Finished June 23
Lost in the Forest by Sue Miller, read by Blair Brown
Needing something to listen to, I grabbed this audiobook last week. I've read one other of Sue Miller's books and enjoyed it, and I found this one a good story as well.
In this book we see the life of Eva, divorced from Mark and now happily married to John, and Eva's three children, Emily and Daisy with Mark and Theo with John.
When John is killed in a car accident, everyone's lives change dramatically. Mark becomes involved in Theo's life. Daisy, who was very close to John, feels resentment against her parents. Emily takes on new responsibilities. Theo has trouble accepting his father's death, even though he was present when it occurred.
While the book touches on everyone, we see most deeply into Mark and Daisy. Mark tries to find a way to be a dad again, and struggles with his image of his role in everyone's lives. Daisy finds her world unstable, and enters a disturbing relationship with a family friend.
A story of people and relationships and how we see things in different ways.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Monday, 22 June 2009
Kid's Book
Finished June 21
Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf: a year told through stuff by Jennifer L. Holm, pictures by Elicia Castaldi
Bought this book for my niece but think I'll wait a bit to give it to her (she's nine and I think a couple years older would be better suited). It is an interesting book though, told in an interesting way. Ginny is going into grade seven and has a to-do list. They don't include accidentally turning her hair pink or getting detention, but those things happen.
She has issues with friends, family (a new stepdad) and babysitting. She has her supporters, including a long-distance grandfather, and her mother is understanding. It is the layout of the book that really makes this work. It is a scrapbook style with collages of items on every page, illustrating Ginny's life in a way that words alone cannot.
I suppose it could fall into the category of graphic novel, but it is not the classic comic book style, and that is something that will intrigue young readers.
Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf: a year told through stuff by Jennifer L. Holm, pictures by Elicia Castaldi
Bought this book for my niece but think I'll wait a bit to give it to her (she's nine and I think a couple years older would be better suited). It is an interesting book though, told in an interesting way. Ginny is going into grade seven and has a to-do list. They don't include accidentally turning her hair pink or getting detention, but those things happen.
She has issues with friends, family (a new stepdad) and babysitting. She has her supporters, including a long-distance grandfather, and her mother is understanding. It is the layout of the book that really makes this work. It is a scrapbook style with collages of items on every page, illustrating Ginny's life in a way that words alone cannot.
I suppose it could fall into the category of graphic novel, but it is not the classic comic book style, and that is something that will intrigue young readers.
Otherworld
Finished June 20
The Mystery of Grace by Charles de Lint
The newest Charles de Lint book is as great a read as his books always are. This, the story of Grace Quintero, a young woman who goes through an amazing experience. Grace was very close to her grandfather, who has recently died. He taught her about cars, and she has become a mechanic, specializing in classic hot rods. Grace has many tattoos, a story of her life and what is important to her. They include the saint that she is named for, Nuestra Senora de Altagracia, her mother, and one honoring the Ford Motor Company.
When Grace meets John Burns at the Solona Music Hall, it is already too late for them. Grace has been transported to another world, where she works with new friends, Conchita, Henry, and David to try to figure out why their new environment exists and how it came to be.
A story of faith, friends, and love, this is a book that grips you and leaves you with wonder about the possibilities.
Grace is a woman who is not scared to face the truths in her life and that is what brings her to the larger truths.
The Mystery of Grace by Charles de Lint
The newest Charles de Lint book is as great a read as his books always are. This, the story of Grace Quintero, a young woman who goes through an amazing experience. Grace was very close to her grandfather, who has recently died. He taught her about cars, and she has become a mechanic, specializing in classic hot rods. Grace has many tattoos, a story of her life and what is important to her. They include the saint that she is named for, Nuestra Senora de Altagracia, her mother, and one honoring the Ford Motor Company.
When Grace meets John Burns at the Solona Music Hall, it is already too late for them. Grace has been transported to another world, where she works with new friends, Conchita, Henry, and David to try to figure out why their new environment exists and how it came to be.
A story of faith, friends, and love, this is a book that grips you and leaves you with wonder about the possibilities.
Grace is a woman who is not scared to face the truths in her life and that is what brings her to the larger truths.
Graphic Memoir
Finished June 20
Stitches: a memoir by David Small
I read an advanced reading copy of this new graphic memoir (to be released in September) and could hardly put it down. Small details his unhappy childhood, from the lack of affection in his family to mental illness of family members. He had throat cancer while in his teens, a result of x-ray treatments his father subjected him to, but his family never told him of his diagnosis. David left home at the age of sixteen, while still in high school, and found mentors that encouraged his talents.
This is a story of success through adversity, and I found David's straightforward honesty very engaging. He is already known for his successful picture books and I'm sure this new graphic memoir will be a hit as well.
Stitches: a memoir by David Small
I read an advanced reading copy of this new graphic memoir (to be released in September) and could hardly put it down. Small details his unhappy childhood, from the lack of affection in his family to mental illness of family members. He had throat cancer while in his teens, a result of x-ray treatments his father subjected him to, but his family never told him of his diagnosis. David left home at the age of sixteen, while still in high school, and found mentors that encouraged his talents.
This is a story of success through adversity, and I found David's straightforward honesty very engaging. He is already known for his successful picture books and I'm sure this new graphic memoir will be a hit as well.
Thursday, 18 June 2009
Audio Fiction
Finished June 16
Family Connections by Anna Jacobs, read by Nicolette McKenzie
Haven't tried this author before, but it was on the new book shelf, and I needed something to listen to, so I grabbed it.
The story follows a few characters in Perth, Australia and in the Blackpool area of England that end up meeting up by the end. Gina Porter is sorting through the belongings of her recently deceased father when she comes across documents indicating that Gina's mother was his second wife and there is another family back in England. Also in Perth, Brad decides to take early retirement and travel to England when he learns that he has a daughter there (a result of a short dalliance years before).
In England, Lou defies her grandfather and mother and leaves for Australia with her boyfriend, intending to find her great-grandfather. Also in England, Peggy is finding it increasingly difficult to live with her domineering husband and seeks assistance at a local woman's wellness centre.
Lots of plot, and family stories, with drama and romance thrown in.
I enjoyed it, as a light entertaining read.
Family Connections by Anna Jacobs, read by Nicolette McKenzie
Haven't tried this author before, but it was on the new book shelf, and I needed something to listen to, so I grabbed it.
The story follows a few characters in Perth, Australia and in the Blackpool area of England that end up meeting up by the end. Gina Porter is sorting through the belongings of her recently deceased father when she comes across documents indicating that Gina's mother was his second wife and there is another family back in England. Also in Perth, Brad decides to take early retirement and travel to England when he learns that he has a daughter there (a result of a short dalliance years before).
In England, Lou defies her grandfather and mother and leaves for Australia with her boyfriend, intending to find her great-grandfather. Also in England, Peggy is finding it increasingly difficult to live with her domineering husband and seeks assistance at a local woman's wellness centre.
Lots of plot, and family stories, with drama and romance thrown in.
I enjoyed it, as a light entertaining read.
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Kid's Book
Finished June 16
Skellig by David Almond
This award-winning childen's book is another destined for a young relative of mine. Here, ten-year-old Michael's family has moved across town into a dilapidated house. A baby girl is born early to Michael's parents and becomes the focus of attention as her health wavers. Michael explores his new environment, finding a small being in the garage of the house. With his new friend, Mina, Michael befriends this being and learns a lot in the process.
Dealing with all the issues he is confronted with, Michael grows emotionally. He learns new things and ideas from Mina and teaches her some as well.
This is an enchanting story of compassion and relationships and I know my niece will love it.
Skellig by David Almond
This award-winning childen's book is another destined for a young relative of mine. Here, ten-year-old Michael's family has moved across town into a dilapidated house. A baby girl is born early to Michael's parents and becomes the focus of attention as her health wavers. Michael explores his new environment, finding a small being in the garage of the house. With his new friend, Mina, Michael befriends this being and learns a lot in the process.
Dealing with all the issues he is confronted with, Michael grows emotionally. He learns new things and ideas from Mina and teaches her some as well.
This is an enchanting story of compassion and relationships and I know my niece will love it.
Monday, 15 June 2009
Fast-Moving Thriller
Finished June 15
Cemetery Dance by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
This is the first book I've read by this duo and I found it a quick read despite being over 400 pages. The action just pulled me along, and I found myself finishing it in only a few hours.
When journalist Bill Smithback is violently killed in his own apartment, all the witnesses agree on the identity of the killer, another resident of the building, Colin Fearing. The problem is that Fearing was found dead ten days earlier, an apparent suicide. Smithback's wife Nora Fearing is attacked again, and now finds herself wondering just what is behind it, determined to get to the bottom of the intrigue. NYPD Lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta, a friend of Smithback's is on the case and also determined to find the truth. He is joined by FBI Special Agent Pendergast, who has an interesting background and esoteric skills. The two of them work together to get to the bottom of the case. From zombiis to religious cults, from animal cruelty to investigative journalism, the action never stops.
Cemetery Dance by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
This is the first book I've read by this duo and I found it a quick read despite being over 400 pages. The action just pulled me along, and I found myself finishing it in only a few hours.
When journalist Bill Smithback is violently killed in his own apartment, all the witnesses agree on the identity of the killer, another resident of the building, Colin Fearing. The problem is that Fearing was found dead ten days earlier, an apparent suicide. Smithback's wife Nora Fearing is attacked again, and now finds herself wondering just what is behind it, determined to get to the bottom of the intrigue. NYPD Lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta, a friend of Smithback's is on the case and also determined to find the truth. He is joined by FBI Special Agent Pendergast, who has an interesting background and esoteric skills. The two of them work together to get to the bottom of the case. From zombiis to religious cults, from animal cruelty to investigative journalism, the action never stops.
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