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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
whatsheread has commented on (20) products
Interestings
by
Meg Wolitzer
whatsheread
, May 11, 2013
Meg Wolitzer’s latest novel, The Interestings, explores the decades-long friendship of five friends and their lives both together and separate. Meeting in their teens at a liberal arts camp, the group stay connected through separate colleges and get even closer as they enter into long-term relationships, have families, and start careers. Their individual paths are not what any of them expected or dreamed, but they each find success in different ways. More importantly, they remain available for the highs and lows in each of their lives. This character drama plays out over the span of decades and explores the highs and lows of life. The fault of The Interestings lies in little things that aggravate and annoy rather than in one big deficiency. For one, the group is too old to have fallen prey to the “everyone is a winner” mindset that is proving so difficult with Millennials in the business world, and yet, that is exactly how they act. Having come of age in the 1970s, this Gen X group would have been subjected to the same tough standards and competition that defines their generation. However, they act like the much younger Millennial generation when they each take their talent as a youth and consider it a given that they will be able to make careers out of it, when the chances of that happening are slim to none - as the story soon proves. The truly interesting part of all of this is that it is not the parents who are encouraging them to “live their dreams”; the parents are actually quite realistic about their chances. Yet, the parents are shown as harsh and judgmental. This interaction between parents and kids, and the whole idea of being able to turn a childhood talent into a successful career is just not generation-appropriate. Also, there is a disturbing trend in fiction to use a character’s full name throughout a novel rather than just once or twice for character introductions. Even after decades of friendship, it is still Ash Wolf and Jonah Bay rather than just Ash and Jonah. After a book is two-thirds over, is a character’s last name truly that important? It is a slight thing but seriously annoying, and it serves no obvious purpose. This sort of description is happening though more often in novels, but that does not mean that it is a welcome trend. Speaking of characters, there is something quite despicable about Jules and Ash. Jules’ blind worship of anything related to the Wolf family is disturbing. Ash is too full of herself to be taken seriously, and yet, that is exactly what everyone does. She has a power that is undeserved, unless it comes down to the power associated with a beautiful girl. Her feminist career path is hypocritical after the stance she takes towards her brother’s “transgression”, and for that reason it is difficult to take her seriously. While there is no doubt that she does love Ethan and Jules, there is still a false note in each of those relationships. Forcing her friends to take her brother’s side or else risk their friendship, failing to include her husband on one key element of her family history - they are terribly manipulative and make it difficult to accept her as is. As for Jules, her hero worship of Ash is understandable at first but quickly devolves into the absurd as the years pass. Their adult friendship also strikes a false note, as Jules goes back to her apartment and mocks everything about Ash’s new life but accepts the free vacations and other perks associated with being friends with millionaires. At more than one point in the novel, a reader asks just why the two are friends, and it is very difficult to discern valid reasons for the relationship lasting as long as it does. Jules would definitely be happier if Ash were not such a prominent feature in her life. Both girls are meant to be tragic but come across as close-minded and bitter instead. The true heart of the novel, and the stories that derive the most sympathy, are Jonah’s and Ethan’s. Jonah is the odd man out - the friend on the fringe - but by staying on the sidelines, he manages to be the most normal of the group. His childhood tragedy is just that, and it is easy to see why he steps away from his music. He finds a fulfilling job, relationships, and a modicum of success that most people aim to achieve. In other words, he is refreshingly ordinary in spite of his talent and his musical childhood. Ethan is similarly sympathetic and enjoyable. A reader has no doubts about the fact that he loves Jules and has always loved her, and this definitely makes him a tragic figure. His success is genuine, unlike Ash’s, and his initial discomfort at her newfound wealth is endearing…until Ash tells him that he needs to start spending money. One gets the feeling that without Ash’s influence, Ethan would have been the one friend to have changed the least. Again, like Jules and Ash, there is a ring of falseness surrounding his marriage to Ash that is disconcerting. There is nothing wrong with dislikable characters, but there are one too many characters that do not ring true, and in a character-driven novel, this makes it very difficult to enjoy the narrative. Jen Tullock takes a no-nonsense approach to narrating The Interestings . Her delivery is very matter-of-fact and distant, and it takes a while for a listener to adjust to it. In a way, her delivery makes sense as the narrator truly is a disinterested third party. Still, leaving all of the emotional context to the dialogue of the characters can be very off-putting. As for her characterization, Ms. Tullock does a decent job. Some of her female characters sound a bit like valley girls and her male characterizations have that pseudo-bass note that all women trying to pose as men use. Given the rampant use of each character’s name, The Interestings is one novel where the use of different voices and tonalities is not necessary to keeping track of the dialogue, and her performance might have been stronger had she kept the use of different voices to a minimum. As such, the audio version of The Interestings doesn’t quite work. Ms. Tullock’s performance does nothing to enhance the story, and considering how unemotional her performance is and how little action there is in the story, one would be better served reading it in print versus listening to it. The Interestings just does not live up to its name. The group of friends have all of youth’s pretentiousness when they meet, which is to be expected, but they sadly never lose this attribute as they age. They come across as snobs, and it is difficult for readers to feel anything other than slight contempt for them. The insertion of political issues into the narrative is distracting and does nothing to enhance the story. While the study of talent versus success is intriguing, there is a considered lack of realism in this that mars this particular plot element. Similarly, there is nothing to promote a strong reader-character connection, and the story tends to plod along as it focuses on the minutiae of the group’s everyday lives. The Interestings are just not that interesting.
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The Cuckoo's Calling: Cormoran Strike 1
by
Robert Galbraith
whatsheread
, May 09, 2013
A famous model plunges to her death from her third-story flat, and the world mourns for a few frenzied weeks. Such is the life and death of a celebrity. To her family members though, the ruling of death by suicide does not sit well, prompting them to look up an old family friend cum private detective to search for the truth. Enter Cormoran Strike, former military police, wounded in Afghanistan, and now facing the sudden and volatile break-up with his long-time girlfriend. His business is failing, and now that his relationship is over, he has no home. What he does have is a careful attention to detail, a passion for justice, and the intellect necessary to use one to achieve the other. As he goes about his business searching for clues and hard proof to back up his suspicions, he is helped by his extremely competent and adorably innocent secretary, Robin. Together, they ferret out the truth and uncover a surprising plot for fame, money, and glory. Robert Galbraith’s The Cuckoo's Calling is a true, old-fashioned murder mystery, albeit without the misogynistic, machismo tendencies such novels traditionally have. In true detective novel fashion, it is the characters that makes the story so enjoyable. Cormoran Strike is at once sympathetic and more than a bit scary. He is hairy, large, and extremely capable. There is a coldness to him, due to his past experiences in the military, that makes itself known in every little action and word. Yet, he is endearingly sweet, careful around his loved ones, and still very vulnerable thanks to his mental and physical wounds. It is this vulnerability onto which a reader will latch, as he struggles to pull his life back together while attempting to discern the truth. Similarly, Robin is a delightful counterpoint to Cormoran’s fumblings. She is exceedingly competent at her job, appears delicate but has a backbone of steel when needed, and has the type of caring attitude that her boss needs to further his healing. Moreover, she is intelligent and very good at thinking on her feet, something Cormoran appreciates, recognizes as a huge asset, and for which gives her credit. Robin is not the bimbo secretary there to take his calls and organize his schedule and files, nor does he treat her like one. Theirs is definitely a modern-day partnership, with all the respect and appreciation good working relationships generate. The Cuckoo's Calling harkens back to old-school detective novels. Cormoran has all the modern-day sensitivities even if he is a man’s man with his massive bulk, his non-metrosexual body hair, military history and accolades, and intimidating demeanor. Robin, for all her tidiness and appearance of delicacy, is the perfect foil for Comoran, and together they make a great team. Also, the story itself is one of the few mysteries in recent months that actually remains a mystery until the very end. The use of well-hidden clues and plenty of red herrings excel at throwing readers off the scent of the truth. Mirroring Cormoran’s detective work, the novel is methodical and deliberate, and while there is little action, the resolution is as satisfactory as it is surprising because of the time Mr. Galbraith takes in developing his characters and establishing the plot. Because of the care Mr. Galbraith takes to establish his story, The Cuckoo's Calling is not meant for slapdash, quick reading. Instead, it requires the same deliberately slow reading pace used to set the tone of the novel. However, because the story is so careful and exactly in its details, a reader will not mind at all to spend a little more time with the adorable Robin and vulnerable yet daunting Cormoran Strike.
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Night Rainbow
by
Claire King
whatsheread
, May 08, 2013
Pea and Margot are lonely. Their beloved Papa has died in a tragic accident, and Maman is exhausted with grief and with the extra exertion that comes in a woman’s final few months of pregnancy. The girls do everything possible to help their mother - stay out of the house, clean up, make meals, and take care of themselves while Maman sleeps - but her despair seems to grow. Rescue from their own growing despondency comes in the form of a mysterious man. He looks scary but is not and soon provides them the love and friendship they so desperately crave - not to mention nourishment and supervision. However, Claude has his own secrets, and others do not take quite as kindly to his help as Pea and Margot do. As Maman nears the end of her pregnancy, the girls find themselves immersed in an adult feud that they not only cannot understand but which frightens them. Claire King’s The Night Rainbow explores the girls’ search for happiness and understanding in a world left bereft after Papa’s death and Maman’s ongoing depression. The synopsis of The Night Rainbow sounds incredibly depressing, but the story itself is surprisingly upbeat and cheerful. Pea is a delightful narrator. Her narrative is simple and age-appropriate, as she shares Margot’s and her thought processes on how they can help Maman feel good enough to get out of bed and take care of them. At age five, her grasp of the adult side of things is severely limited, yet her observation skills are excellent and she shares more with a reader than she realizes or comprehends. The childish sense of hope and faith never wavers even through Pea’s darker moments, making this very tragic story something wonderful to experience. Ms. King’s prose is absolutely gorgeous. She captures the spectacular setting with clear and precise descriptions that evoke all five senses, but she does so in such a way that makes it obvious that the descriptions are from Pea’s viewpoint. She imbues the most innocuous things with a twinge of fear while she styles other things, that which adults might find uncomfortable, with wonder and astonishment. This not only confirms Pea’s place in the story but adds a large-than-life element to the entire setting that fits perfectly with the story at large. The Night Rainbow is not flashy nor is it all that exciting. It is, however, an excellent study about the grieving process and an absolutely beautiful story about the preciousness of a child’s unwavering love and loyalty. The plot reveals itself slowly, in delicate layers that enhance the emotional upheaval Pea feels throughout the story. Speaking of Pea, she charms readers with her childhood innocence and desperate yearning. As each puzzle pieces fall into place, readers get the chance to understand everything that Pea cannot and the full picture is truly agonizing in its depths. Yet, Pea’s dogged optimism in light of the ongoing tragedy makes her the type of child character with whom readers fall in love and The Night Rainbow the type of novel that will haunt readers long after finishing it.
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Program 01
by
Suzanne Young
whatsheread
, May 08, 2013
In a not-so-distant future, teen suicides have reached epidemic proportions. The government’s response is The Program, a course of treatment that erases any depressing memories, thereby allowing patients to move on with their lives. To the parents, its track record of 100 percent recovery justifies any uncomfortableness surrounding it. To those who are in danger, it is a constant source of worry and tension as no one wants to lose their memories or worse. Sloane and James have managed to survive without becoming infected or drawing unwarranted, and unwanted, attention to them. However, it is still a long time until they are legal adults and out of the reaches of The Program, and the fight to appear calm and happy grows increasingly more difficult as they watch their friends succumb one at a time. It is just a matter of time before The Program comes for them, and their desperation is palpable. Suzanne Young’s The Program deftly weaves the emotional turmoil Sloane experiences and uses it to both confuse and entice readers, leaving them wondering just how good The Program really is. While young adult romances have arguably been overdone, there is something about James and Sloane. The Program classifies their relationship as co-dependent and the reason why they both get sick, and it is a viable opinion. A reader can see how they feed off of one another and filled with survivor’s guilt. At the same time, though, a reader can also see the legitimacy of their feelings. Sloane is a different person when she is around James - happier, relaxed, comfortable. It is when they are apart that they succumb to the pressures of the near-constant surveillance. They may be young, but their bond is more than due to their mutual grief and guilt. Theirs is a relationship that grew over time, and Sloane’s memories prove that. Sloane and James are two bright spots of hope within a story that is bleak and clinical. Those potential readers worried about reading yet another dystopian novel should have no fear. Actually, to classify The Program as a dystopian novel is to lump this clever story into a bloated, heavily diluted genre. There is nothing about the setting that indicates the fall of society. There is no group of people struggling to exist. There is no futuristic (or archaic) technology. The novel is better served when classified as an alternative reality-type novel, where the only thing that is different or otherworldly is the idea of depression as a contagious, and often terminal, infection. Speaking of the infection, there are so many questions left unanswered about it, and therein lies some of the story’s power. The questions raised by Sloane and through a reader’s own curiosity hint at a more insidious plot than what The Program would have one believe. Yet, there is nothing concrete to confirm those hints. Is this depression really an infection to be cured, or is it a self-fulfilling prophecy created by the constant surveillance and pressure these teens face on a daily basis? How much is internal and how much of their sickness external? For that reason, The Program is incredibly intense. There is the underlying threat of danger that evokes a reader’s flight-or-fight response, but the truly interesting part is that this supposed danger could easily be explained as Sloane’s paranoia. A reader must decide whether Sloane’s suspicions and fears are over-the-top teen angst or truly deserved. The doubt - Sloane’s and the reader’s own - makes the story that much more compelling, as one tries to decipher if Sloane’s hatred of The Program is justified. A reader’s own uncertainties create a level of anxiety that only adds to the already heightened tension. The Program should come with a warning label cautioning readers about elevated blood pressure and racing pulses. It is a natural reaction to this powerful story, where the truth might not be what it seems. Then again, it very well might be exactly what it seems. On the surface, the idea of a suicide epidemic is appalling, and it makes sense that the government would get involved in saving an entire generation. Then, The Program happens. Sloane’s experiences are heart-breaking in their cruelty, and watching her lose certain memories is very upsetting. Her struggle to get her life back after her return is just as agonizing. Just like Sloane, a reader has many unanswered questions, which leave one feeling unbalanced at all of the possibilities. Yet, these very same possibilities are 100 percent enticing and draw a reader further into the story’s web. The Program is a strong contender for one of the better releases this spring and definitely worth getting drawn into another series.
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Orphan Train
by
Kline, Christina Baker
whatsheread
, May 02, 2013
During the late 1800s and into the 1900s, orphans from the major East coast cities were packed up and shipped off to the Midwest in hopes of finding them new families and opportunities that did not and would not exist for them had they remained on the streets. By most accounts, several hundred thousand children found themselves newly arrived in the Midwest through these orphan trains. Vivian Daly is one such orphan, having lost her family first through immigration from Ireland and then again in a tragic fire. Now, at the age of 91, with an attic filled with memories, she sets out to help another orphan who arrives at her doorstep in search of answers she doesn’t know she needs. Christina Baker Kline’s Orphan Train explores their extraordinary friendship and their stories that helped make them the women they are today. The historical elements of Orphan Train are absolutely fascinating, and one wonders why more is not known or written about the real-life orphan trains. Vivian’s experiences bring to life the fears and challenges these orphans faced as they were shipped across the country in search of a better life. What she finds is not necessarily a surprise but still heartbreaking as it shows how unwanted these children were even in faraway states. The fact that so many of them were not only able to survive the bleak conditions they found but also thrive is a testament to their fortitude and survival skills, and more attention should be paid to this generation of children who lost everything but found themselves. The writing within Orphan Train is simple but beautiful. There are no flashy descriptions, and Ms. Kline uses dialogue sparingly but effectively. While the story itself is predictable, there is an element of methodical tension that keeps a reader’s interest. The plot unfolds slowly and carefully, and this pacing only barely covers the emotional turmoil underlying Vivian’s and Molly’s stories. There is no doubt this is deliberate on the part of Ms. Kline but in no way feels manipulative but rather a careful choice to allow a reader to get to seen beneath the words and understand the truth. That is not to say that the words themselves are completely without emotion. On the contrary, there is a lot that is said, but it is what is not said that drives home both the girls’ plights. Both Molly and Vivian make delightful heroines and complement each other perfectly, even though their friendship is a foregone conclusion before they even meet. Yet, even the predictability of their friendship and Molly’s transformation under Vivian’s subtle influence does nothing to detract from the enjoyment of their interactions. Vivian’s stories give Molly the strength to try to improve the situation in her current foster home but also the willingness to step out on her own when it doesn’t work. In reliving her past, Vivian highlights how important it is to rely on one’s own strengths and intelligence and not on others. It is an important message, not only for Molly but for the reader as well. Orphan Train is not without its bit of controversy however. First, there is the idea of shipping hundreds of thousands of orphans westward itself. The goal was to prevent these children from slipping into lives of crime and intense impoverishment, but the reality was that the program’s directors were seeking to find anyone willing to take these children, and it didn’t matter the reasons why the adults wanted the kids. Without any sort of vetting process or protection services for the children, some found themselves in even worse straits than they were in the East, and the mere idea of this is absolutely horrifying in today’s age. In addition, some of Vivian’s actions are quite surprising and, depending on one’s viewpoint, could be highly upsetting to readers. Her biggest secret is a well-kept one, and most readers won’t pick up on it until the big reveal. The surprise and shock of her decision will stun readers and generate an intense debate as to the rightness or wrongness of her actions. It is truly a special book that can do this and still remain appealing. Ms. Kline’s Orphan Train is a beautiful piece of historical fiction interwoven within a modern-day story. With elements of social commentary towards the modern foster system as well as an inside look at the orphan train system around the turn of the century, it is provides food for thought and educational points. In addition, both Vivian and Molly are equally strong, independent, and yet endearingly fragile, more than earning a reader’s sympathy and empathy. Between their two stories, one understands how far the country has come in its treatment of orphans and how far we still need to go in order to protect this vulnerable demographic. Because of the grace with which it educates and yet forces a reader to debate some its more surprising elements, Orphan Train is a worthy addition to the wealth of fabulous spring releases this year.
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Red Moon
by
Benjamin Percy
whatsheread
, May 01, 2013
In Benjamin Percy's Red Moon, the world is very similar to ours except for one key difference. The national threat is not terrorists from the Middle East but rather something a bit closer to home. Lycans, or werewolves, have long been protesting their treatment at the hands of the government, and their more radical elements are done with polite protesting. A plane attack is just their first plan. The ultimate solution is so much worse. With anti-lycan sentiment at an all-time high, those infected with the disease find themselves facing all new threats. Mr. Percy's world-building is a creative masterpiece. By substituting the lycans for every other real-world, modern-day national threat, he establishes a world that is surprisingly realistic. He also minimizes the fantasy element by building a world in which the major, historically relevant, and well-known revolts and protests still happened but with different culprits. It is a brilliant piece of alternative history that does much to lend credence to the entire story. The story itself is a fast-paced, no-holds-barred thriller. The action is at times brutal, but Mr. Percy never crosses over into the macabre or uses gore for sensationalism. Every act of torture or scene of violence serves a purpose, one that creates the emotional connection necessary to understand the characters and their motivations. He also uses such scenes to highlight the huge swath of gray that covers such polarizing ideologies. For, a reader will find it difficult to unanimously side with either one character or faction. Mr. Percy balances a reader's sympathy between the two, further complicating the decisiveness of the escalating conflict. A clever premise complete with thrilling action makes Red Moon one of the more exciting novels to be released this spring. Its revisionist history may alter familiar terrorist attacks but provides an excellent analogy for our current "war against terror" and our continued presence in Afghanistan. The characters are wonderfully complex and very real, but it is Mr. Percy's beautiful writing that steals the show. His stark words paint a clear and realistic picture of this multi-layered, highly symbolic story about intolerance and the depths to which people will go in order to protect their rights. One should not be turned off by the fact that Red Moon just so happens to be about werewolves because the message is one for the ages.
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He's Gone
by
Caletti, Deb
whatsheread
, April 25, 2013
In Deb Caletti's latest novel, He's Gone, she explores the mysterious repercussions of a sudden disappearance and the psychological ramifications on his partner. Further complicating issues is Ian and Dani's unusual journey to marriage. The result is a complex study of marriage and the lies we tell ourselves in the forms of truths. Like all of Ms. Caletti's characters, Dani Keller is an absolute delight. She is self-deprecating and insightful, observant, and afraid. Her fears reveal themselves slowly, and however fragile she appears on the surface, she has a strength within her of which not even she is aware. A reader is at once beguiled by her confusion, hurt, and growing anger at the circumstances in which she finds herself. In addition to her strong characterization, Ms. Caletti has a way with words that is almost poetic. Her descriptions are gorgeous, allowing a reader to feel the gentle rocking of Dani's houseboat, the sounds on the lake, the chill of the Seattle rain, and the aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Her stage-setting is every bit as enjoyable as her characters. The brilliance of He's Gone lies in its multi-layered approach, the fact that it is simultaneously a psychological thriller and a psychological study of human nature. Dani's slow realization of the truth is hypnotic, and her exploration of an abused wife is equally fascinating. The mystery behind Ian's disappearance is second-place to Dani's self-discovery but still compelling in its own right. After her knock-out Stay and now He's Gone, Deb Caletti is proving to be a tour de force in psychological literary fiction.
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End Games
by
T Michael Martin
whatsheread
, April 24, 2013
Up until Halloween, Michael Faris thought he had a rough life. For so many years, it was just his mother and him eking out a living. Once his stepfather entered the picture however, their relationship changed, and now Michael worries about his much-younger brother in this now hostile environment. Little does he know that the day he decides to set out to protect Patrick, the world ends. Now, fleeing a new and dangerous enemy, Michael and Patrick set forth on The Game, which pits Michael and Patrick against the Bellows in a fight for their very survival. The End Games by T. Michael Martin is a twisting, unsettling story in which a reader is left mirroring Michael’s own confusion at the unexpected changes in their plans and in the world. Michael and Patrick are so good at The Game that the line between reality and their own version of reality is indistinguishable, further adding to a reader’s uncertainty. The lack of clarity, however, is perfect for setting the tone of the story, as not all survivors have the same need for rescue as Michael and Patrick, and a human mask hides one’s inner monster. The end of the world should be bewildering and uncomfortable, and Mr. Martin makes sure it is for both his lead character and for the reader. One of the truly fascinating aspects of the story is all of the characters’ dynamism. No one is immune to character development and growth, including the Bellows. Since even the Bellows are changing and evolving, neither the reader nor Michael knows what to expect at each meeting. This only enhances the considerable tension and sense of unease that permeates the entire story. Michael’s growth is particularly messy but fitting, as he is forced to face some necessary truths about his ability to read situations and the overall goodness of others. The fact that he gets taken down a peg or two along the way only serves as reminder of his youth and inexperience in the wider world. He might be wise in some areas, but as he finds out, he still has a lot of learning to do. Michael’s situation regarding his brother Patrick is particularly compelling. It may be one of the first times in a YA, dystopian novel where the younger sibling is mentally challenged, and this definitely adds a layer of complication as well as sense of urgency to the proceedings. For Michael, survival in this scary new world is not as simple as finding food and shelter, but he also has to maintain a level of composure and confidence in order to keep his brother calm. It is an intriguing plot twist, and one that helps set The End Games apart from the rest of this overpopulated genre. The End Games really does rise above the rest of the ever-popular dystopian young adult storylines that exist. While there are indeed familiar elements - teen with no parents on his own and fighting for his survival, facing both evil monsters and humans - there are enough modifications to make all the difference. In particular, the evolution of the monsters, as they adapt to each battle and show surprising intelligence for being zombies, is a surprisingly effective twist. The landscape of Mr. Martin’s envisioned world is not as hopeless as one might initially believe, and this as well is a welcome change. For Michael and Patrick come across scenes of beauty interspersed among the chaos, and this natural beauty is hope. Most importantly, The End Games is a stand-alone novel. There are no cliffhangers, no loose ends, and no unanswered questions to frustrate readers. Mr. Martin remains true to his sense of realism and avoids tying up the story into a neat little package, but there is enough closure for even the most discerning reader. This all combines to create a fresh new story in an overdone genre that does much to help readers remember why the genre became so popular in the first place.
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The Lost Crown
by
Sarah Miller
whatsheread
, April 20, 2013
Once upon a time, Russia was ruled by royalty. Like all monarchies, the czar’s word was law, and - like the world over regardless of government type - there were good czars and poor czars. All of them were subject to the problems of their times. Between a world war, a crippling economy, and a growing workers movement, the last czar faced very unique pressures that none of his predecessors had to face. In The Lost Crown, Sarah Miller explores the impact these forces had, not on the czar but on his family. As they struggle to understand how they can go from being a beloved national treasure to enforced imprisonment by the same people, so too do the readers as they get a glimpse of what life was like in those final months before the Russian crown was forever lost. As with any novel utilizing multiple narrators, keeping track of which Grand Duchess is speaking in each scene can prove to be very challenging. There were many a time when the story required flipping to the beginning of the chapter to see which narrator was telling the story. Even though there are differences between each narrator’s voice, the differences are slight when taken as a whole and do not offset the similarities among them, of which there are many. Similarly, Ms. Miller uses the multiple viewpoints in an attempt to present a broader picture of what was occurring in Russia and what was happening to the family. Unfortunately, because the family stayed together, either by choice or by being forced into close quarters, the viewpoints of the girls does not vary all that much. The older daughters have a better grasp on the seriousness of their situation, but other than that, all four are limited in their understanding of the revolution and its total impact on not only Russia but on their family as well. In fact, much of the time, the girls are in a state of disbelief that there is a noticeable decrease in the reverence towards the Czar and his family. Because there is so little difference of opinion or of understanding among the four girls, the use of four narrators does nothing but overcomplicates the story and bogs down the overall narrative. While Ms. Miller does not gloss over the hardships the family faced as the revolution swept across Russia, the complex politics and economics behind the revolution are all but ignored. This lack of backdrop provides some surprising consequences. On the one hand, the lack of background information serves to highlight how sheltered the girls were from the outside world. Yet, without this crucial macro-level information, key elements of the revolution become nothing but a young girl’s rant at the unfairness of the world. Granted, from the girls’ perspective, their rough treatment, their subsequent imprisonment, and ultimate fate are unfair, but there is always another side of the equation and to avoid discussing this with younger readers diminishes the importance of what happened and its future consequences for the world at large. The Lost Crown is definitely meant for younger audiences. While the rest of the world concerns itself with a world war, food shortages, economic hardships, and the like, the Romanov children worry about keeping their brother safe, boys, clothes, and their familial happiness. Theirs is a very isolated and self-centered world, and they remain blissfully ignorant - partially by choice and partially by role - of what is occurring outside the palace walls. Because they are so young, their self-centeredness is understandable because being self-absorbed is a top teen characteristic. Younger readers can and will appreciate their frolicking and obliviousness, but older readers will find their ignorance and self-absorption disconcerting, made all the more tragic by their utter confusion and shock when the outside world begins to impose its will on the family. In The Lost Crown, Ms. Miller attempts to show the world the Russian Revolution from the Romanov perspective. By writing it for young adults and using a narrow, young, and one-sided perspective, she further romanticizes the Romanovs and their fate. There is nothing wrong with that because what happened to the entire family was terrible. Still, one cannot help but feel that an opportunity was lost to help explain the other side, why the peasants revolted as they did and how the revolt was hijacked by others to further their own socialist agenda. Historical fiction is best when one can learn something from it, and the novel fails in this regard. Between this disappointing omission and the confusion wrought by the multiple narrators, the story fails to impress older readers. Even younger readers may find the lack of romantic interest, the nebulous understanding of the circumstances, and the very unhappy ending to be a bit too much for one’s thorough enjoyment of the story. It is a disappointing reaction to a novel that looks gorgeous and has such amazing potential behind it.
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Blood of Eden 02 Eternity Cure
by
Julie Kagawa
whatsheread
, April 20, 2013
When readers last saw Allie Sekemoto, she had been forced out of Eden and was on her own as she made good on her decision to rescue her creator. Julie Kagawa’s second novel in the Blood of Eden series, The Eternity Cure, opens up several months after her departure from Eden. Still alone, she has spent the time following the pull of her sire’s blood as she attempts to rescue him before he goes insane from the torture he faces at the hand of Sarren. Immediately, a reader senses that Allie has had to grow up while alone. Gone is the fragility that used to lay hidden beneath her tough exterior. Together with the most unlikely of allies, Allie must now use her new-found hardness to combat a new threat to her existence - a mutated version of the very same plague that wiped out most of humankind but which now attacks vampires as well. Whether one likes monster stories or not, the fact remains that Ms. Kagawa knows how to write a story. Her world-building is excellent. While her stories may take place in mythical worlds, she portrays the fantasy in such a realistic way that it is easy to forget that it is fictional, as she takes care to attend to the smallest detail. Moreover, she balances action with establishing her characters, never allowing the pace to slacken but taking the time to allow readers to know and understand her characters. Most importantly, however, is the fact that she always manages to hold back a few key details and spring them on a reader at the most unexpected times. Her use of red herrings and other distractions ensure that she surprises a reader with at least something in each of her novels, whether it is related to a particular character or thread of the plot. The net sum of all of this is that each of Ms. Kagawa’s novels are rich in detail, fast-paced, action-packed as well as character-driven, and ultimately highly entertaining. She also excels at highlighting the very blurry line between good and bad. Fey or vampire, there exists an essence of humanity in all of her characters, even the most depraved of them. In the first novel, both Kanin and Allie establish themselves as strong humanists, using their supernatural powers to help the weaker and imperiled human race. The Eternity Cure’s surprising humanist is Jackal, the most least likely of all of Allie’s acquaintances, made more so due to the fact that he was her main foe in the first novel. In this second novel, Jackal remains ruthless, ambitious, and self-serving, and readers know that he is fundamentally one of the “bad guys”. Yet, his actions prove there is more to him than his outward appearance, and one knows without a doubt that he will play a key role in Allie’s eventual success at tracking down a cure and/or killing Sarren. For now, he provides an entertaining counterpoint to the saccharine sweetness of Allie and Zeke’s relationship and Kanin’s moroseness. Allie remains a strong and likeable character. Her determination to help others at her expense puts her at odds with her upbringing and with her world at large, but everyone loves a rebel. In addition, there are hints that Allie is going to be one strong vampire, if she can ever fully accept her new life. Much is made of her ability to have survived a direct confrontation with Sarren, while Jackal loves to point out that she identifies too strongly with the humans. There is a balance there that remains to be seen, and one instinctively knows that Allie is going to be quite formidable when she finally manages to accomplish it. For now, readers will have to enjoy this slow build of potential and hypothesize on its eventual outcome. Ms. Kagawa does not typically use a cliffhanger to end her novels, but be warned that The Eternity Cure does contain one. As one would expect by anything Ms. Kagawa writes, this cliffhanger accomplishes everything it is supposed to accomplish. It not only leaves readers gasping for more, it sets the stage for the future showdown between Allie and Sarren. Twitter has already been full of chatter about the ending, its twists, and the length of time it will be before readers receive their much-needed resolution. It is the best type of teaser ending, even if it does make the wait time between the second and third novels seem interminable. The Eternity Cure is a very strong follow-up to the first book in the Blood of Eden series, in no way succumbing to the dreaded middle-story letdown. With its torture scenes and violent, gruesome battle scenes, the story moves to the very edge of the young adult realm and even crosses over into the horror genre. The decisions Allie must make are increasingly adult, and she shows a maturity that was not seen in the first novel. Likewise, the story itself is intense. The short time frame of the novel guarantees a fast-paced, action-packed plot that ratchets up the tension and anticipation, while its surprising ending is going to leave many a reader begging for closure. If Allie’s continued growth and the strength of The Eternity Cure are any indication, the wait for the final book readers must face will be worthwhile.
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River of No Return
by
Bee Ridgway
whatsheread
, April 18, 2013
Time travel is something that has fascinated scientists and non-scientists alike for centuries. Bee Ridgway uses this fascination in The River of No Return. In her story, time travel is an innate skill accessible by only a select few. An entire organization called the Guild exists to help those who make the jump and to monitor the “river of time”. Nick Falcott is one such jumper, discovered after he jumps from a battlefield in 1812 to two hundred years into the future. Comfortable in his new life, the Guild soon calls on him for help and the chance to jump back to 1815, three years after he was given up for dead by all those who know him. This jump also leads him back to his mysterious brown-eyed girl and neighbor, Julia, for whom his longing has only increased over the years. Once back, Nick finds himself embroiled in a situation for stickier than what was initially explained to him, and as his past and his future collide, both Julia and he must navigate their way to the truth if they ever hope to save the future of mankind. Perhaps it is an incorrect interpretation on this reader’s part, but one cannot help but feel that Ms. Ridgway is ever so slightly mocking the same genre into which The River of No Return falls. There is nothing overt about this subtle sarcasm, but it is more of a gut feel that comes from reflection. The story has an earnestness and urgency to it that only makes sense when one considers it as satirical in nature. It is as if Ms. Ridgway is poking fun at the game-changing cliffhanger ending, the serious and uber-manly male lead, the beautiful, intelligent, and spirited female lead, the bad guys posing as good guys, and all of the other plot devices used by the genre. Ms. Ridgway knows her story is not meant to be life-altering, and so she has fun with it. The fact that Ms. Ridgway gives readers permission to not take the narrative too seriously only serves to increase a reader’s enjoyment and relish the clichés she uses throughout the story. There is something about The River of No Return that makes it highly enjoyable in spite of its flaws. The time travel elements and their explanations are weak on science and long on wishful thinking, while the characters barely expand beyond a character sketch. The world-building is confusing at times, the plot flows at a feverish pace, some of the connections are predictable, and a reader gathers more questions than answers. Yet - and this is a big yet - the story is compulsively enjoyable. The River of No Return is one of those novels that is meant to be enjoyed for what it is - a science fiction/historical fiction/thriller crossover meant to entertain rather than educate...and entertain it does. It is as if the entire stories revels in its familiarity to similar and very popular stories, while at the same time one knows instinctively that one should not take the story seriously. It is like a summer rom com with more gravitas. Readers can sit back and appreciate the fun world created by Ms. Ridgway and appreciate it they should.
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The Best of Us
by
Sarah Pekkanen
whatsheread
, April 17, 2013
In Sarah Pekkanen’s latest novel, The Best of Us, four groups of friends - most of whom have known each other since college - gather together for an all-expenses-paid, adults only trip to Jamaica. While the group reconnects and relaxes, a hurricane, and its not-so-subtle symbolism, hurtles towards the island and the group. Even in this dream landscape, surrounded by good friends and the most luxurious settings, the group finds that while they can run from their problems, they cannot hide from them. As the storm outside builds and eventually rages, so too do the pressures and strains of each woman, and friendships are tested in unfathomable ways. Ms. Pekkanen’s characters are always so wonderfully complex, and the cast of The Best of Us is no different. There is something slightly despicable in each of the women, but that is what makes them so powerfully real. Better yet, Ms. Pekkanen caters to a myriad of women with her characters - from the stay-at-home mothers to the women driven by their careers to the women who have miraculously found that balance between family and work. Tina, Allie, Savannah, and even Pauline are archetypes of the truest kind, and while no one reader will be able to relate to all four of the women, each reader will be able to find one of the women with whom to empathize. Another reviewer called The Best of Us the best kind of Mommy porn, and this working mother unequivocally concurs with that reviewer. Women everywhere, regardless of maternal status, will agree with the sentiment that the idea of an all-expenses paid vacation to a luxurious private home in the Caribbean, replete with chef, fully-stocked bar, masseuse, and private jet, sounds like a little slice of heaven in spite of the hurricane that hits the island. It is at once a decadent fantasy and a testament to how stressful real life is for women, when even the dangers of a hurricane have some appeal. Ms. Pekkanen excels at the ability to portray the unique stresses and fears women face in modern society, and The Best of Us is just another example of her skill. In this culture of Mean Girls and Supermoms, where women continue to backstab and downplay other women’s successes in hopes of climbing further up the corporate ladder, where women still struggle with “having it all”, Ms. Pekkanen showcases the positive aspects of female relationships and brings a breath of fresh air to this landscape of female bullies and the ongoing debate of work and family vs. work or family. Her characters have a strong sense of identity and more importantly have a strong sense of friendship. They might disagree and even fight, but they will always forgive and forget. It is at once extremely touching to behold and heartbreaking because of how rare the friendships portrayed in The Best of Us really are. If anything, Ms. Pekkanen shows us what is possible and not what is, and it is this message which readers should take to heart. The Best of Us is a fast-paced, thoroughly escapist and utterly enjoyable book on the true meaning of friendship. While the circumstances in which the group of friends finds themselves may be extreme and idealized, the substance behind the friendships is not. Add to that a stunning and exotic backdrop and a trip of a lifetime, and the combination is an addicting combination of fun and truth. With The Best of Us, Ms. Pekkanen solidifies her reputation as not only an excellent storyteller but also a superb observer of life as her books drive to the heart of what people want.
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Fever Tree
by
Jennifer McVeigh
whatsheread
, April 17, 2013
In 1880s London society, a young, wealthy girl’s options were few. When Frances Irvine suddenly finds herself a poor orphan, her limited options become even fewer. Enter Dr. Edwin Matthews, the gentlemen doctor and distant cousin who offers her his hand in marriage and a life in the south African colonies. With little choice, Frances accepts his proposal and finds herself immersed in a world for which she is both mentally and physically unprepared. Jennifer McVeigh’s The Fever Tree follows Frances from London to Africa and from the veldt to the diamond mines. Along the way, she discovers passion, depravity, greed, a shocking disregard for human life, and an extremely circuitous and lengthy journey to happiness. Much like Scarlett, Frances is an extremely polarizing character. She is meant to be a highly flawed character as the story follows her personal growth alongside the tragedy unfolding around her. She is predictable and spoiled; she makes some truly awful decisions, and her self-centeredness is at times appalling. Some readers might not be able to overlook her continued poor decision-making and her constant need to play the victim of her circumstances, while others will be able to look past that and focus on the character she becomes. Still others will find her shift in demeanor and attitude rather abrupt and more of a convenient, and predictable, plot device than a realistic change. However, one’s enjoyment of the novel does not hinge on the likeability of the main character. The Fever Tree is a sum of its parts, of which Frances is just one portion. Any discussion about The Fever Tree would be incomplete without discussing the similarities between it and Gone With The Wind; even the publishers mention the likeness. This is not to say that the two stories are exactly the same, but the parallels exist. Frances is a spoiled, naïve girl compelled by outside forces to grow up, and the route she takes to do so is extremely unconventional. There are two men in her life ��" one the placid intellectual, the other the dashing roué. Frances’ choice is ultimately the wrong one, and she must suffer the consequences. The scope of The Fever Tree is also similar in that both take place in areas and during times of extreme turmoil and danger. Just like Scarlett eventually adjusts to the new world brought by the Civil War, Frances must adjust to the dangers and lack of conventions found in southern Africa. While readers might feel that nagging sense of familiarity throughout the novel, The Fever Tree does a remarkable job of standing upon its own laurels. Its presentation of the African diamond mines in the 1880s as well as their supporting towns is breathtaking in its brutal clarity, while the scenes that occur in the veldt are stunning in their starkness. Both locations were harsh, unforgiving, and downright dangerous to those unable or unwilling to adapt. Ms. McVeigh also takes a no-holds-barred approach to the political machinations and the ruling entrepreneurs running the mines. The cold-blooded greed, fueled by racism, is horrifying and yet not surprising given how little has really changed in the subsequent decades. While racism and poor working conditions are no surprise to any student of history, what is shocking is the heart of The Fever Tree ��" the smallpox epidemic hidden by the mines’ owners in order to protect their economic interest. This portion of the novel is absolutely fascinating with its exploration of the scope of the conspiracy and the fact that it completely negates ordinary reactions in times of medical crisis. In spite of its flaws ��" its predictability, its clichéd and fairly unlikeable characters - readers will still marvel at the ambition and scope behind The Fever Tree. It is not just a personal growth story about a young girl of privilege. It is really a story about the diamond mines and the immense personal tragedy surrounding them. All of the characters’ actions revolve around the mines in some fashion, and Frances’ fate is directly tied to them. The little-known true story about the epidemic cover-up makes for a tragic and highly compelling backdrop against which Frances searches for her path in life.
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Amity & Sorrow
by
Peggy Riley
whatsheread
, April 12, 2013
Peggy Riley’s Amity and Sorrow is a unique look, not into the life of polygamy but rather into the lasting impact of a life spent living within a cult-like environment. It explores what happens when such a life is forcibly taken away from its followers and how they do - or do not - adjust to their sudden new life. For those living such a life and fully immersed in the belief system and culture, the abrupt departure from such a life can be as traumatic as anything, and it is this trauma that drives a majority of the plot. Amity and Sorrow are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to acceptance of this life away from their family compound, and their reactions to their new-found freedoms are as opposing as their names. While the lack of familiar rules is disconcerting, Amity soon adapts and begins to test her new environment. Sorrow, however, wants nothing to do with this new life and aches to be back with her father and all that is familiar. While each of their reactions is understandable, given the fact that they were both born on the compound and know no other way of life, it is difficult for a reader to discern which girl is the more tragic. Sorrow is uncompromising in her abhorrence of life outside the compound and refuses to succumb to any of its lack of rules. Given what is revealed about life on the compound and her particularly uncomfortable relationship with her father, Sorrow’s exhibition of Stockholm Syndrome is upsetting but understandable. Amity does like what she finds and does begin to make the adjustment to her new life, but there is something terrible in the rules she cannot find the strength to break. Her inner conflict between old and new is every bit as heart-wrenching as Sorrow’s complete faith in the old, if not more so. While the novel takes its name from Amaranth’s daughters, Amaranth’s story achieves its own time in the spotlight, and deservedly so. For, Amaranth remembers life before the compound, and through Ms. Riley’s careful psychology, a reader gets a clear picture of the reasons for why people remain attracted to faith-based cults. While the cult’s ideology itself is troublesome and will no doubt be distasteful for readers, one can understand how someone with Amaranth’s reckless past can find solace in an environment that embraces family and shared responsibilities. A reader’s simultaneous acceptance of and repugnance towards the compound and its belief system are some of the most surprising feelings generated by this thoughtful book. As in life, there are many shades of grey within Amity and Sorrow that prevent a reader from feeling unequivocal sympathy towards any of the characters. Similarly, a reader will struggle with understanding and accepting the sense of camaraderie that occurred in Amaranth’s polygamous environment and with utter revulsion at what is later revealed. As one can imagine, such conflicts of feeling make the novel a dark reading experience, one in which not just the main characters will leave the story with scars. Yet, the chance to dive deeper into a polygamous culture makes it utterly fascinating. Fans of any of the current television shows about polygamous relationships should not pass up the chance for yet another viewpoint on this interesting and titillating lifestyle.
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And Then I Found You
by
Patti Callahan Henry
whatsheread
, April 11, 2013
In Patti Callahan Henry’s And Then I Found You, Katie Vaughn is the type of girl who seemingly has it all. She has a job that she adores and which allows her to make her own schedule. She has the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that set the foundation for the type of woman she would become. Her past experiences have made a profound difference in the lives of others. She has a close-knit family, her health, friends. Normally, this type of heroine would be thoroughly annoying, as everything in her life is just a bit too cute and endearingly quirky. However, it is a testament to Ms. Henry that she is anything but annoying. She may make irritating decisions, and her lack of decision-making skills may feel contrived. Yet, there is a fragility to Katie, even before a reader understands the pain and anguish over her biggest decision, that makes it easy to ignore the annoyances. As for the big sacrifice, it really is as powerful and painful as one might imagine. The idea of placing a baby into adoption when she is wanted and loved may seem foreign, but Katie’s reasons for doing so make perfect sense even as they rip out one’s heart at her self-sacrifice. Ms. Henry’s personal history as it pertains to Katie’s decision makes its impact felt in the crystal-clear understanding a reader has of her anguish, confusion, and guilt as well as the conflicted emotions of her family. And Then I Found You is as much a novel about love as it is about sacrifice, but it is in its analysis of self-love wherein the story truly shines. For it is not until Katie truly learns to love herself and let go of her past torments where things finally click into place for her. She is helped in part by the unconditional love of her family and the searching love brought by Luna, but it is Katie’s own discoveries and growth that drives her ability to recover and seek answers. This growth is as much as joy to watch unfold as the burgeoning love story because of the aforesaid fragility that Katie initially exhibits. It is an absolute joy to watch Katie discover her own happily ever after, even if it is not what she or the reader first envisioned. And Then I Found You is as much of an emotional roller coaster as one would expect, yet it is at no point in time manipulative or overly dramatic. Katie’s story, seen in flashbacks, is simply told, but the emotional toil is profound. Her simplistic verbiage presents a clearer image of the anguish of Katie’s sacrifice than could ever have been created through more poetic wording. The same holds true for the entire novel and the range of emotions roiling through Kate. Ms. Henry lets the story speak for itself, without flooding a reader with unnecessary dialogue or imagery, and the story is so much better for it.
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Taken 01 Taken
by
Erin Bowman
whatsheread
, April 10, 2013
The synopsis of Taken by Erin Bowman really does the story a disservice because everything that is mentioned in it occurs within the first quarter of the novel. The rest of the novel happens after Clay makes his decision, and it is what lies beyond the Wall wherein the plot gathers its tension and excitement. It should be no surprise that Gray discovers certain secrets and thereby makes his decision. He chooses to climb the Wall and test his fate on the other side, which leads him down a path he never could have envisioned in his wildest dreams. While Gray might not have been able to dream up the truth behind the Wall and Claysoot, savvy readers will find more than one plot point utterly familiar. There is very little, in fact, that is shocking, let alone unique. The plot twists are predictable, and even the supposedly surprising revelations that lead to the cliffhanger ending are not the huge bombshell. That does not mean that one won’t appreciate the story. In spite of its predictability, there is still much to enjoy. The action is practically nonstop, and Ms. Bowman does a fantastic job establishing her world. While not the most in-depth characters to exist, they are still compelling in their own right, providing more than enough chances for readers to step into their shoes and ponder what they would do in similar circumstances. Taken is an exciting dystopian thriller when in the throes of reading it. Yet, the excitement does not last longer than the last page, as the story falls prey to an overabundance of similar plots and characters. There is nothing overly memorable about Gray, and while the Heist, the Wall, and the existence of Claysoot are quite interesting, there are too many familiar elements from other similar stories to prevent it from being completely unique. Still, taken at face value and without an excess of analysis, Taken is a fun ride into a post-apocalyptic world wherein too many secrets means that nothing is as it initially seems. For the target audience, it is a worthy addition, but adults looking for the next great crossover novel might be more than a little disappointed.
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Guilty One
by
Lisa Ballantyne
whatsheread
, March 14, 2013
Danny is a successful solicitor, but he once faced a future of incarceration and hardship until the love of his foster mom pulled him away from the proverbial brink. When Danny is asked to defend Sebastian, a ten-year-old boy accused of murdering his eight-year-old friend, he feels compelled to comply not only because of the boy's age but because of the parallels between his and Sebastian's paths. Thus the stage is set for Lisa Ballantyne's The Guilty One, equal parts psychological thriller and social commentary that is bound to keep people talking this spring. There are two parts to The Guilty One, simultaneously fascinating and damning towards social services and children in danger. Told in the present day, the first story follows as Danny fights to maintain Sebastian's innocence in light of the horrid charges of which he has been accused. Sebastian's youth as well as his not-so-innocent childhood reminds Danny of his own boyhood, setting the stage for the second part of the story. This second story, of Danny's childhood anger and tendency for violence, is told as memories, brought to the forefront of Danny's memory through his ongoing interactions with Sebastian. A reader understands how the two characters, as boys, were very similar even as they came from very different socio-economic backgrounds. In both cases, the fate of each boy hinges not on the government services which were created to protect and save such children, but rather on two separate individuals who have no cause to care. Along the same lines, the differences between legal age of adulthood in Great Britain as opposed to other countries, as well as other differences in the legal systems themselves is at once fascinating and informative. Those readers with young children near Sebastian's age will wonder how any country could consider someone as young as the age of ten to be an adult in the eyes of the Court. It is this very disconcerting thought which allows readers to view Sebastian in a much more sympathetic light than he might otherwise cause. In actuality, Sebastian raises all sorts of red flags within a reader, but it is his young age that allows a reader to ignore the doubts created by those red flags and consider him an innocent child exposed to the cruelties of the world too young. Danny is a complex character. It does not take long for a reader to recognize the demons which drive him to defend the accused and which keep him in a state of isolation and loneliness. There is an anger underneath his calm veneer that he never quite sheds, which is frightening in its intensity and intriguing due to its ambiguous roots. His conflicted and often violent emotions towards Minnie, a women he still revers as well as reviles, only fuels the mystery behind their separation. Because of Danny's self-imposed isolation, a reader is left with equally ambiguous feelings towards him. His anger distances readers even while it creates an undercurrent of sympathy with someone who had such a rough childhood and a never-ending desire for love and acceptance. This myriad of emotions Danny engenders in the reader adds significantly to the tension of Sebastian's trial. One would be remiss without mentioning Minnie, the true heart and soul of the story and Danny's literal savior. She is a woman only a few people are lucky to meet, and her love for Danny is profound. Her own painful secrets are tragic, but it is her willingness to put Danny before her pain and suffering, as well as her courage in light of Danny's violent outbursts, that endears her to readers. One cannot help but condemn Danny ever so slightly for distancing himself from her so fully after everything she did for him, and his current suffering caused by his own regrets seem completely justified. Minnie's scenes will quickly become a reader's favorite, as she is the type of character which is larger than the two dimensions to which she is trapped. The Guilty One is a taut mystery, not only about Sebastian's role in the crime, but also about the situation that would have driven Danny from the safety and love of Minnie's care. Danny has a depth of character to him that adds to the suspense of the story and helps bridge the gulf that Sebastian may create within the reader. The story itself drags only slightly, as readers may become impatient with the sheer number of flashbacks and interruptions from either story. Also, a reader may take issue with Danny's extreme reaction to Minnie's "crime" once it becomes known. Still, there are some fascinating points for discussion regarding innocence, western criminal systems and social services that will make this book a great read for book clubs and anyone interested in psychological dramas. The ending is particularly chilling, even if it is slightly predictable, and the entire story remains engaging in spite of its minor flaws.
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Unremembered
by
Jessica Brody
whatsheread
, March 13, 2013
No memories, no past, no identity, no answers ��" such is the fate Seraphina faces when she awakens among the wreckage of a plane crash, not only the only survivor but completely unharmed. Her miraculous survival not only garners intense media scrutiny but also more insidious observers. In her new world filled with well-meaning advice, Sera perceives an unknown threat that forces her to test her instincts. Did she survive a horrific plane crash only to meet a more treacherous fate? Such is the premise of Jessica Brody’s latest novel, Unremembered, the first book in a new trilogy. Seraphina is the type of character which creates a need to protect within everyone who meets her, including the reading audience. This is in large part due to her total amnesia, which is so complete that she is not even able to remember how to dress herself. The complete lack of past, along with her forced isolation thanks to the media and her absence of familial connections, produces a character who appears fragile and fully engenders the nurturing response. That she is not quite as fragile as one might initially expect is not a surprise, but that desire to help and sympathize for Sera’s ongoing bewilderment creates a strong emotional bond within the reader. One of the best things about Unremembered is the fact that it is unpredictable. Just as a reader begins to guess at the truth, the truth has a habit of veering off down a completely different path than the one expected. In fact, without completely spoiling the surprises, it is possible to completely overthink the plot. There are hidden agendas and shady scientists, but the society as described on the pages are exactly what they appear to be. Readers have become so inured by complex dystopian societies in which the downfall of modern society is only mentioned through hints or well into the second novel of a series that to read a novel which does not require one to try to figure out what happened necessitates its own mini paradigm shift of sorts. The success of any science fiction novel hinges on the believability of the science being used to promote the story. In Unremembered, the science is actually fairly weak. Some of the explanations leave a lot to be desired, and the reader must take more than one leap of faith to accept Ms. Brody’s descriptions. In spite of all that however, a reader can and will still enjoy the story, as it is more about Sera’s search for answers than anything else. That some of the answers require a reader to suspend one’s sense of disbelief is not a major undertaking because one is so immersed in Sera’s fate. The premise underlying Unremembered is quite creative. Ms. Brody answers just enough questions to keep the story satisfactory but still leaving larger answers and the fate of her heroine open for future novels. She excels at capturing Sera’s profound confusion, frustrations, and desperation for answers, which lends the story a sense of humanity and outshines its weaker elements. The emotional bond between Sera and reader and the desire to know her fate is what will keep readers anticipating the sequel.
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Prisoner B 3087
by
Alan Gratz, Jack Gruener
whatsheread
, March 12, 2013
The Nazi atrocities towards anyone they believed to be their inferiors is something that students must continue to learn and study if we hope to avoid something similar in the future. Yet, it is such a tricky subject to approach when children are younger. The need to protect a child’s innocence wars with the need to inform. Often this can result in a story that only hints at what happened, forcing children to infer the truth, if possible, or leaving the tougher questions for their teachers and parents to answer. Alan Gratz’s Prisoner B-3087 is one of the few novels that fully informs but does so without scarring or scaring its young readers. Geared towards children through grade nine, Prisoner B-3087 is written in such a way that readers of all ages can appreciate Yanek’s story and learn varying lessons from it. For those older readers, including adults, the full horrors of Yanek’s experiences are difficult to believe and to stomach. Yet, for younger readers, they will be able to gloss over the more morbid details and focus on Yanek’s personal narrative about keeping his sense of identity and his will to survive. Each element of his story is important and vital for starting discussions, but it allows those discussions to be age-appropriate in a way few novels about the Holocaust are. This is not to say that Yanek’s narrative is not without its sense of the macabre. No story about the Holocaust can be without discussions of the gas chambers, the chimneys, the starvation, the cattle cars, the humiliation, and the sense of isolation that the Nazis utilized so well. Yanek witnesses and experiences things no one person should ever have to see in his or her life time, and he does not hide those experiences. Yet, as If to ease the emotional turmoil of his story, it is Yanek’s profound sense of identity and his all-encompassing drive to survive upon which a reader focuses his attention. It is this desire to live which leaves a reader filled with hope rather than despair. One grows up learning about the atrocities of various concentration camps - Birkenau, Bergin-Belsen, Dachau, Auschwitz, and too many more to name. The thought of someone surviving one of those locations is difficult to imagine, but to have survived living in ten different labor and death camps is unfathomable, which makes Yanek’s story so effective. If anyone has a complete understanding of the Nazi methodology and mindset, it would be someone who understood how to play their games and did so to survive almost unbeatable odds. Even though Mr. Gratz mentions that there is a fictional element behind his tale, Yanek’s story is still one of profound courage and strength of mind. The facts remain that Yanek Gruener survived not only the Krakow ghetto, he survived not one but two death marches, multiple journeys by overcrowded cattle car, labor camps, death camps, sadistic camp commandants, fellow prisoners, total starvation, and the mental and physical games the Nazis employed to further subjugate their prisoners. He not only survived but continues to share his story with others as a lesson in fortitude and human depravity. This is ultimately what makes Prisoner B-3087 so effective for readers of any age.
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Art of Fielding
by
Chad Harbach
whatsheread
, March 06, 2013
College is an interesting time in one’s life. It is the quintessential crossroad for an individual - a concrete dividing line that few of life’s crossroads ever have. At the beginning, one’s life dreams are still unlimited and entirely possible. As a student creeps closer to his graduation date, those options and dreams become limited, sometimes severely, so that by the time of graduation the leap from the possible to the practicality of adulthood is a truly terrifying experience. Henry, Owen, and Mike are all at this essential crossroad and must make that leap into the unknown, abandoning long-cherished plans or miraculously enacting their wildest dreams. Yet college is not the only major crossroad in life’s journey; life is full of those proverbial forks in the road. Pella and Quert both face their own personal crossroad, not knowing which path will lead them in the direction they truly need, let alone desire. Chad Harbach’s The Art of Fielding blends the lives of each of these characters and their own travails with their individual crossroads, deftly detailing the emotional toil such decisions require and establishing strong connections between characters and reader. Each of the main characters in The Art of Fielding is lost in some fashion, and it is not until they stop fighting the paths down which fate wants to take them where they finally find what they need. During their individual journeys, one is swept up in their mini tragedies, the dramas that surrounds them, their highs, and their unspeakable lows. Mr. Harbach masterfully recreates the same feelings within a reader, dredging up all the pain and anguish associated with growing up that a reader once felt at his or her own childhood crossroad. Remarkably, he also manages to keep the drama realistic and utterly engaging. The plot moves swiftly, but there is a depth of exposition that enables a reader to empathize with and understand each of the characters. The story never feels overly lengthy and in need of severe edits; rather each scene develops with an attention to detail that enhances rather than bores. It is the type of sweeping drama that so rarely graces the bookstores these days with its thorough descriptions, large cast of characters, and ability to capture and hold a reader’s attention throughout each one of its 500+ pages. While The Art of Fielding is more than a novel about baseball, the sport does play an intricate role in the plot, and knowing something about the sport and even liking the game will prove beneficial in some of the more detailed baseball scenes. Interestingly, while much of the locker room antics - the careful pre- and post-game rituals, the superstitions, the banter, the speeches - happen in almost every sport, there are very few team sports in which one player’s mistake is obvious to player, team, and observers alike and can cost a team the entire game. Baseball is as much a team sport as it is a completely individual sport, and Henry’s struggles are uniquely associated with the game of baseball. The understanding of baseball’s dichotomy will enhance a reader’s understanding of and appreciation for Henry’s and Mike’s problems. Baseball as a metaphor for life - it might not be the first comparison that would occur to a person, but, if one understands the finesse, the physics, the physicality, and the mental aspects of the game, it rings surprisingly true. The Art of Fielding crosses the boundary of being a baseball novel to being a novel about life that happens to occur to baseball players by subtly highlighting the similarities and the aptness of the metaphor. A reader internalizes each of the characters’ pain and suffering because one can always draw upon similar, equally difficult, and emotional experiences. Between the brutish but generous-to-a-fault Mike, delicate Henry, suave Owen, troubled Pella, and grave Quert, a reader has a myriad of experiences upon which to reflect and relate, and a reader will do just that. Mr. Harbach, with his skillful turns of phrase, makes it too easy for a reader to empathize with each of the characters, and the result is a poignant, beautifully simple novel about the pain of growing older and wiser to which everyone can relate.
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