The Misfortunates

 

The Misfortunates

Dimitri Verhulst

ISBN: 978-1-250-03516-5

October 2013

5 Stars

*I received this ARC copy through goodreads first reads*

Dimmy is young when his mother leaves and his father moves them in with his grandmother and three uncles. Sobriety is a bad word in their house and Dimmy has to navigate his adolescent years among unapologetic alcoholics and chaotic relationships.  It is expected for Dimmy to follow in their footsteps but life could always pass on an opportunity if he’s willing to take it.

As someone who has seen loved ones battle the disease of alcoholism this novel felt familiar in some ways. A lot of readers will be able to relate on some level which makes this a subject that will never get worn out.  I almost felt guilty for liking some of the characters or finding their antics funny, but comedy can help swallow a bitter pill as long as the importance is not pushed aside. I am not going to get too wordy because this is novel is really about personal taste more so than some. I will recommend this one but I will say that if you cannot read comic antics along with alcoholism it might not be the right fit. The author in no way diminishes alcoholism in my opinion.

Bellman & Black

 

 

Bellman & Black: A Ghost Story

Diane Setterfield

ISBN: 978-1-4767-1195-9

November 2013

*I received this uncorrected galley from netgalley*

3 Stars

When William Bellman was only a boy of eleven he killed a beautiful rook with his catapult.  That event will prove to be a pivotal moment in his young life and even the years to come. As a young man he seems restless but full of good intentions. As a man his life seems to be blessed considering his wonderful family and growing business. When the people he loves start to die seemingly too soon he meets a mysterious figure who proposes the business venture of Bellman & Black.

The idea behind this novel is very intriguing and I was excited to be able to read it. The author’s writing style flows well and has an almost soothing feel to it.  As far as a protagonist goes, William Bellman, is one I won’t forget soon.  He is very vivid and at times a little exhausting to read.  Unfortunately this book seemed to drag for me. There were spots that I felt the information I was given was redundant. I felt it was lacking something dramatic. Overall I am still glad that I read it.

The Darkest Path

 

The Darkest Path

Jeff Hirsch

ISBN: 978-0-545-51223-7

Oct 2013

4 Stars

*This is from an ARC copy that I won through goodreads first reads.*

Six years after fifteen year old Callum Roe and his younger brother, James, were abducted by soldiers of The Glorious Path escape becomes a necessary option.  When Cal is sent out to retrieve a stray dog to be trained for The Path; he finds in the dog an unlikely friend and ally.  Cal learns quickly he would kill his superiors to keep his new friend safe.  While on the run from The Glorious Path Callum learns more about the war between what is left of the US government and the extremist religion created by an ex US Soldier and how it’s affecting every region of the country. He will also learn about what someone will do for their family and friends, what loyalty really means, and how to survive in the midst of war.

Apocalyptic stories that have a twinge of reality are creepier than others. This is one of those that I could envision being ripped from the headlines so bring on the goose pimples.  As an animal lover I had a real appreciation for the author in the fact that he wrote realistic dog behavior as well; dogs bark and whimper at inopportune times. Being a military spouse I am also happy when military equipment is written well.  This novel has everything right for me in technical areas, but for me the characters (besides Bear) were lacking. I just didn’t find myself invested in them until the very end.  Overall, I really liked the novel. I think this is one that a lot of people can enjoy and I will feel good about recommending.

 

Day One

 

Day One

Nate Kenyon

ISBN: 978-1-250-01321-7

October 2013

4 Stars

*I received this ARC via goodreads first reads*

Journalist John Hawke is pursuing the story that will save his troubled career. When James Weller, founder of a startup technology company, agrees to let Hawke write a story about his accomplishments Hawke sees it as an opportunity to uncover a scandal.  What should be a normal day on the path to his redemption turns into a nightmare. Everything connected to the internet or with a computer chip goes haywire. He soon discovers things are not only going wrong at the office when his wife calls screaming that someone is trying to break into their apartment.  While just managing to get out of the office with his life he finds himself with a small group of survivors who try to navigate through the broken city only to realize that they are in mortal danger making getting home to his pregnant wife and son a perilous priority.

As someone who is not very tech savvy I feared I would be in over my head while reading this, but was pleasantly surprised. I did not once find myself lost and scratching my head. This novel is very fast paced with quite a bit of action making it a thrill to read. The plot is an idea that’s been around for awhile but the author’s managed to make feel different.  Even though this is what I would consider a science fiction thriller there is this great story about family under the skin that bleeds through from the beginning. The characters are why I did not give this one 5 stars. Characters are a big deal to me as a reader. I need to love or hate them and I was indifferent to this cast.  This does seem to be my complaint with a lot of thrillers that are fast paced. Overall I really liked this novel and will definitely recommend it, especially to science fiction and thriller fans.

Enon

Enon

Paul Harding

ISBN: 978-1-4000-6943-9

Sept 2013

*I received this uncorrected galley from NetGalley*

5 Stars

Charlie Crosby, grandson of George Crosby from Tinkers, is our narrator through a very difficult time in his life.  The loss of someone he loves dearly brings Charlie’s life to a crossroads where the worst grief imaginable is threatening to overcome his life and turn it into something unrecognizable.

There were many times during reading that I asked myself why I was still reading. There is nothing happy or easy about this novel. The story shows a very ugly side of grief; a side that is very realistic and devastating. To say this is a depressing story is an understatement but I kept on reading. Honestly I couldn’t have put this one down even when I wanted to. Mr. Harding’s writing is what kept me reading. It’s not about the wonderful flow of his words (which is undeniable), but the honesty of his words. He knows how to paint a breathtaking picture with words, even from the most heartbreaking of words.

I clearly recommend this one.

 

 

The Rosie Project

 

The Rosie Project

ISBN: 978-1-4767-2908-4

Oct 2013

*I received an ARC copy via goodreads first reads*

5 Stars!

I am not writing a synopsis for this one. I am assuming that if you have made it this far that you have already read a description (maybe two) and mine would just be a waste of words.

I Loved This Book! I would like to find a tall building and yell it at the top of my lungs but seeing as how I live on a military installation that could turn out to be chaotic. First of all let me say that I did relate to the main character, Don Tillman, so much that it was a little concerning but also very funny.  These characters are brilliant! Even with their glaringly obvious differences they all fit together perfectly and just make sense. I saw a lot of my relationships in theirs as well which was enlightening actually.  I could go on for pages about the character relationships. Laughter was like an automatic organ function and even with the book closed I can recall something and chuckle.  I gave up sleep for this book and sleep is something I don’t give up too easily.  There are not a lot of books I keep for the sake of reading again and again but this one has been added to that collection. Seeing as how this review makes no sense I will end it.

It’s very obvious that I have had a personal experience with this novel but I think it will be just enjoyable for others and I encourage all of you to read it.