effect. The plot is slow in some places; however it is riddled with wonderfully human characters with flaws and opinions. I enjoyed this book simply because it tells the story from the other side. Is this a hit? Well for me it was, but for you…we won’t know until you read it. Off you go and get your copy.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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Can you believe we are into October already? I can’t wait for Halloween and what a better way to start off this spooky month then with a little bit of horror. Why not try Poe’s Children: The New Horror: An Anthology written by Peter Straub.

 Horror writing is usually associated with formulaic gore, but New Wave horror writers have more in common with the wildly inventive, evocative spookiness of Edgar Allan Poe than with the sometimes-predictable hallmarks of their peers. Showcasing this cutting-edge talent, Poe’s Children now brings the best of the genre’s stories to a wider audience. Featuring tales from such writers as Neil Gaiman and Jonathan Carroll, Poe’s Children is Peter Straub’s tribute to the imaginative power of storytelling. Each previously published story has been selected by Straub to represent what he thinks is the most interesting development in our literature during the last two decades.

Selections range from the early Stephen King psychological thriller “The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet,” in which an editor confronts an author’s belief that his typewriter is inhabited by supernatural creatures, to “The Man on the Ceiling,” Melanie and Steve Rasnic Tem’s award-winning surreal tale of night terrors, woven with daylight fears that haunt a family. Other selections include National Book Award finalist Dan Chaon’s “The Bees”; Peter Straub’s “Little Red’s Tango,” the legend of a music aficionado whose past is as mysterious as the ghostly visitors to his Manhattan apartment; Elizabeth Hand’s visionary and shocking “Cleopatra Brimstone”; Thomas Ligotti’s brilliant, mind-stretching “Notes on the Writing of Horror: A Story”; and “Body,” Brian Evenson’s disturbing twist on correctional facilities.

Now I’m not a fan of horror usually, I find that it is too formulated, but give me writers like Poe, Hitchcock and I am in heaven. This is a wonderful collection of short stories that bring back the ideas of what horror is supposed to be like. Down with formulas; all read new wave horror! Go grab a blanket, maybe a flashlight; lock your doors and windows and let your imagination soar.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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Oh look what is hitting book stores near you on October 14, 2008. Gregory Maguire’s newest book (book 3) in the Wicked series A Lion Among Men.

Since Wicked was first published in 1995, millions of readers have discovered Gregory Maguire’s fantastically encyclopedic Oz, a world filled with characters both familiar and new, darkly conceived and daringly reimagined. In the much-anticipated third volume of the Wicked Years, we return to Oz, seen now through the eyes of the Cowardly Lion—the once tiny cub defended by Elphaba in Wicked.

While civil war looms in Oz, a tetchy oracle named Yackle prepares for death. Before her final hour, an enigmatic figure known as Brrr—the Cowardly Lion—arrives searching for information about Elphaba Thropp, the Wicked Witch of the West. As payment, Yackle, who hovered on the sidelines of Elphaba’s life, demands some answers of her own.

Brrr surrenders his story to the ailing maunt: Abandoned as a cub, his earliest memories are gluey hazes, and his path from infancy in the Great Gillikin Forest is no Yellow Brick Road. Seeking to redress an early mistake, he trudges through a swamp of ghosts, becomes implicated in a massacre of trolls, and falls in love with a forbidding Cat princess. In the wake of laws that oppress talking Animals, he avoids a jail sentence by agreeing to serve as a lackey to the war-mongering Emperor of Oz.

A Lion Among Men chronicles a battle of wits hastened by the Emerald City’s approaching armies. What does the Lion know of the whereabouts of the Witch’s boy, Liir? What can Yackle reveal about the auguries of the Clock of the Time Dragon? And what of the Grimmerie, the magic book that vanished as quickly as Elphaba? Is destiny ever arbitrary? Can those tarnished by infamy escape their sobriquets—cowardly, wicked, brainless, criminally earnest—to claim their own histories, to live honorably within their own skins before they’re skinned alive?

At once a portrait of a would-be survivor and a panoramic glimpse of a world gone shrill with war fever, Gregory Maguire’s new novel is written with the sympathy and power that have made his books contemporary classics.

I am extremely looking forward to this one as I have enjoyed his Wicked series and other books. I hope this one is as good as the rest. Will I see you at the book store?

Happy Reading

Sarah

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“The little road (they always called it ‘the lane’) snaked one way and then another, so that you couldn’t see anything ahead of you. They had to keep the dog on the lead and stay close to the hedges in case a car ‘came out of nowhere’. Jessica was the eldest so she was the one who always got to hold the dog’s lead. She spent a lot of her time training the dog, ‘Heel!’ and ‘Sit!’ and ‘Come!’ Their mother said she wished Jessica was as obedient as the dog. Jessica was always the one who was in charge. Their mother said to Joanna, ‘It’s all right to have a mind of your own, you know. You should stick up for yourself, think for yourself,’ but Joanna didn’t want to think for herself.”

We all ask the same question at some point in our lives; when will there be good news? And it is no exception in Kate Atkinson’s book When Will There Be Good News?

In a quiet corner of rural Devon, six-year-old Joanna Mason witnesses an appalling crime. Thirty years later the man convicted of the crime, Andrew Decker, is released from prison.

In Edinburgh, sixteen-year-old Reggie, wise beyond her years, works as a nanny for a G.P. But Dr. Hunter has gone missing and Reggie seems to be the only person who is worried.

Across town, Detective Chief Inspector Louise Monroe is also looking for a missing person, David Needler, unaware that hurtling towards her is an old friend–Jackson Brodie–himself on a journey that is about to be fatally interrupted.

Well look whose back private investigator Jackson Brodie. How exciting is this? I picked up the book and couldn’t put it down. Atkinson has given us a book with plots that twist and turn, her characters are believable and she has kept up the promise of a good read. Grab a copy today and start reading.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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“Elizabeth took tight control of a rush of emotion; even though this news had been long expected, deep down she had not believed she would ever hear those words. She took a moment to absorb them, then said, “There’s nothing much to say, is there, Cecil? Nothing at all, actually, and anyway, what would be the point? I’m not a hypocrite, I’m not going to pretend I mourn my sister’s death.””

I spent a wonderful night curled up under a blanket devouring my newest purchase, Being Elizabeth written by Barbara Taylor Bradford.

At age twenty-five, Elizabeth Deravenel finds herself in a position few women her age could image: the head of Deravenels, a business empire that spans the globe. It’s a company whose reach is wide and whose secrets are deep. Deravenels has roots that go far back in her family’s history, and she knows the price that many had to pay to see it reach the success it is today. And Elizabeth is the youngest executive in the company she now leads. Surrounded by rumors and disloyalty, she knows that there are many people who would give anything to take down the company–and her with it. With her enemies circling, she finds herself at a crossroad of choices involving her mind, her heart, and her destiny. As scandal surrounds the one man she’s ever loved, Elizabeth discovers how the next move she makes could have deadly and final consequences.

Uh oh…A one dimensional character, a plot with no twists and turns; this is unlike Bradford. Unfortunately this one is a miss for me, however don’t give up hope, while we are waiting for her next book to come out why not try one of her previous ones. Better luck next time.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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“Back home in Colorado, Thibault can’t seem to get the photo-and the woman in it-out of his mind. Believing that she somehow holds the key to his destiny, he sets out on a journey across the country to find her, never expecting the strong but vulnerable woman he encounters in Hampton, North Carolina-Elizabeth, a divorced mother with a young son-to be the girl he’s been waiting his whole life to meet.”

Can you believe that September is almost over? I can’t, I mean it was just yesterday (I’m sure it was) that I changed my calendar. Oh well speaking of Calendars mark September 30, 2008 it’s the release date of The Lucky One written by Nicholas Sparks.

 In his 14th book, bestselling author Nicholas Sparks tells the unforgettable story of a man whose brushes with death lead him to the love of his life.

Is there really such thing as a lucky charm? The hero of Nicholas Sparks’s new novel believes he’s found one in the form of a photograph of a smiling woman he’s never met, but who he comes to believe holds the key to his destiny. The chain of events that leads to him possessing the photograph and finding the woman pictured in it is the stuff of love stories only a master such as Sparks can write.

Doesn’t this look interesting? I hope it’s as good as it looks and even if it’s not at least I can say I read it. Don’t forget to mark it down and I will see you at the book store.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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“The snow came down so thickly, it formed fragile snowballs in the air that tumbled and melted as soon as they landed on the horses lined up along the dock. It was four in the morning and the place was coming alive and Captain Samson had never seen the dock in such a bustle. The cargo was flying out of the ship, literally; the cranes strained in their efforts to get the bales out as quickly as possible. The ship stank of the disinfectant already, stank of the stuff. Every man who came on board was so drenched in it that it dribbled out of his boots. But that wasn’t enough; some of them had squelched aboard with big, heavy spray cans that spat an acid-pink fog over everything.”

I spent a good 2 hours searching the shelves at a bookstore and I hit jack pot. I found Terry Pratchett’s newest book Nation which just appeared on the shelves September 9, 2008.

Alone on a desert island — everything and everyone he knows and loves has been washed away in a storm — Mau is the last surviving member of his nation. He’s completely alone — or so he thinks until he finds the ghost girl. She has no toes, wears strange lacy trousers like the grandfather bird, and gives him a stick that can make fire.
Daphne, sole survivor of the wreck of the Sweet Judy, almost immediately regrets trying to shoot the native boy. Thank goodness the powder was wet and the gun only produced a spark. She’s certain her father, distant cousin of the Royal family, will come and rescue her but it seems, for now, that all she has for company is the boy and the foul-mouthed ship’s parrot, until other survivors arrive to take refuge on the island. Together, Mau and Daphne discover some remarkable things (including how to milk a pig, and why spitting in beer is a good thing), and start to forge a new nation.

What no disc world?! I’m shocked, but pleasantly surprised, highly amused and generally thrilled with this new book. This is Pratchett at his finest. If you are a fan or non-fan you will enjoy this book. Warning some pigs may find this book downright scary. Go find it, read it, LOVE IT!

Happy Reading

Sarah

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“At half past ten on that Saturday morning, Commander Adam Dalgliesh and Emma Lavenham had an appointment to meet her father. To meet a future father-in-law for the first time, especially with the purpose of informing him that one is shortly to marry his daughter, is seldom an enterprise undertaken without some misgivings.”

What makes a great mystery writer? Do you have to be paranoid? Maybe you see a potential murder everywhere you go. Well whatever the qualifications are I don’t have them. The biggest mystery that I will ever solve is; where did my car keys go? I think I will leave the big mystery solving to professionals like P.D. James who just so happens to be releasing her new book The Private Patient on November 18, 2008.

Cheverell Manor is a lovely old house in deepest Dorset, now a private clinic belonging to the famous plastic surgeon George Chandler-Powell. When investigative journalist Rhoda Gradwyn arrived there one late autumn afternoon, scheduled to have a disfiguring and long-standing facial scar removed, she had every expectation of a successful operation and a pleasant week recuperating.

Two days later she was dead, the victim of murder.

To Commander Adam Dalgliesh, who with his team is called in to investigate the case, the mystery at first seems absolute. Few things about it make sense. Yet as the detectives begin probing the lives and backgrounds of those connected with the dead woman—the surgeon, members of the manor staff, close acquaintances—suspects multiply all too rapidly. New confusions arise, including strange historical overtones of madness and a lynching 350 years in the past. Then there is a second murder, and Dalgliesh finds himself confronted by issues even more challenging than innocence or guilt.

P. D. James has gained an enviable reputation for creating detective stories of uncommon depth and intricacy, combined with the sort of humanity and perceptiveness found only in the finest novelists. The Private Patient ranks among her very best.

If you want great reading don’t hesitate to pick up a novel by James, she has a great gift for this genre her plots are deep and full of twists and turns right up until the very end. Her characters are both charming and believable; it’s hard to put one of her books down once you have started.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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We all saw The Spiderwick Chronicles; we read the books, why because they were a quick and fun read, now A Giant Problem (Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles) has just hit bookshelves.

Nick and Laurie have a giant problem and it’s a lot bigger than they originally thought. When Taloa sent them off to find her sisters, they discovered a single fire breathing giant, but as it turns out, that one giant is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. According to NoSeeum Jack, the blind giant killer who helped Nick, Laurie, and Jared dispatch the original giant, there are hundreds, possibly even thousands of giants underneath the surface waiting to wake up. And since Taloa refuses to give any assistance until her sisters are located, the kids turn to a kingdom of merfolk for help. As is the way of the fey, the merfolk send the kids on a quest–to find a sea creature they’d never seen–before they’ll even consider helping. They then capture Julian and leave him stranded on a distant sand bar that’s too far for him to swim to shore from. He’ll drown if they’re not back from the quest by high tide. Between Julian’s hysterical girlfriend, Noseeum’s ruthless hunting of the giants, and trying to figure out the quest, the kids have their hands full. But even more so when they find a creature the mermaids have never seen. Still, the mermaids refuse to help stating that what the giants are about to do is part of a natural cycle.

Holly Black is keeping us entertained with her newest addition and like the rest of her books; this one is just as good, yet another great example of a book great for sharing. Go hit your local book store and get your copy so you can continue the adventures.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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“Hiro smiled back, trying not to look alarmed at the way the sheriff’s chair creaked ominously anytime he shifted his considerable bulk. Then he returned his attention to Ando, who was scowling down at the laminated menu in consternation.

“All there is to eat is waffles and french fries,” Ando complained.

Hiro leaned back in the comfortable padded booth and grinned. “You like french fries.”

“I’ve gained four kilos from french fries!””

In celebration of the season primer of Heroes Aury Wallington has released his latest book Heroes: Saving Charlie. Season primer starts Monday September 22, 2008!

“Save the cheerleader, save the world” are the defining words of Heroes, the phenomenal series that has transformed television drama. They are also the cryptic marching orders for the show’s cross section of ordinary individuals united by an extraordinary bond. Each possesses a superhuman ability, and together they must prevent the course of history from taking a terrifying turn. Now, in this original novel based on the TV phenomenon, in a thrilling story that will captivate even those who haven’t seen the show, one of these unexpected saviors steps center stage on a deeply personal quest that will test the limits of his gift, the depth of his love, and the ultimate strength of his will.

Hiro Nakamura possesses the remarkable power to control time. And like his uniquely blessed comrades, he’s on a mission for the good of humankind. But another challenge awaits him: saving the love of his life from an unspeakable death. Charlene “Charlie” Andrews is the big-hearted, small-town beauty whose sunny smile and sweet soul knocked the shy Hiro head over heels. But when Charlie’s young life is snuffed out by a grisly serial killer, their budding romance is brutally cut short.

Or is it? Thanks to his astounding newfound skill, Hiro has the means to do what no tragedy-stricken lover in history ever could–turn back time. And no matter how raw his abilities or how many twists of circumstance conspire to foil him, he vows to deliver Charlie from the evil poised to claim her. He will be her hero.

But what possible consequences might change the past visit upon the future? How could saving one cherished life affect millions of others? And what ultimate choice will Hiro make when the power of fate rests in his hands?

Depending on how much of a Heroes fan you are will depend on how much you will like this book. In this book it focuses on the romance between Hiro and Charlie, is this a good thing? Some will say yes but I will say that it gives us a different Hiro then the one we all fell in love with. However as I said it will depend on how much of a fan you are; I find that it’s like reading fan fiction but remember this is just the authors interpretation of a brief moment in one episode of the T.V. series. So go grab your copy and read it, then you make up your mind.

Happy Reading

Sarah