Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
Just got this new work of fiction by Canadian author, Alan Bradley. Let's see if it lives up to all its hype!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Coventry by Helen Humphreys
I am still revelling over Humphrey's latest work, Coventry.
It is a breathtakingly beautiful book even as it takes place during a time of utter hell. it is filled with such prose that would make most writers weep. I loved it and will probably sit down right away and read it again. I had expected great things from Humphrey after The Frozen Thames, and I was not disappointed.
From the Publisher
On the evening of November 14, 1940, Harriet stands on the roof of the cathedral in the British town of Coventry and marvels at the magnificence of frost glittering beneath a full moon. But it is a bomber’s moon. The Germans are coming to unleash destruction.
For Harriet, Jeremy, the young man who shares her duties as a firewatcher, and his free-spirited mother, Maeve, this single night will resonate for the rest of their lives. In a story of breathtaking beauty, with the wondrous poetic style that has earned her international acclaim, Helen Humphreys recreates the terror of the infamous Second World War bombing raid on Coventry. As Harriet and Jeremy make their way through the burning city in search of Maeve, their trek becomes a journey of fear and awe as they witness butter from the dairy flowing down the streets in a burning stream and landmines on parachutes swimming like jellyfish out of the darkness. Cold dread brings to life both a grief and a love that Harriet thought she had put behind her forever.
Drawing on actual events of that horrific night in 1940, Coventry is an astounding work, at once tense and lyrical, shocking and exquisite. Touching on themes of love, loss, loneliness and remembrance, Humphreys has crafted a story that will seize readers’ hearts and imaginations.
Read it. Own it!
It is a breathtakingly beautiful book even as it takes place during a time of utter hell. it is filled with such prose that would make most writers weep. I loved it and will probably sit down right away and read it again. I had expected great things from Humphrey after The Frozen Thames, and I was not disappointed.
From the Publisher
On the evening of November 14, 1940, Harriet stands on the roof of the cathedral in the British town of Coventry and marvels at the magnificence of frost glittering beneath a full moon. But it is a bomber’s moon. The Germans are coming to unleash destruction.
For Harriet, Jeremy, the young man who shares her duties as a firewatcher, and his free-spirited mother, Maeve, this single night will resonate for the rest of their lives. In a story of breathtaking beauty, with the wondrous poetic style that has earned her international acclaim, Helen Humphreys recreates the terror of the infamous Second World War bombing raid on Coventry. As Harriet and Jeremy make their way through the burning city in search of Maeve, their trek becomes a journey of fear and awe as they witness butter from the dairy flowing down the streets in a burning stream and landmines on parachutes swimming like jellyfish out of the darkness. Cold dread brings to life both a grief and a love that Harriet thought she had put behind her forever.
Drawing on actual events of that horrific night in 1940, Coventry is an astounding work, at once tense and lyrical, shocking and exquisite. Touching on themes of love, loss, loneliness and remembrance, Humphreys has crafted a story that will seize readers’ hearts and imaginations.
Read it. Own it!
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Shack by William P Young
I'm currently reading The Shack by William P Young. It was recommended by word of mouth as "a good read" that illustrates our "connectiveness." I was warned that it has a child abduction in it -- ever since Lovely Bones I don't read anything that discusses attrocities to kids -- but it was worth the read regardless. After skimming over the child abuduction part, I'm finding that I'm enjoying it. It is an easy read albeit awkward and didactic but I'm keeping an open mind. It reminds me a bit of of Tuesdays with Morrie. I'm trying to get through it as quickly as possible since I picked it up on the Quick Read shelf at the local library. I have a week to get through it.
Although it was recommended to me, I had no idea of it was building such momentum. When the National Post covers it, it's pretty main stream. Here is a summary from the National Post: http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1288635
From the Publisher
Mackenzie Allen Phillips's youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation, and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later, in this midst of his great sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change his life forever.
Added note:
I just placed a hold for Sweetness at the bottom of the pie by Canadian author, Alan Bradley. I love this success story:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090213.wbradley0214/BNStory/Entertainment/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20090213.wbradley0214
Although it was recommended to me, I had no idea of it was building such momentum. When the National Post covers it, it's pretty main stream. Here is a summary from the National Post: http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1288635
From the Publisher
Mackenzie Allen Phillips's youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation, and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later, in this midst of his great sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change his life forever.
Added note:
I just placed a hold for Sweetness at the bottom of the pie by Canadian author, Alan Bradley. I love this success story:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090213.wbradley0214/BNStory/Entertainment/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20090213.wbradley0214
Faefever by Karen Moning
I was looking forward what I thought was the LAST installment of this fantasy series. I had so many questions. Who is Barrons or more aptly, what is Barrons? How is Mac ever going to get home? How is this going to be resolved? Will she get her revenge?
Instead, at the end of book THREE I just felt unsatisfied -- there is another book coming. The ending was so dire that the author felt compelled to add an end note and ensure the reader that good days were ahead for Mac. Smart move. I was ready to ditch the series.
As you can probably sermise, I don't like multiple title series. If you can't do it in 3 books, then you're toying with the reader. I'll comment on this opinion when the 4th book comes out. I wonder if I'll still give a flying fig about Mac and Barrons...
Publisher's blurb:
The New York Times bestselling author of Darkfever and Bloodfever returns to Dublin’s Fae-infested shores in a bold, sensual new novel. Hurtling us into a realm of seduction and shadows, Karen Marie Moning tells the enthralling tale of a woman who explores the limits of her mysterious powers as she enters a world of ancient sorcery—and confronts an enemy more insidious than she could ever have imagined.
He calls me his Queen of the Night. I’d die for him. I’d kill for him, too. When MacKayla Lane receives a torn page from her dead sister’s journal, she is stunned by Alina’s desperate words. And now MacKayla knows that her sister’s killer is close. But evil is closer. And suddenly the sidhe-seer is on the hunt: For answers. For revenge. And for an ancient book of dark magic so evil, it corrupts anyone who touches it.
As All Hallows’ Eve approaches and the city descends into chaos, as a shocking truth about the Dark Book is uncovered, not even Mac can prevent a deadly race of immortals from shattering the walls between worlds—with devastating consequences.…
Instead, at the end of book THREE I just felt unsatisfied -- there is another book coming. The ending was so dire that the author felt compelled to add an end note and ensure the reader that good days were ahead for Mac. Smart move. I was ready to ditch the series.
As you can probably sermise, I don't like multiple title series. If you can't do it in 3 books, then you're toying with the reader. I'll comment on this opinion when the 4th book comes out. I wonder if I'll still give a flying fig about Mac and Barrons...
Publisher's blurb:
The New York Times bestselling author of Darkfever and Bloodfever returns to Dublin’s Fae-infested shores in a bold, sensual new novel. Hurtling us into a realm of seduction and shadows, Karen Marie Moning tells the enthralling tale of a woman who explores the limits of her mysterious powers as she enters a world of ancient sorcery—and confronts an enemy more insidious than she could ever have imagined.
He calls me his Queen of the Night. I’d die for him. I’d kill for him, too. When MacKayla Lane receives a torn page from her dead sister’s journal, she is stunned by Alina’s desperate words. And now MacKayla knows that her sister’s killer is close. But evil is closer. And suddenly the sidhe-seer is on the hunt: For answers. For revenge. And for an ancient book of dark magic so evil, it corrupts anyone who touches it.
As All Hallows’ Eve approaches and the city descends into chaos, as a shocking truth about the Dark Book is uncovered, not even Mac can prevent a deadly race of immortals from shattering the walls between worlds—with devastating consequences.…
Love in Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
More on this later. I've been reading more than I have been writing!!
Publisher's blurb:
In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall passionately in love. When Fermina eventually chooses to marry a wealthy, well-born doctor, Florentino is devastated, but he is a romantic. As he rises in his business career he whiles away the years in 622 affairs--yet he reserves his heart for Fermina. Her husband dies at last, and Florentino purposefully attends the funeral. Fifty years, nine months, and four days after he first declared his love for Fermina, he will do so again.
More on this later. I've been reading more than I have been writing!!
Publisher's blurb:
In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall passionately in love. When Fermina eventually chooses to marry a wealthy, well-born doctor, Florentino is devastated, but he is a romantic. As he rises in his business career he whiles away the years in 622 affairs--yet he reserves his heart for Fermina. Her husband dies at last, and Florentino purposefully attends the funeral. Fifty years, nine months, and four days after he first declared his love for Fermina, he will do so again.
When all you have is hope by Frank O'Dea
When all you have is hope is not typically the kind of book I read. I'm not into memories, or Oprah books, but I heard that Frank O'Dea is an engaging speaker. And I have to admit, I was drawn to this work for another reasons:
the cover was well designed. All that white space and the well cropped image attracted me to the work.
And the book itself was easy to read and engaging. One had to wonder how this person ended up on the street and then succeeded in escaping them. His three step program can be easily embraced by anyone and applied to both one's personal and professional life: HOPE, VISION, ACTION.
Publisher's blurb:
For entrepreneur Frank O’Dea, it was a long road from street life to the high life. Born in Montreal to an upper-middle class family, Frank’s life took a downturn as a young man when he was sexually assaulted by a priest. He began drinking at an early age and was soon destitute, living in degradation on the streets of Toronto. By way of a sympathetic employer, the Salvation Army, and Alcoholics Anonymous, O’Dea quit drinking and started a small business that developed into the Second Cup coffee chain. Over the years, his philanthropic activities extended to AIDS fundraising, child literacy in the Third World, and landmine removal. His message is simple: HOPE, VISION, ACTION.
the cover was well designed. All that white space and the well cropped image attracted me to the work.
And the book itself was easy to read and engaging. One had to wonder how this person ended up on the street and then succeeded in escaping them. His three step program can be easily embraced by anyone and applied to both one's personal and professional life: HOPE, VISION, ACTION.
Publisher's blurb:
For entrepreneur Frank O’Dea, it was a long road from street life to the high life. Born in Montreal to an upper-middle class family, Frank’s life took a downturn as a young man when he was sexually assaulted by a priest. He began drinking at an early age and was soon destitute, living in degradation on the streets of Toronto. By way of a sympathetic employer, the Salvation Army, and Alcoholics Anonymous, O’Dea quit drinking and started a small business that developed into the Second Cup coffee chain. Over the years, his philanthropic activities extended to AIDS fundraising, child literacy in the Third World, and landmine removal. His message is simple: HOPE, VISION, ACTION.
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