Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wykhadden
MC Beaton
As a sequel to Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham, Agatha has run to a resort town she has never been before to allow her hair to grow back in. While she is there, as always, murder follows our Agatha. The disappointment in this book is the reality of her "bumbling in others lives until she stumbles upon the murderer." In the past she was smart and resourceful. She truly solved the crimes, albeit in an unorthodox manner. This time around, she is scattered and blind to reality. Caught up in her looks and relationships more than being her own person. James plays a small role, but again as lately, he is petty and arrogant; jumping to conclusions. In step with the others, this is a quick-read and funny throughout. I just wish this teenage approach to relationships would cease and we could get on to solving crimes.
29 May 2010
28 May 2010
Mr. Monk in Trouble
Lee Goldberg
This is probably the last book in the Monk series due to the finish of the TV series. And, I have to say it one of the better ones. Quite an interesting twist creating the parallel with the past. It provided a platform for more mysteries and cases. Much like the TV series, the crime and characters are basic enough for the laziest reader to come to the conclusion well in advance of the summation. However still a delightful and relaxed read. I have to say I am sad to see the end of a great set of characters and plot.
Lee Goldberg
This is probably the last book in the Monk series due to the finish of the TV series. And, I have to say it one of the better ones. Quite an interesting twist creating the parallel with the past. It provided a platform for more mysteries and cases. Much like the TV series, the crime and characters are basic enough for the laziest reader to come to the conclusion well in advance of the summation. However still a delightful and relaxed read. I have to say I am sad to see the end of a great set of characters and plot.
22 May 2010
Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham
MC Beaton
This is another romp through the English countryside with quirky and easily excitable Agatha Raisin, amateur detective. No James this time, which made for a more fluid read. Agatha did mention him from time to time, but there wasn't a lot of the petty interactions. In this story, Agatha is bound to find the murderer of a local blackmailer. Nearly being killed in the course, she is still victorious.
MC Beaton
This is another romp through the English countryside with quirky and easily excitable Agatha Raisin, amateur detective. No James this time, which made for a more fluid read. Agatha did mention him from time to time, but there wasn't a lot of the petty interactions. In this story, Agatha is bound to find the murderer of a local blackmailer. Nearly being killed in the course, she is still victorious.
21 May 2010
Vi Hadde Det Godt Her (We Had It Good Here)
Ardis Bakke Folstad
I picked up this book at a library booksale because I enjoy learning more about this new home of mine. It tells the tale of a little girl, who with her mother, father, grandfather and two uncles, comes from Norway to Wisconsin in the 1870s. Her fears of a new home so unlike her old one, her trials of living in the wilderness, and her joys of family life are portrayed in a letter-like style. At times the author has gone overboard with details such as plot numbers, and yet not detailed enough to give an exact location. I enjoyed the book simply on the merit of learning more about this city; to learn what life was like in the late 19th century. But, as for the writing, I have to say it was poor.
Ardis Bakke Folstad
I picked up this book at a library booksale because I enjoy learning more about this new home of mine. It tells the tale of a little girl, who with her mother, father, grandfather and two uncles, comes from Norway to Wisconsin in the 1870s. Her fears of a new home so unlike her old one, her trials of living in the wilderness, and her joys of family life are portrayed in a letter-like style. At times the author has gone overboard with details such as plot numbers, and yet not detailed enough to give an exact location. I enjoyed the book simply on the merit of learning more about this city; to learn what life was like in the late 19th century. But, as for the writing, I have to say it was poor.
18 May 2010
The Diva Wore Diamonds
Mark Schweizer
Another wonderfully fun read from this series. Again, police chief/composer/organist/choir director Konig is tracking down a murderer in the small town of St. Germaine, NC. The cast of characters is hilarious and so are the situations. Many jokes are based on music and religion. Being a Sunday school superintendent and in the church choir, I enjoy everyone of them. There are a few titles in this series I haven't read yet, but I can't wait.
Mark Schweizer
Another wonderfully fun read from this series. Again, police chief/composer/organist/choir director Konig is tracking down a murderer in the small town of St. Germaine, NC. The cast of characters is hilarious and so are the situations. Many jokes are based on music and religion. Being a Sunday school superintendent and in the church choir, I enjoy everyone of them. There are a few titles in this series I haven't read yet, but I can't wait.
17 May 2010
A Crooked Kind of Perfect
Linda Urban
This was a delightful book. A very quick and easy read meant for young adult readers, the story is about an 11 year old girl who wants nothing more than to recieve and play the piano. What she gets is an organ. Set up diary style, the story is like a girl telling her best friend what's going on in her life. In the short time span, this little girl with a work-a-holic mother and agoraphobic father, learns to find herself with the help of her less that ideal family and an unexpected friend. Even I, at age thirty, could remember back to middle and high school. The author does an outstanding job of conveying, easily I might add, all the highs and lows of those pre-pubescent years. I would recommend this book to teens who need a little perspective and to adults who need a little reminder.
Linda Urban
This was a delightful book. A very quick and easy read meant for young adult readers, the story is about an 11 year old girl who wants nothing more than to recieve and play the piano. What she gets is an organ. Set up diary style, the story is like a girl telling her best friend what's going on in her life. In the short time span, this little girl with a work-a-holic mother and agoraphobic father, learns to find herself with the help of her less that ideal family and an unexpected friend. Even I, at age thirty, could remember back to middle and high school. The author does an outstanding job of conveying, easily I might add, all the highs and lows of those pre-pubescent years. I would recommend this book to teens who need a little perspective and to adults who need a little reminder.
13 May 2010
The Mysterious Benedict Society
Trenton Lee Stewart
I loved this book. In fact, I have already bought the next in the series. There are three so far. This is a great book in tradition of Harry Potter. Four orphaned/run-away 'tweens set out to save the world. In this case, no one has magical powers, just the magic of brain power. They need to recognize each other's strengths and weaknesses to work together and overcome adversity. I think this is a series for children and adults. Some great lessons can be learned from trusting children and allowing them to shine and grow. I refuse to reveal any sursprises within this blog, however, I must say that there are many.
Trenton Lee Stewart
I loved this book. In fact, I have already bought the next in the series. There are three so far. This is a great book in tradition of Harry Potter. Four orphaned/run-away 'tweens set out to save the world. In this case, no one has magical powers, just the magic of brain power. They need to recognize each other's strengths and weaknesses to work together and overcome adversity. I think this is a series for children and adults. Some great lessons can be learned from trusting children and allowing them to shine and grow. I refuse to reveal any sursprises within this blog, however, I must say that there are many.
10 May 2010
Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death
M.C. Beaton
Although I feel the petty back and forth between Agatha and James is getting a little old, especially from two people in their 50's who should be over their teenage tendencies, I did however like the book in general. Again a quick read mystery featuring the PR turned amateur sleuth, Agatha. She is home again in the English Cotswolds and murder just seems to follow. I just generally like this series. Fun and entertaining like watching an episode of your favorite 'dramedy'.
M.C. Beaton
Although I feel the petty back and forth between Agatha and James is getting a little old, especially from two people in their 50's who should be over their teenage tendencies, I did however like the book in general. Again a quick read mystery featuring the PR turned amateur sleuth, Agatha. She is home again in the English Cotswolds and murder just seems to follow. I just generally like this series. Fun and entertaining like watching an episode of your favorite 'dramedy'.
07 May 2010
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night: The Best (?) from the Bulwer-Lytton Contest
Scott Rice
This was just a really fun book compiled of entries from the Bulwer-Lytton contests held in 1983 and 1984. Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873) was the author to first use the opening sentence, "It was a dark and stormy night." It really isn't bad, except that is the only part of the sentence anyone can actually remember. The rest of the sentence, like the rest of his writings, is sub par to say the least. As a fun way to get creative, San Jose State University created this contest to see who could write the best-worst first sentence. This book is the result of that contest. Some books I read because I like reading stories about other people's lives, made up or real. Other books I read because I truly want to learn more on the subject. But this book was just different. Very fast to read and very entertaining. It was like reading a bloopers reel.
Scott Rice
This was just a really fun book compiled of entries from the Bulwer-Lytton contests held in 1983 and 1984. Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873) was the author to first use the opening sentence, "It was a dark and stormy night." It really isn't bad, except that is the only part of the sentence anyone can actually remember. The rest of the sentence, like the rest of his writings, is sub par to say the least. As a fun way to get creative, San Jose State University created this contest to see who could write the best-worst first sentence. This book is the result of that contest. Some books I read because I like reading stories about other people's lives, made up or real. Other books I read because I truly want to learn more on the subject. But this book was just different. Very fast to read and very entertaining. It was like reading a bloopers reel.
06 May 2010
Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog: The Amazing Adventures of an Ordinary Woman
Lisa Scottoline
As I write this I am still undecided on this book. The format is a compilation of her newspaper articles and make for quick chapters. This author also writes novels, but I have not read any of them yet. The book is funny, in places. A lot of it is like reading a person's journal. Random writings on semi-random topics. There were many things that I could relate to and there were even a few times that I wrote down a quote because it spoke to me, personally. However, I remain unclear on the title. It doesn't sound like she really thought out the concept of marriage before she married either "Thing One" or "Thing Two," as she refers to her exes. I'm just guessing that may have been the downfall before the beginning. Does she mean that she would rather be single for the rest of her life and spend that time with her pets? She's doing that, but continuing to write about wanting to find the right guy. I digress, the book is not about selling an idea so much as it having a talk with a friend about what is happening in your life. She talks and you listen. For the most part it is funny. I'm still not sure if I would recommend this book or not, but I would be willing to try another piece of her writing.
Lisa Scottoline
As I write this I am still undecided on this book. The format is a compilation of her newspaper articles and make for quick chapters. This author also writes novels, but I have not read any of them yet. The book is funny, in places. A lot of it is like reading a person's journal. Random writings on semi-random topics. There were many things that I could relate to and there were even a few times that I wrote down a quote because it spoke to me, personally. However, I remain unclear on the title. It doesn't sound like she really thought out the concept of marriage before she married either "Thing One" or "Thing Two," as she refers to her exes. I'm just guessing that may have been the downfall before the beginning. Does she mean that she would rather be single for the rest of her life and spend that time with her pets? She's doing that, but continuing to write about wanting to find the right guy. I digress, the book is not about selling an idea so much as it having a talk with a friend about what is happening in your life. She talks and you listen. For the most part it is funny. I'm still not sure if I would recommend this book or not, but I would be willing to try another piece of her writing.
03 May 2010
The Yiddish Policeman's Union
Michael Chabon
What an amazingly written novel! I would pick up another title by this author in a heartbeat. This novel takes place in the "what if" senario of a refugee settlement of WWII Jews in Alaska. Although I did need to reference an online Yiddish translation site, I found the general story line to be very easy to follow. What really held me to this book, however, was not the story or the characters, both of which were very good, but rather to the descriptive quality of Chabon's writing. It is very uncommon these days to find fiction written with such eloquence and a gritty quality at the same time. Every person, place or event is decribed in such detail that you feel like you are also a player in this story.
Writing as this is scarce these days and I would encourage everyone to find one of Michael Chabon's novels and reconnect with the English language. His use of words is unparalleled; his understanding of true meanings gives a deeper look into our language.
Michael Chabon
What an amazingly written novel! I would pick up another title by this author in a heartbeat. This novel takes place in the "what if" senario of a refugee settlement of WWII Jews in Alaska. Although I did need to reference an online Yiddish translation site, I found the general story line to be very easy to follow. What really held me to this book, however, was not the story or the characters, both of which were very good, but rather to the descriptive quality of Chabon's writing. It is very uncommon these days to find fiction written with such eloquence and a gritty quality at the same time. Every person, place or event is decribed in such detail that you feel like you are also a player in this story.
Writing as this is scarce these days and I would encourage everyone to find one of Michael Chabon's novels and reconnect with the English language. His use of words is unparalleled; his understanding of true meanings gives a deeper look into our language.
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