Finished April 12
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo, read by Sunil Malhotra.
This nonfiction book is a tale of the lives of the residents of a Mumbai slum, Annawadi, located near the Mumbai airport and near luxury hotels. Boo was inspired to tell about life in the slums after marrying a man from India. She picked Annawadi because of its size, one small enough to go around and talk to all the residents. Her research took three years and the lives of many of the residents change significantly during that time. We see the struggle to survive, the daily living conditions, the jealousies and rivalries, the corruption both between residents and at police and government levels. Money equals prosperity and everyone is trying to get ahead, and get a better life. Some use substances that help them escape from their lives, and some take it out on their families. Boo spends a lot of time here describing two families.
One is a Muslim family, where the father has health issues that force the oldest boy, Abdul into the role of family provider. The situation also forces the mother into a less subservient role that is typical of Muslim women. The family recycles garbage, paying other garbage collectors by weight for their gatherings. When a fight with a neighbour women results in drastic actions by the women, the family's creep upward is stalled and reversed.
The other Hindi family also has a strong women at the head, Asha. Asha sets her sights on politics, with the first step gaining the status of slumlord for Annawadi. She curries favors, accepts and pays bribes, settles disputes and makes enough to send her daughter to college.
An ongoing story that brings the existence of the lowest class in India to light and shows how the system doesn't work for them, and how they are viewed by those above.
Fascinating and heartrending.
Sunday, 15 April 2012
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Crush. Candy. Corpse
Finished April 9
Crush. Candy. Corpse. by Sylvia McNicoll
This novel goes back and forth between the life of young Sunny as she completes her required 40 volunteer hours at a local nursing home, and the court scene where she is accused of manslaughter.
Sunny didn't want to volunteer at the nursing home, but the other volunteer options were gone and she had always felt close to her grandmother, so she figured she could handle it.
She finds herself on a ward with patients with memory issues, many with Alzheimer's. She finds herself drawn to the patients, looking for ways to improve their quality of life, wanting to make them smile. She buys them small gifts from her own pocket. She also finds herself drawn to a young man, Cole, who comes to visit his grandmother. Torn between her attraction to geeky Cole, and the bad boy Donovan she is currently seeing, she delays choosing between the two.
When her last visit to the nursing home occurs at the same time as a tragedy and she is accused of a connection to the death of a nursing home resident, she finds herself looking to her family and friends for support.
The book moves back and forth between witnesses in the courtroom and Sunny's experiences at the nursing home in a way that shows the reader different sides to a story.
Crush. Candy. Corpse. by Sylvia McNicoll
This novel goes back and forth between the life of young Sunny as she completes her required 40 volunteer hours at a local nursing home, and the court scene where she is accused of manslaughter.
Sunny didn't want to volunteer at the nursing home, but the other volunteer options were gone and she had always felt close to her grandmother, so she figured she could handle it.
She finds herself on a ward with patients with memory issues, many with Alzheimer's. She finds herself drawn to the patients, looking for ways to improve their quality of life, wanting to make them smile. She buys them small gifts from her own pocket. She also finds herself drawn to a young man, Cole, who comes to visit his grandmother. Torn between her attraction to geeky Cole, and the bad boy Donovan she is currently seeing, she delays choosing between the two.
When her last visit to the nursing home occurs at the same time as a tragedy and she is accused of a connection to the death of a nursing home resident, she finds herself looking to her family and friends for support.
The book moves back and forth between witnesses in the courtroom and Sunny's experiences at the nursing home in a way that shows the reader different sides to a story.
City of Fallen Angels
Finished April 9
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
And the saga continues. Returning from a seemingly successful trip to Idris, Clary is adjusting to her new life. She is learning the skills of a Shadowhunter, adjusting to her mother's new relationship, and beginning a relationship of her own, with Jace. But Jace seems to be a little less interested in her than she expected, and what's with the dead baby in the news.
Meanwhile Simon is also adjusting to his new life as a vampire, and trying to figure out how to tell his family. He is also being followed, but he isn't sure why or by who.
There is lots going on here, and the bad guys aren't vanquished yet. Less huge battles in this one, and more personal issues and smaller interactions.
A new character is introduced that looks like he may stay around for a while, and others reappear. Once again, plot leaves us hanging and waiting for the next in the series.
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
And the saga continues. Returning from a seemingly successful trip to Idris, Clary is adjusting to her new life. She is learning the skills of a Shadowhunter, adjusting to her mother's new relationship, and beginning a relationship of her own, with Jace. But Jace seems to be a little less interested in her than she expected, and what's with the dead baby in the news.
Meanwhile Simon is also adjusting to his new life as a vampire, and trying to figure out how to tell his family. He is also being followed, but he isn't sure why or by who.
There is lots going on here, and the bad guys aren't vanquished yet. Less huge battles in this one, and more personal issues and smaller interactions.
A new character is introduced that looks like he may stay around for a while, and others reappear. Once again, plot leaves us hanging and waiting for the next in the series.
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Wild Thing
Finished April 7
Wild Thing by Josh Bazell
I loved Bazell's first book, Beat the Reaper, and was looking forward to the continuing saga of Pietro Brnwa, former hitman and now doctor in the witness protection program. Here, under the name Lionel Azimuth, he starts the novel working as a doctor on a cruise ship, an unhappy existence. Then he gets asked by a reclusive billionaire to go to a remote lake in the Boundary Waters area between Minnesota and Manitoba to see if the rumours of a legendary water creature are true. His job is to protect Violet Hurst, a paleontologist also on the trip. Violet is a character to love, outspoken and self-assured. Azimuth is drawn to her, but remembers what happened to his last girlfriend and is less than eager to get involved with someone.
He is also a bit nervous around water, given his recent experiences in the previous novel. But he is also tired of constantly looking over his shoulder, wondering when someone will have found his trail again.
The story of the water creature is an interesting one, with lots of things going on, some interesting characters making an appearance, and constant surprises.
But Bazell offers more. Following the novel action is an article by Violet on global warming and the possibility tipping point. Then following that, is a section on Bazell's sources for everything going on here, from politics to the environment, science to pop culture. Bazell is a man with varied interests and strong curiosity along with high intelligence and that comes out here.
Yes, a great thriller, but so, so much more.
Wild Thing by Josh Bazell
I loved Bazell's first book, Beat the Reaper, and was looking forward to the continuing saga of Pietro Brnwa, former hitman and now doctor in the witness protection program. Here, under the name Lionel Azimuth, he starts the novel working as a doctor on a cruise ship, an unhappy existence. Then he gets asked by a reclusive billionaire to go to a remote lake in the Boundary Waters area between Minnesota and Manitoba to see if the rumours of a legendary water creature are true. His job is to protect Violet Hurst, a paleontologist also on the trip. Violet is a character to love, outspoken and self-assured. Azimuth is drawn to her, but remembers what happened to his last girlfriend and is less than eager to get involved with someone.
He is also a bit nervous around water, given his recent experiences in the previous novel. But he is also tired of constantly looking over his shoulder, wondering when someone will have found his trail again.
The story of the water creature is an interesting one, with lots of things going on, some interesting characters making an appearance, and constant surprises.
But Bazell offers more. Following the novel action is an article by Violet on global warming and the possibility tipping point. Then following that, is a section on Bazell's sources for everything going on here, from politics to the environment, science to pop culture. Bazell is a man with varied interests and strong curiosity along with high intelligence and that comes out here.
Yes, a great thriller, but so, so much more.
Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms
Finished April 6
Horten's Miraculous Mechanism's by Lissa Evans
This children's novel is set in England. When 10-year Stuart's family moves back to the town his father grew up in, just at the start of summer vacation, Stuart looks for ways to amuse himself. When he discovers his father's uncle was a magician and went missing years ago, he is intrigued and wants to know more about the man. Trying to hide from the triplets next door, April, May and June, Stuart looks for ways to learn more about his great uncle, and is surprised when magical things start to happen to him.
Stuart's father is a bit absent-minded and his mother just wants him to be happy, so his escapades as not too hard to manage with them. He has bigger trouble avoiding the menacing Jeannie and her sidekick and figuring out where he needs to go next.
A novel with mystery, adventure and magic, this will capture the young reader.
Note that it was longlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize in the UK for 2011.
Horten's Miraculous Mechanism's by Lissa Evans
This children's novel is set in England. When 10-year Stuart's family moves back to the town his father grew up in, just at the start of summer vacation, Stuart looks for ways to amuse himself. When he discovers his father's uncle was a magician and went missing years ago, he is intrigued and wants to know more about the man. Trying to hide from the triplets next door, April, May and June, Stuart looks for ways to learn more about his great uncle, and is surprised when magical things start to happen to him.
Stuart's father is a bit absent-minded and his mother just wants him to be happy, so his escapades as not too hard to manage with them. He has bigger trouble avoiding the menacing Jeannie and her sidekick and figuring out where he needs to go next.
A novel with mystery, adventure and magic, this will capture the young reader.
Note that it was longlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize in the UK for 2011.
Friday, 6 April 2012
Life Is But a Dream
Finished April 5
Life Is But a Dream by Brian James
This teen novel is told from the point of view of 15-year-old Sabrina. She has alway had a good imagination, and until recently her parents encouraged her use of imagination and creativity. Her best friend has also been drawing away from Sabrina's stories and pictures, in favour of an interest in the opposite sex. But an incident at school, coming to light to the reader as the novel progresses, has resulted in Sabrina being sent for treatment in a youth mental health facility. Sabrina struggles with the sense of losing herself to become "normal", and yet also feels scared when faced with the real world.
When she encounters another troubled teen, Alec, she feels drawn to him, and becomes involved emotionally. As the two grow closer, Sabrina relies on Alec to support her dreams, while Alec doesn't entirely understand the issues Sabrina is facing.
This is an interesting novel around mental illness, society's attitudes, but mostly the internal struggle of a person dealing with their own illness. A wonderfully immersive novel of a troubling experience.
Life Is But a Dream by Brian James
This teen novel is told from the point of view of 15-year-old Sabrina. She has alway had a good imagination, and until recently her parents encouraged her use of imagination and creativity. Her best friend has also been drawing away from Sabrina's stories and pictures, in favour of an interest in the opposite sex. But an incident at school, coming to light to the reader as the novel progresses, has resulted in Sabrina being sent for treatment in a youth mental health facility. Sabrina struggles with the sense of losing herself to become "normal", and yet also feels scared when faced with the real world.
When she encounters another troubled teen, Alec, she feels drawn to him, and becomes involved emotionally. As the two grow closer, Sabrina relies on Alec to support her dreams, while Alec doesn't entirely understand the issues Sabrina is facing.
This is an interesting novel around mental illness, society's attitudes, but mostly the internal struggle of a person dealing with their own illness. A wonderfully immersive novel of a troubling experience.
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Midnight in Austenland
Finished April 4
Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
Loved this followup to Austenland. A fun read with a strong female main character, and a bit of romance.
Charlotte is recently divorced and struggling with how to move her life forward. After an argument with her 13-year-old daughter, she digs out a list she made when she was that age about life goals. One of the easy ones still unachieved on the list is to read Jane Austen, so she does and she loves the world created within Austen's books. Wanting a holiday for herself when her ex has the two kids, she finds out about Austenland and decides that is is perfect.
Once there, Charlotte tries to immerse herself in the world, to escape her issues in real life. But her propensity for problem-solving comes to the fore and she finds herself involved is solving a crime and discovering the perpetrators.
Charlotte is a successful woman, with a growing business, two loving children, and an ex-husband who most definitely did not deserve her. She has no problem with confidence in her work life, but finds herself second-guessing her personal life all the time. It takes this situation, and a few helpful friends, to help her gain the confidence she should have personally as well.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
Loved this followup to Austenland. A fun read with a strong female main character, and a bit of romance.
Charlotte is recently divorced and struggling with how to move her life forward. After an argument with her 13-year-old daughter, she digs out a list she made when she was that age about life goals. One of the easy ones still unachieved on the list is to read Jane Austen, so she does and she loves the world created within Austen's books. Wanting a holiday for herself when her ex has the two kids, she finds out about Austenland and decides that is is perfect.
Once there, Charlotte tries to immerse herself in the world, to escape her issues in real life. But her propensity for problem-solving comes to the fore and she finds herself involved is solving a crime and discovering the perpetrators.
Charlotte is a successful woman, with a growing business, two loving children, and an ex-husband who most definitely did not deserve her. She has no problem with confidence in her work life, but finds herself second-guessing her personal life all the time. It takes this situation, and a few helpful friends, to help her gain the confidence she should have personally as well.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
The Shoeless Kid
Finished April 2
The Shoeless Kid by Marcelle Dubé
This mystery is set in the town of Mendenhall, Manitoba, located between Winnipeg and Brandon. Kate Williams has come to town as the new police chief, but things aren't going that well. Deputy Chief McKell had pretty much expected to get the job and his attitude isn't making her job easy. There seems to be resentment across the board in the police department. While Kate is struggling with this, she is also brought a new case by one of the young officers, Trepalli. While their only witness is a homeless man, it looks like there may be a missing child. Kate is haunted by a missing child case she was involved in decades before when she was a rookie cop. She is afraid of this type of case and super-sensitive to screwing it up. There are also the upcoming police games, which Mendenhall is hosting and Kate seems to be the only one in her force participating in.
With lots going on, things not always what they seem, and interesting background stories, this mystery will keep you glued to the pages until the end. Always nice to add new Canadian mystery authors too.
The Shoeless Kid by Marcelle Dubé
This mystery is set in the town of Mendenhall, Manitoba, located between Winnipeg and Brandon. Kate Williams has come to town as the new police chief, but things aren't going that well. Deputy Chief McKell had pretty much expected to get the job and his attitude isn't making her job easy. There seems to be resentment across the board in the police department. While Kate is struggling with this, she is also brought a new case by one of the young officers, Trepalli. While their only witness is a homeless man, it looks like there may be a missing child. Kate is haunted by a missing child case she was involved in decades before when she was a rookie cop. She is afraid of this type of case and super-sensitive to screwing it up. There are also the upcoming police games, which Mendenhall is hosting and Kate seems to be the only one in her force participating in.
With lots going on, things not always what they seem, and interesting background stories, this mystery will keep you glued to the pages until the end. Always nice to add new Canadian mystery authors too.
Sunday, 1 April 2012
Emerald City
Finished March 31
Emerald City by Alicia K Leppert
This novel, set in Seattle, tells the story of a young woman, Olivia, who is struggling with depression. Her mother died recently, and the hard life the two had after the desertion of Olivia's father has had its toll. Olivia exists, barely, moving through the routine of her life as a waitress and her small studio apartment. Even her friends have deserted her. When she thinks she has hit a low, she finds that someone does care and she has been helped. As she moves forward, she must find the strength within herself to ask for help, find new friends and possibly new love. The young man who has come into her life, Jude, is a bit of a cipher. Olivia finds herself trying to figure him out and once she does, the two together have to figure out the next step in their lives, together or apart.
A love story, a story of redemption, and hope, this is also one with a touch of the other.
Olivia has more backbone than she has given herself credit for, and her honesty with herself and her situation help a lot to keep her moving in a positive direction.
Emerald City by Alicia K Leppert
This novel, set in Seattle, tells the story of a young woman, Olivia, who is struggling with depression. Her mother died recently, and the hard life the two had after the desertion of Olivia's father has had its toll. Olivia exists, barely, moving through the routine of her life as a waitress and her small studio apartment. Even her friends have deserted her. When she thinks she has hit a low, she finds that someone does care and she has been helped. As she moves forward, she must find the strength within herself to ask for help, find new friends and possibly new love. The young man who has come into her life, Jude, is a bit of a cipher. Olivia finds herself trying to figure him out and once she does, the two together have to figure out the next step in their lives, together or apart.
A love story, a story of redemption, and hope, this is also one with a touch of the other.
Olivia has more backbone than she has given herself credit for, and her honesty with herself and her situation help a lot to keep her moving in a positive direction.
A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar
Finished March 30
A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar by Suzanne Joinson
This novel moves back and forth between 1923 Kashgar and the Silk Road and the present day in England. In 1923 Evangeline has signed up as a missionary for the group Missionary Order of the Steadfast Face, along with her sister Elizabeth. They are led by Millicent, a forthright woman. Eva has brought her bicycle with her and hopes to write a book about her experiences. Elizabeth is an avid photographer and has brought her camera, but is often lost in a dreamy world of her own. When the small group of women encounter a girl in childbirth they try to help and end up being accused of a crime. Eva is asked to take care of the infant, and grows attached to her. But there is unrest in the area, and the women's position grows increasingly precarious. Eva must find the strength to survive and adjust to the new environment. Her bicycle has given her some independence and she is reluctant to leave it behind.
In the present day, a young man from Yemen, in England illegally is targeted after being seen drawing intricate pictures of birds on a wall. He leaves his home and in his wanderings encounters Frieda, a young woman working to understand young people from a variety of emerging nations. Frieda is going through change in her personal life and when she finds herself in charge of the personal possessions of a woman who has died, she struggles to make sense of them and find the connection between her and the woman, Irene.
I loved the bird theme that came through the novel and the sense of other. A wonderful read that takes you to another world.
A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar by Suzanne Joinson
This novel moves back and forth between 1923 Kashgar and the Silk Road and the present day in England. In 1923 Evangeline has signed up as a missionary for the group Missionary Order of the Steadfast Face, along with her sister Elizabeth. They are led by Millicent, a forthright woman. Eva has brought her bicycle with her and hopes to write a book about her experiences. Elizabeth is an avid photographer and has brought her camera, but is often lost in a dreamy world of her own. When the small group of women encounter a girl in childbirth they try to help and end up being accused of a crime. Eva is asked to take care of the infant, and grows attached to her. But there is unrest in the area, and the women's position grows increasingly precarious. Eva must find the strength to survive and adjust to the new environment. Her bicycle has given her some independence and she is reluctant to leave it behind.
In the present day, a young man from Yemen, in England illegally is targeted after being seen drawing intricate pictures of birds on a wall. He leaves his home and in his wanderings encounters Frieda, a young woman working to understand young people from a variety of emerging nations. Frieda is going through change in her personal life and when she finds herself in charge of the personal possessions of a woman who has died, she struggles to make sense of them and find the connection between her and the woman, Irene.
I loved the bird theme that came through the novel and the sense of other. A wonderful read that takes you to another world.
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