Now Reading

This one is a  library checkout.  I first heard about it through goodreads and snatched it up when I saw it on my library's new release shelf.

I won this ARC via a goodreads giveaway and I have been really anxious to read it. I have been trying to hold off until it's closer to the release date but it doesn't help that I keep looking over at it crushing my willpower completely.  I will try to read slowly. 

Pure

Pure

Andrew Miller

ISBN: 978-1-60945-067-0

4 Stars!

In the year 1785 Jean-Baptiste Baratte arrives in Paris with the ordered by the King’s minister of clearing the cemetery of Les Innocents.  The ancient burial site is overflowing and the stench of it poisons the air and water; maybe even some of the residents nearby as well.  At first Baratte sees his work as helpful to society, but later wonders if it is the sole cause of unrest and the unruly conduct that precedes his arrival.  The year holds much drama and unrest causing him to question everything, but also there are bonds of friendship and love that can only be attributed to Les Innocents.

Let’s start with my only negative, which is an abundance of characters.  At times I found it hard to keep track of all of the minor characters, especially with them having such similar names.  This is not the only historical fiction novel that I have had the same problem with. Even though it can be frustrating it’s not something that keeps me from enjoying the story. 

The reason I love this genre is that it prompts me to look into things and to learn something new.  I really like this story and all the twists and turns that it held.  The relationships Baratte builds are vivid and enjoyable to read. Pacing was never a problem and I never lost interest or found myself bored.  I can easily recommend this one, especially to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

The 39 Deaths of Adam Strand

The 39 Deaths of Adam Strand

Gregory Galloway

978-0-525-42565-6

Feb 2013

*This is an ARC copy via Library Thing giveaway* 5 Stars!

Adam Strand is not depressed, mentally ill, or even suicidal despite what rational thought may suggest.  He is just indifferent to life so he kills himself repeatedly only to wake up and try again.  He’s not trying to purposely hurt those around him, but he also doesn’t care how they feel.  He doesn’t care until someone, a girl, turns his own self absorbed world upside down.

For first half of the book I wasn’t sure how I felt about it.  Obviously the subject matter is sensitive and Mr. Galloway finds a unique approach to take it on, which is greatly appreciated, but I liked the fact that there was some laugh out loud moments.  I am a big fan of irony and black humor so that helped me continue to turn the pages even when the pacing was a bit slow in places.  Ultimately I am giving this one five stars is because if I gave it four then in a couple of days, after thinking about it more, I would come back and change it to five stars.  It’s one of those books that I will think about a lot in the next week, and then in three months I will hear or see something that will make me think about it all over again, and so on.

I do recommend this book.  Everyone will have different experience with it leading to many different opinions that will turn in conversations on a subject that needs to be discussed instead of ignored.

 

Almost Forgot One

Got this one from Barnes and Noble.  I have been wanting to read it for awhile and now there is more urgency since I also want to watch the movie.  There's nothing like pressure to get my butt in gear!

Started Reading

This is another library checkout.  It's one of those I picked up mostly because the cover caught my eye and then the description sealed the deal.

Weekend book purchases

Found these three at our base's PX.  I have already read The Games and loved it so it's a copy I will re-read and pass on to my husband.  Out of the Easy and The Apothecary are both books that had been added to my wishlist recently so I was very excited to find them there and snatched them up without even looking around the book section for an hour before deciding.


These two were found at King's Books in Tacoma.  It was our first trip there and now I really wish we would have ventured that way sooner, especially since there is a possibility of moving out of the area.  I absolutely adored the kitties that were hanging about the shop.
Attila was one I picked up at the military clothing store on base because...well just because. 

Glitch

I am not going to get long winded, since I really do dislike writing negative reviews.  The plot grabbed my attention and I was excited to read it.  Unfortunately a love triangle took over and from there it lost me. I do get broken hearted when I don't like a book; I want to like them all. This is no way reflects on the author. This one just wasn't for me.  I might pick this one up again in the future for a second shot. 

Beautiful Creatures....finally

Yep I am finally giving in and reading it.  I have had it in my bag/purse for awhile but haven't had enough appointments to spend any time with it.  I just pulled it out so time will be spent with it along with the other two books in my "reading now" pile.

Been excited about this one!

I won an ARC of this one via a library thing. 

The Sound of Broken Glass

The Sound of Broken Glass

Deborah Crombie

ISBN:  978-0-06-199063

Feb  2013

*This is an ARC I won via a goodreads giveaway* 5 Stars!

            Detective Inspector Gemma James and her partner Detective Sergeant Melody Talbot are investigating the murder of a barrister whose body was found in a very compromising position.  No matter if his death was accidental or more sinister they must find out who he spent the evening with.  Their investigation will lead them into lies and a circle of secrets kept for years that are still being protected. It’s inevitable to become personally involved in the case, meaning that relationships and careers could depend on them resolving the investigation.

This is the 15^th book in this series but this is only the second that I have read.  The other was No Mark Upon Her which I also really enjoyed.  That being said, this would usually drive me a little nutty to not have read all of the previous novels but I don’t feel like I am missing out on anything.  Obviously I will read all of the previous books but I will honestly say that it wouldn’t make me feel differently.  I really like this series and Ms. Crombie has a new fan.

The characters are amazing!  They make me laugh and cry and I want to have a cup of coffee or tea with them.  I cannot wait for the next book to see what is going to happen to them now.  The plot is fantastic as well.  I tend to figure things out quickly but these books seem to keep me on my toes even if I have decided “who done it”.  I question my theory, which is a big deal for me when it comes to mysteries. 

I don’t have any complaints at all with this one except that now I have to wait for the next.  By now you know that I am going to recommend this one until I am blue in the face or until my fingertips are bleeding.

Library checkout that I will start reading today

Since my local library is on a Military post the due dates are only recommendations.  It annoys me to no end! I had this book on hold for about 3 months with no hopes of it ever being returned.  During that time our librarys' have decided to get a little tougher on patrons and return dates. (I do mean a little.)  Getting an email saying this book was ready for pickup (they will only hold them for a week though and yes they are very strict about that policy) was a shock because I thought I would have to eventually buy a copy. That whole experience will make reading this one a little more exciting.   

I put season 3 of Downton Abbey on hold this morning and am already stressed out about whether or not it will be returned on time.  Going to the library should not be so dramatic!

Received ARC

I got the ARC of this  that I won via a library thing giveaway!  It sounds very intriguing.

The Unwanteds

This book was like a vacation for me at a time when I really needed one.  It was so much fun to read and I wanted to just melt into the pages and live within that magical island.  I can't wait to get my hands on the second one in the series!

Decided to read just five seconds ago

This is a library grab; something I have been wanting to grab for awhile.  There comes a time when I need to read something light and fun so it is time for me to check this one out. 



This is a goodreads giveaway.  I have only read one Deborah Crombie before this one and even though I haven't read all the previous books in this series (which I may have mentioned somewhere drives me nutty sometimes) I feel like I can jump right in.

Sometimes it can take me a whole day to decide what I am reading now and I am always subject to change my mind.

Miracles!

The Age of Miracles

Karen Thompson Walker

ISBN:  978-0-8129-9297-7

Library check-out 4 Stars!

When the Earth’s rotation begins to slow down and the lessons of gravity are proven true on a daily basis Julia and her family will learn how to live in their rapidly changing environment. As the days grow longer they will also have to learn how to deal with their own family struggles during what could very well lead to the end of the world.

The author did a good job of putting herself into the fictional situation and putting a story on paper that, although fictional, feels very real.  I am not talking about the science (which there’s not a lot of), but about the human reactions and the human relationships.  There were a few times when I even described it to my husband and he agreed that there would be people who would act like the fictional community.  Mostly this is a story about a young girl’s family and what she starts to observe and understand about the people around her.  I started recommending this one not long after I started reading it.

 

Review of Watching the Dark

Watching the Dark

Peter Robinson

ISBN: 978-0-06-200480-2

2013

*goodreads giveaway* 3 Stars!

When a detective inspector is murdered while at St. Peter’s Police Treatment Center Chief Inspector Alan Banks leads the investigation not knowing how deep the trail will lead.  Murder is not the only crime being investigated as Chief Inspector Banks will soon find out when an officer from Professional Standards, investigating allegations of police corruption, intrudes in the case.  As he gets close to answers more questions and possible suspects materialize and it’s a struggle to remember his prime objective.

This one started out really slow for me.  The mystery intrigued me right away so I kept reading and by the time I was a little more than halfway through the book it grabbed me.  Usually this type of novel will suck me in and keep me turning pages, but this one I thought about giving up on; I am glad I didn’t.  This is my first Peter Robinson book so that could explain the problem since there are 19 more Alan Banks novels before this one.  I enjoyed the characters, well I should say a few of the minor characters, and that helped it along while getting to the bottom of the murder.  There were a few side stories that were as interesting as the original plot and by the end I felt good about the whole thing.  I like an author who can juggle multiple side stories within one plot.  So overall I ended up liking this one more than I thought I would and will gladly recommend it.

 

 

Weekend Book Purchases

I had not heard of this one somehow and I am a Julie Kagawa fan, so when I saw this at the PX on base I was excited! 



I thought I had preordered this one but I sat waiting for it and it didn't arrive :( but I recitified the problem and got it for kindle.  I want to re-read Incarnate before I dive into this one. 

Another library book

I have heard great things about this one so I am pretty excited about it.

This was a re-read.  I originally gave it 3 out of 5 stars but I have given it 4 stars this time.  I just enjoyed it better this time.  I am hoping to do a few more re-reads this year and I hope to have the same experience.