Roth

Finished April 28
The Humbling by Philip Roth
This is the story of Simon Axler. Axler is one of the leading stage actors of his time, but now in his mid-sixties, he feels that he has lost whatever internal element he had that made him a great actor. He cannot connect with it however hard he tries.
In reaction he withdraws from that world to his home in the country. His wife deserts him, and he questions his mental state. When a new relationship offers him a renewal, he grabs at it, doing whatever he can to please his partner. But what are his real motivations, and how tied to the new relationship are his positive feelings about himself.
A look at how the character handles himself when he can't control the world around him, and a look at mental illness. Also the stories people tell themselves to make what they want real.

Thriller

Finished April 25
Never Look Away by Linwood Barclay
Barclay's books never fail to completely grip me. They are extremely hard to put down. This one is set in Promise Falls, New York, a small town upstate from Albany. The main character, David Harwood, is a local newspaper reporter. Lately he has been following a story on the possibility of a private prison being located in the area. David is married to Jan and they have a four-year-old son, Ethan. Jan has been acting strangely lately, and David is worried about her.
When Jan proposes spending the day at a local amusement park, David is pleased, but when she disappears without warning, he is shocked and confused. As David tries to figure out what is going on with Jan, as well as protect his reputation, the police are coming up with their own conclusions.
Edge of your seat action, and lots of twists and turns make this a great thriller.

Light read

Finished April 22
Death and the Lit Chick by G.M. Malliet
This mystery takes place at a mystery writers' conference in Scotland. Staying at Dalmorton Castle, are a publisher, several authors, agents, and a Cambridge DCI who is scheduled to speak at the conference. When the trendiest, and most successful of the authors is found dead there is no shortage of suspects. DCI St. Just is on hand and joins with the local authorities in solving the case. I was quite enjoying it until the scene where all suspects are brought together and each's reasons for doing things are fleshed out. That felt forced, awkward, and unnatural. The rest was good and an enjoyable escape read.

Great Listen

Finished April 22
The Truth about Stories: a native narrative by Thomas King
This collection of five talks is the Massey Lecture series of 2003. Thomas King is a great storyteller and that is what he does here, tells us stories. There is, of course, a native theme throughout that King uses very well to illustrate a number of issues and themes. His voice is mellow and draws you in. Even the titles of the lectures evoke stories before you hear another word.
Definitely worth a listen. I'm lending this out, but will want it back in my permanent collection.

Graphic Memoir

Finished April 20
A Few Perfect Hours . . . and Other Stories from Southeast Asia & Central Europe by Josh Neufeld
I really enjoyed this memoir. It tells stories from a years-long backpacking trip that Josh and his girlfriend Sari did in the 1990s. The art really adds to the stories bringing scenes, situations, and personalities to life. Also included are Traveller's Tips, that would be useful to think about for those embarking on a similar adventure. I was taken back to my own backpacking days, and the adventures I had by reading this, but it would also be of interest to those considering such an adventure. I really enjoyed this book.

Second in a Series

Finished April 20
The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley, read by Jayne Entwistle
Flavia de Luce is back and more curious than ever. Flavia happens to be on the scene when the van of a famous puppeteer, Rupert Porson, breaks down in Bishop Lacey. She befriends his assistant Nialla and helps unload when the vicar steps in to request a local performance while repairs are done. Escorting them to a local farmer's field to camp, Flavia introduces them to the local madwoman who lives in Gibbet Wood and herself meets the local farmhand, a former POW. As the novel progresses, we learn more about this farmer and his wife and the tragedy that befell them. We also see that Porson may be more familiar with this area of the country than he admits. When Rupert dies dramatically during the puppet performance, Flavia is, of course, eager to be on hand to assist the police in their endeavours. Flavia's love of chemistry shows itself several times in the plot, and proves very useful.
A great followup to the first novel, and an engaging character.

Graphic Novel

Finished April 19
Dark Entries by Ian Rankin, art by Werther Dell'edera
Okay, I didn't really enjoy this one. Maybe because I read and like Ian Rankin I had incorrect expectations going in. This book did not meet them. The art fit the story very well and I had no issues with it. It was the story I didn't really like. Even upon reflection (trying to move away from those expectations) I didn't really think the story was that great. The linking aspect for the characters in the house was interesting, if a bit contrived, but that was the only thing that really grabbed me. If this is a typical "John Constantine novel", I'll pass on the rest.