Title: The Lost Chalice: The Epic Hunt for a Priceless Masterpiece
Author: Vernon Silver
ISBN: 9780061558283
Pages: 352
Release Date: June 2, 2009
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Non-Fiction, History
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

The Lost Chalice follows two different pieces by the famed ancient Greek artist Euphrenios – a krater and a lost kylix, or chalice – and their discovery during modern day times.  Matching pieces featuring the death of Sarpedon, the son of Zeus, both are priceless.  Silver follows the path of the krater from its initial discovery, while trying to shed light on the location of the kylix.

Review:

I’ve always been interested in books about archaeology and art, so when I first heard about The Lost Chalice, I was definitely intrigued.  The thought of reading about a priceless artifact from beginning to end really piqued my interest.

The Lost Chalice was adapted from Silver’s doctoral thesis and it does show at times.  There are definitely some dry spots.  That being said, overall it was a well-constructed narrative that effectively depicted the journey of the Sarpedon krater, as well as the rumors and whispers about the chalice.  Silver clearly did his research and that fact shines through, even when the book is slow.

Anyone with an interest in antiquities trade or in tomb-robbing should definitely pick up this book.  Silver includes some fascinating tidbits on how to fake provenance (though these methods are now closed) and how authorities go about proving an item was illicitly removed from an archaeological site.  Silver frames the narrative as a detective story, and though the reader knows some of the answers from the beginning, the search for the others will keep them hooked until the very end.

Penguin Books is one of my favorite publishers, and guess what?  Their 75th anniversary is TODAY, July 30!  I’m celebrating this with some fun facts about Penguin and a special giveaway, courtesy of Penguin Books!

Some interesting facts:

• Penguin’s founder was Allen Lane, and his secretary came up with the name “Penguin”
• Today, the Penguin imprint alone has over 4000 books in print
• This summer, the Penguin mobile will be driving around to bookstores across the US to promote literacy (yay!)
• Penguin is donating books to military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan and at libraries and literacy groups at every stop along the way
• Check out Penguin’s dedicated 75th anniversary website for more details

In honor of Penguin’s anniversary, I’m giving away a copy of The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry by Kathleen Flinn, which is a memoir about the author’s experience at the Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in France.  Yes, I know I usually have a policy of not giving away anything I haven’t read, but this book has been on my TBR list forever!  Penguin was kind enough to send me a copy for myself and one more to give away, so you’ll be seeing a review sometime soon.

Fill out the form below in order to enter.  Comments on this post will not be counted for entry.  The contest ends Saturday, August 7.  I’ll announce the winner in my Sunday Salon post on Sunday, August 8.  U.S. only, please

Title: The House on Oyster Creek
Author: Heidi Jon Schmidt
ISBN: 9780451229922
Pages: 368
Release Date: June 1, 2010
Publisher: NAL Trade
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary:

Charlotte Tradescombe is dissatisfied with her life.  The only source of happiness she has is her four-year-old daughter, Fiona.  Her much-older husband, Henry, seems to have no time or patience for her or their daughter.  On impulse, Charlotte decides to move out to her husband’s family home on Cape Cod.  In order to raise money to fix up the place, she convinces Henry to sell off part of the land, which has repercussions for the local oyster farmers that she couldn’t have predicted.

Review:

The House on Oyster Creek is an atmospheric novel that reads as a mix between a contemporary style of literary fiction and women’s fiction.  Though the subject matter and Charlotte’s struggles definitely categorize it as women’s fiction, Schmidt’s beautiful writing elevates the level of this novel, bringing it a sophistication that wouldn’t necessarily be expected in this genre.

The information about oyster farming and the fight between the locals and the people who buy the Tradescombes’ land is fascinating and is really the highlight of this book.  Schmidt does a great job highlighting how little things have changed in these areas over the years, but how much they are being forced to change now.  She also raises the question whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing – maybe doing things a different way is what’s best for these communities.  On the other hand, people lose their livelihoods because of issues like this.  I appreciated how involved Charlotte got in this dispute and how she felt responsible because she was the one who made the decision to sell off the land without thinking about the consequences.  Schmidt highlights how much people can make a difference, in both good and bad ways.

Unfortunately, Charlotte’s personal story was less captivating than the secondary storyline of oyster farming.  It’s possible that the writing was a little too atmospheric – it made it difficult to really connect with Charlotte as a character.  Though she definitely didn’t have it easy with Henry, I found that I didn’t really have a lot of sympathy for her.  My attention wandered every time the book focused on her, rather than the larger issues facing the townspeople.  As this thread is a very large part of the overall plot, it hampered my enjoyment of this book.

The House on Oyster Creek was an interesting novel, though the writing style makes it a bit heavier than your typical beach read.  Though I didn’t love it, it was still a solid read that had some very interesting information in it.  It’s made me curious about Schmidt as an author, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for her future novels.

Title: My Name Is Memory
Author: Ann Brashares
ISBN: 9781594487583
Pages: 336
Release Date: June 1, 2010
Publisher: Riverhead
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

Daniel is a seemingly ordinary man with a unique gift – he can remember the most intimate details of his past lives.  Each time he reincarnates, he retains all of his memories as well as the ability to recognize the souls of people he’s previously known.  When he is reborn, he looks for the woman he has loved for over a thousand years, since the very beginning, a woman he calls Sophia.  When he recognizes her in Lucy, his high school classmate, he unleashes a chain of events that no one can predict.

Review:

I’ve read all of Ann Brashares’ books, and while I’ve thought all of them have been solidly good, none have inspired a deep emotional connection.  My Name is Memory has changed that – this book was both heartfelt and completely engrossing.

The premise behind My Name is Memory is reincarnation, and Brashares’ take on it is captivating.  She includes all kinds of hints and details about the process – enough to satisfy the reader, yet holding back a sufficient amount of information to keep the reader interested.  I enjoyed learning about her interpretation of reincarnation, and thought it made for a creative and thought provoking backdrop to this unique novel.

As for the love story between Daniel and Lucy, I have to admit that it reminded me of The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.  However, I didn’t actually adore that book as much as most and liked this book a lot better.  Brashares does an excellent job conveying the deep running emotions of the two main characters, but also inserts a healthy amount of skepticism.  I must admit that I was frustrated by the devices she used to keep tension in this storyline, but in the end I really enjoyed it.

I heard that My Name is Memory is going to be a trilogy, and I certainly hope that is the case, especially considering the ambiguity of the ending.  I really enjoyed the time I spent with this book and certainly hope there is more to come on the story of Daniel, Lucy, and the overarching plot of reincarnation.

I am very excited to unveil something I’ve been thinking about for the last few months and working on for the past week – the South Asian Review Database.  My vision has been a one-stop shop for South Asian author reviews from across the blogosphere – I hope you can help me with it!

You can link up your own reviews (and I really hope you do!), and whenever I come across a review of a South Asian author’s book, I’ll ask the blogger if I can link it up.  The main review database page has general guidelines for linking your reviews.  You don’t have to be a participant in the South Asian Author Challenge to link up your reviews, though it will be the place for participants to link up their reviews going forward.  If you’ve linked up a review to the South Asian Author Challenge as of this morning, it’s been transferred to the new database.

I hope you’ll all explore, link up your reviews, and spread the word so others will link theirs up as well!  I’d love for this database to be as comprehensive as possible!

The South Asian Review Database at S. Krishna’s Books

Title: The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors
Author: Michele Young-Stone
ISBN: 9780307464477
Pages: 384
Release Date: April 13, 2010
Publisher: Shaye Arehaart Books
Genre: Literary Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Becca Burke is a young woman who has been struck multiple times by lightning, though her parents don’t believe her.  Buckley R. Pitank has also been affected by a strike, when lightning kills someone dear to him.  Devastated by his experience, Buckley writes a handbook for lightning strike survivors, which Becca buys and reads.  Lightning changes the lives of both these individuals, eventually bringing them together to help them understand their separate lives.

Review:

Michele Young-Stone’s debut novel defies any sort of plot summary.  While the book is seems to be about lightning strikes on the surface, that doesn’t even come close to describing its depth.  There are so many storylines that there is no way to really encompass everything that is going on in this book with just a short paragraph.

There are a lot of characters in The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors, though Buckley and Becca the novel’s core.  While I did think both were expertly developed, Buckley was the character I really appreciated.  He experienced so much hardship at such a young age.  I hated that he felt like he had to punish himself because he thought bad things would happen if he was happy.  It shows how difficult his life was and what traumatic experiences can do to a young boy.  I loved watching him grow up, develop into his own person, and overcome the setbacks he had as a child.

The Handbook for Lightning Survivors starts out slow, and it takes some time for the breadth and depth of the story to develop.  As a result, readers might lose interest in the story before the narrative really evolves fully.  Additionally, the sheer number of characters is a bit overwhelming.  While very well-written, it makes the book seem as if it’s jumping all over the place. 

Despite these minor quibbles, I enjoyed The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors. Michele Young-Stone is an incredible writer, and the book is a joy to read as a result of her beautiful prose.  Additionally, excerpts from Buckley’s handbook are interspersed between chapters, giving the reader interesting tips on how to avoid be struck by lightning and deal with those who have.  As Young-Stone herself is a lightning strike survivor, it gives the book an added depth and really piques the reader’s interest.

The longlist for the 2010 Man Booker Prize was announced today.  The finalists are:

Parrot and Oliver in America – Peter Carey

Room – Emma Donoghue

The Betrayal – Helen Dunmore

In a Strange Room – Damon Gulgut

The Finkler – Howard Jacobson

The Long Song – Andrea Levy

C – Tom McCarthy

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet – David Mitchell

February – Lisa Moore

Skippy Dies – Paul Murray

Trespass – Rose Tremain

The Slap – Christian Tsiolkas

The Stars in the Bright Sky – Alan Warner

I’ve only heard of a few of these, but I’ll definitely keep my eye out for them, or for their publishing dates in the US.  I have to say, even though I haven’t read it yet, I hope that Room ends up on the shortlist!

Title: Linger
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
ISBN: 9780545123280
Pages: 368
Release Date: July 20, 2010
Publisher: Scholastic
Genre: Teen/YA, Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

After the events of Shiver (which this review may contain spoilers for), Grace and Sam have settled into a tentative existence and a consuming relationship.  Neither of them truly believe their troubles with the wolves are over, and that suspicion is confirmed when the new wolves that Beck turned begin to change.  Though they are both trying to live normal lives, Grace and Sam must come to terms with what the wolves mean to them, and the fact that they will always be connected to the pack.

Review:

I definitely didn’t love Shiver, but I appreciated its uniqueness and was glad I read it in the end.  When I heard that Linger was coming out, though, I really wanted to read it.  That might be surprising, considering my feelings about Shiver, but I always like reading sequels, even of books I didn’t completely enjoy.  Once the characters and main storyline are established, the author has a lot more room to be creative, and I felt that was exactly what happened with Linger.

I really liked where Stiefvater chose to take the narrative.  I was both shocked and surprised by how it ended.  Stiefvater really began to develop the mythology of and the science behind the wolves and I enjoyed reading about it.  I loved the complications she threw in and I thought the set up for the next book was excellent.  Stiefvater really took what she had and ran with it, leaving a suspenseful and exciting ending for the reader.

One of my main complaints with Shiver was Grace’s nonexistent parents, and boy did that change in Linger.  Grace’s parents decides to take an interest in her life now that she was dating Sam and definitely didn’t like what they saw.  They became intrusive and meddlesome.  While I found them incredibly annoying, I also thought their reactions were pretty realistic, given the circumstances.

Another issue I had with Shiver was Sam and Grace’s relationship, and I have to say that it continued in this book.  I understand they are in love, but they both act like they will die if they can’t sleep together for a night.  I disagree with Grace’s mom when she says that teenagers can’t be in love, and it must be lust, but at the same time, they are way too overdramatic.  If it really is love and it’s forever, a few nights apart won’t kill them!  But I say that, and then remember what they’ve been through and also that there is a sense of fear and foreboding hanging over this entire novel.  Deep down, they both know they don’t have long to be together, so every day, every second counts.  But still, the teenage drama/angst really doesn’t sit well with me.

Overall, I did enjoy Linger.  I thought it took the strong points of Shiver, and while it didn’t leave the negatives behind, it definitely either dealt with them head on or dialed them down.  I’m really glad I gave it a chance, despite not loving Shiver, and have no doubt I’ll pick up the next book in the series.

Title: The Messenger of Athens: A Novel
Author: Anne Zouroudi
ISBN: 9780316075428
Pages: 336
Release Date: July 19, 2010
Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books
Genre: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary:

On the small Greek island of Thiminos, a young woman named Irini is found dead, broken by the rocks underneath a cliff.  The local police chief rules it an accident and does not investigate her mysterious death.  The matter is closed until Hermes Diaktoros, something of a private investigator, comes to the island to discover what really happened to Irini.

Review:

I enjoy reading books set in different countries, so The Messenger of Athens really appealed to me.  It’s set in the Greek isles, so I was expecting a very atmospheric mystery, complete with local curiosities and quirky characters.

The Messenger of Athens definitely satisfied when it came to the setting.  Zouroudi vividly portrays life on the Greek island of Thiminos.  This book is almost a travelogue of sorts, as Zouroudi treats readers to the sights and smells of this place.  It’s clear she is very familiar with this type of setting, and her love for it shines through on every page of the novel.  Her descriptions are wonderful and immerse the reader in the locale.

Unfortunately, the plot doesn’t live up to the promise of the setting.  Though it is a mystery, there’s no urgency to it.  Some of the characters are definitely amusing, and almost all hide dark secrets, but there is little that endears them to the reader.  As a result, it’s hard to become invested in this novel.  I wasn’t really interested in discovering the answer to the mystery because I just didn’t feel like I had a stake in the novel or characters.

Despite the fact that The Messenger of Athens mostly fell flat for me, I still enjoyed Zouroudi’s descriptions and the depiction of life on a Greek island.  This is supposed to be the first in a series, and if the plot and character issues are cleaned up, I would definitely consider picking up the second novel.

Reviews posted this week:

Title: The Woman Who Fell from the Sky: An American Journalist in Yemen
Author: Jennifer Steil
ISBN: 9780767930505
Pages: 336
Release Date: May 11, 2010
Publisher: Broadway
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction, Travel
Source: Amazon Vine
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

Jennifer Steil, a journalist and editor, accepted a short-term position at an English-language newspaper in the small Muslim country of Yemen, trying to teach reporters how to write effective articles (and in many cases, write properly in English!)  Despite the fact that living in a foreign, conservative place is such a shock, Jennifer finds she falls in love with the charming country.

Review:

The Woman Who Fell From The Sky is an exceptional memoir about the life of an American expatriate.  Jennifer Steil is a talented writer.  Her prose is crisp, precise, and very easy to read.  She also presents herself very well in this memoir.  She is appealing and likeable, but is honest about her flaws and the mistakes she makes.  I really enjoyed her voice and could almost hear her telling the story in my imagination.  This is one book that would have worked very well in audio, and I may try that in a re-read.

I absolutely loved reading about Steil’s adventures in Yemen.  Everything was alien, from the way she was required to dress to the assumptions men automatically about her because she was from the United States.  The culture shock was enormous, yet she dealt with it gracefully.  She confides in the reader about how lonely and frustrated she was at times, yet she still manages to see the beauty in Yemeni culture. 

Steil’s descriptions in The Woman Who Fell From The Sky are very vivid.  She really makes the reader feel like they are in this country.  She describes the customs and nuances of the culture, so that readers learn a lot while reading this book.  At the same time, though, she relates these nuggets through personal stories, such that the reader never feels like Steil is trying to teach them something – she’s just describing life in Sana’a. 

I cannot begin to describe how much I enjoyed reading this book.  There’s not a dry spot in it, which is extremely rare for non-fiction.  Additionally, I loved how Steil highlighted political and social issues in Yemen, especially the plight of women.  It was also encouraging to watch her fight for her newspaper’s right to free speech in a country that does not necessarily recognize that right.  This book gave me a lot to think about while exposing me to an entirely new culture.

The Woman Who Fell From The Sky was an enjoyable memoir that will definitely be at the top of my recommendation list.  I loved Steil’s descriptions, her honesty, her wit, and her resilience as she faced one stumbling block after another.  This is one of those books that has something for everyone.

Title: The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4) & The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 5)
Author: Rick Riordan
ISBN: 9781423101499 & 9781423101475
Pages: 384 & 400
Release Date: May 6, 2008 & May 5, 2009
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion Books
Genre: Fantasy, Teen/YA
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

In these last two books of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, Percy must come to terms with the real meaning of the prophecy that has set the course of his life and face the forces of Kronos, the Titan who has risen to power and wants to destroy the gods of Olympus.

Review:

While I enjoyed the first two books in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series (The Lightning Thief and The Sea of Monsters), I felt like they were a little bit young and silly for my tastes.  The third book, The Titan’s Curse, however, showed a more mature side of the series with important insights for Percy and his friends.  The fourth and fifth books complete that trend, bringing this series to an enjoyable and satisfying close.

Once again, I really enjoyed the Greek mythology weaved into these books.  It was fun to revisit the stories I read when I was young, but I also managed to learn a lot of new tidbits.  Good mythology is always key to any great fantasy series, and Riordan does an exceptional job updating the ancient Greek myths and making them relevant to today’s world, all while injecting his trademark sense of humor into the situations Percy finds himself in.

I also really liked the way Riordan chose to end the series.  The last two books were both action packed.  The Battle of the Labyrinth was much like the previous books in style – Percy and his friends have to make a journey, to go on a quest to find something that will help them in their eventual fight against Kronos.  The Last Olympian is the final battle, the showdown against Kronos’ forces.  Percy really comes into his own in this last book, finally putting aside adolescent grievances (at least, for the most part) and petty grudges.

Riordan left the last book open-ended, meaning he can come back and continue Percy’s adventures in the future, and I hope he does.  He is already planning a new Camp Half Blood series, which will be a spin-off of these books, but I’d love to see where Percy ends up.  This was an enjoyable series that makes for perfect plane reading (I read the entire series over multiple months and multiple flights).  If you’ve read the first few books in the series, I definitely recommend these, as the books just get better.

Title: 29: A Novel
Author: Adena Halpern
ISBN: 9781439171127
Pages: 288
Release Date: June 15, 2010
Publisher: Touchstone
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

Today is Ellie Jerome’s 75th birthday, and all she can think about are her regrets.  She wishes she’d spent less time in the sun and more time drinking milk so she wouldn’t shrink.  Her daughter, Barbara, is controlling and seems to be obsessed with her mother, unable to live her own life.  Ellie’s one bright spot is her granddaughter, Lucy. 

At her 75th birthday party, Ellie counts the 29 candles Barbara put on her cake (75 wouldn’t fit!) and wishes with all her heart that, for just one day, she could be 29 years old again.  Thinking nothing of it, she goes to sleep that night.  But then the next day comes, and with it, surprises for all three women.

Review:

I’ve enjoyed Adena Halpern’s previous books (review of The Ten Best Days of My Life), but when I heard the premise of 29, I was a little bit skeptical.  I’ve been reading a lot of magical realism-type books lately, so I was hoping it wasn’t more of the same, plus the “Freaky Friday” concept really didn’t appeal to me.

I have to say, I was so wrong in my hesitations about this book.  It was utterly charming, sweet, and full of life.  I adored the character of Ellie.  Her witty remarks made me laugh, and I loved the way she approached life.  At the same time, she helped me understand her despair at being old, the physical changes that take over even when you’re still young at heart.  I also felt her sadness at the regrets she had, especially when it came to love.  I was so glad she got this opportunity to have one more grand adventure.

I also loved that, though this day was about Ellie, Lucy and Barbara had their own share of revelations.  Each discovered difficult-to-accept truths about themselves and came to terms with things they might not have wanted to.  They all learned a lot about each other, and specifically how they needed to treat one another and respect each other. 

29 was a wonderful novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.  Halpern has really evolved as a writer, and it shows in this lovely book.  This isn’t chick lit (at least, considering it’s about a 75 year old, I wouldn’t consider it that genre), so don’t stay away just because of the girly looking cover.  It has some profound lessons and is definitely worth reading.

Title: Day for Night: A Novel
Author: Frederick Reiken
ISBN: 9780316077569
Pages: 336
Release Date: April 26, 2010
Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books
Genre: Literary Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

Day for Night is a series of interconnected stories, set in different times and places.  Each of these characters have independent lives that seem to overlap in the most surprising ways.  The novel builds towards the solution to the mystery behind the family history of one of the characters.

Review:

When my book club picked Day for Night, I had no idea what to expect.  I hadn’t even heard of it when we picked it, and despite hearing good things, I put it off as long as possible.  When I finally did pick it up, I raced through it and managed to complete the entire novel in one sitting.

One unique quality I loved about Day for Night was how different it was from other books that use the interconnected stories technique.  This time, it wasn’t about trying to discover how all these characters were connected and what they had in common.  Most times when the narrator switches, it’s clear from the beginning how they are related to the other characters, as they’ve usually appeared in a previous story.  Instead, the reader watches in wonder as Reiken brings all of these stories and characters together to solve one single puzzle.

Reiken does an excellent job developing his characters, a serious challenge when the reader is exposed to them for such a short time.  I loved multiple characters in this book, most notably Beverly and Doris, two strong, independent women.  Reiken writes with such passion and confidence, gracefully sketching each of these people and their situations.  I was very impressed by how well he executed this novel.

The novel also shows an incredible level of complexity, both in the way it’s written and the characters’ lives.  With such short glimpses at characters, it usually would be difficult to keep the reader engaged in this type of novel.  Additionally, it would be easy to become frustrated with its meandering nature.  However, Reiken ties everything together so well and manages to keep the level of suspense raised such that he has the reader’s attention during every second they spend with the book.

Day for Night was an excellent read, and I’m so glad I gave it a chance.  Reiken writes beautifully and manages to instill an innate sense of urgency within the book.  As a result, readers will be unable to put this book down, desperate to understand the link between the characters and what the book is building to.  It’s an exceptional novel that I highly recommend for fans of literary fiction.

Title: America (The Audiobook): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction
Author: Jon Stewart & The Daily Show
ISBN: 9780446691864
Pages: 240 (paperback version)
Release Date: September 20, 2004
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Non-Fiction, Satire, Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

In this audiobook, Jon Stewart and the writers of The Daily Show take the listener through the different facets of American democracy, taking time to focus on history, the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, the Founding Fathers, and each branch of our government, all with The Daily Show’s signature humor and satirical interpretations.

Review:

I’m a fan of The Daily Show, so I’ve been wanting to read America: A Citizen’s Guide to Democracy Inaction for a long time, but for some reason, it didn’t really appeal to me in print.  When I received a download of America (The Audiobook) from Hachette at BEA this year, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to “read” this book.

I’ve said before that while I don’t really listen to audiobooks on a regular basis, I want to start.  America (The Audiobook) was my first, and it worked incredibly well.  The non-fiction/satire format was great in audio because it didn’t require intense concentration to follow what was going on.  I listened to it while driving, and if I had to tune out to focus on traffic, I had no problem tuning back in and understanding exactly what I’d missed.  It made me realize that memoirs might be the perfect genre for me in audiobooks.

I usually don’t like abridged versions of books, but America (The Audiobook) was abridged and it worked very well.  I think if it had been the full content of the book, it would have gotten old.  The narrators, Jon Stewart and occasionally some of The Daily Show writers from the time it was written (Ed Helms, Samantha Bee, Stephen Colbert, Rob Corddry and more), do an excellent job with the content. 

The book itself was very funny.  Of course, there’s plenty of inappropriate humor – if you aren’t familiar with The Daily Show, I wouldn’t dive straight into this audiobook without first checking whether you find their sense of humor amusing.  This is definitely a book that made me laugh out loud, which makes me glad I didn’t listen to it on a plane!  They cover every facet of American democracy, skewering each part equally.  Admittedly, some of the jokes are blah, which makes me glad that they did abridge it – like I said, more would likely have gotten old.

I’m glad my first experience with an audiobook was such a success – I’ve already tracked down more memoirs I want to try on audio.  I really enjoyed listening to America (The Audiobook) and definitely recommend it if you’re a fan of The Daily Show, and especially if you’ve been feeling cynical about American politics lately!

Title: A Stranger in the Family: A Novel of Suspense
Author: Robert Barnard 
ISBN: 9781439176740
Pages: 256
Release Date: June 8, 2010
Publisher: Scribner
Genre: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Kip was adopted by a loving family at the tender age of three.  On her deathbed, Kip’s mother reveals the identity of Kip’s birth family.  Naturally, he pursues this lead, curious about their circumstances and what brought them to give him up for adoption.  Once he makes contact with his birth mother, Kip is shocked to discover that he was abducted from that family.  Faced with this information, Kip begins digging into his past to understand exactly what happened to him as a child.

Review:

Robert Barnard’s A Stranger in the Family is an excellent novel, full of suspense but not exactly your standard mystery/thriller.  Barnard’s writing style is much too literary for that classification, and while I’d hesitate to call it literary fiction, it definitely doesn’t belong with the mass market paperback mysteries.  It’s a tightly written novel; Barnard certainly doesn’t mince words, which is how he packs such a complicated story into a sub-300 page book.

Kip was certainly an interesting character.  Anyone could understand what was spurring him on – after all, he had nothing to lose by pursuing the secrets of his abduction/adoption since both of his adoptive parents were dead.  There isn’t a lot of character development in the book, as the focus is on Kip’s search, but he seems to be a bright young man who certainly is resourceful.  He also comes across as a bit brusque.  A few times, I was surprised by his short responses to perfectly friendly people.  While it does give the reader some insight into his personality (he likely doesn’t care for small talk), it doesn’t necessarily reflect well on him.

I really appreciated the twists and turns that Barnard wrote into A Stranger in the Family.  The book ended up in a place I completely didn’t expect, which I loved.  It was a lot of fun to read, and I liked that Kip was smart enough to understand how the all the disparate threads tied together. 

A Stranger in the Family is a fun read and great if you’re looking for something quick.  It doesn’t take a long time, especially since readers will race through it to discover the answers to the multiple puzzles presented in the novel, but it’s definitely worthwhile and I’m glad I read it.  I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Barnard’s future works.

Title: The Little Giant of Aberdeen County
Author: Tiffany Baker
ISBN: 9780446194228
Pages: 368
Release Date: January 8, 2009
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: Publicist
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Truly Plaice is a giant with a hard of gold.  Growing up in the small town of Aberdeen wasn’t easy – adults didn’t know what to do with her and children teased her for her unnatural girth.  It didn’t help that her sister, Serena Jane, was beautiful, and compared to her, Truly was all the more strange and horrifying.  As Truly grows, she begins to understand her place in the world and realize everything isn’t as bad as it seems.

Review:

I’ve been hearing great things about The Little Giant of Aberdeen County since its release, but I wasn’t entirely sure it was for me.  While the subject seemed interesting, it seemed like a narrative full of pain, and I didn’t want to be sad while reading it.  I’m glad to say that The Little Giant of Aberdeen County was a rewarding novel that was both hopeful and uplifting. 

Truly was a well-written and sympathetic character.  The reader can’t help but really feel for her as she is faced with one hardship after another.  Truth be told, this is a difficult book to read at times – there is a lot of pain and death in this book.  But Baker does a wonderful job making sure it is never dark or full of despair.  The book really centers around death in a lot of ways; Baker explores the subject fully in this novel and tries to examine the reason people die, as well as what they live for.

Admittedly, I did have some issues with the writing of this novel.  Specifically, the book is narrated by Truly in first person, which works well.  The reader really gets a glimpse inside her head, and gets to know her that much better because the novel is told from her point of view.  But at the same time, she is omniscient – she narrates events that she isn’t present for and has no knowledge of.  It’s a little jarring, though I can’t say this novel would have worked better told in the third person because I really did enjoy getting into Truly’s mind.

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County is a rewarding novel about the importance of inner beauty, rather than focusing on physical features.  Truly is so beautiful on the inside that the reader forgets what she looks like on the outside.  Unfortunately, we are pulled back into reality by the reactions of the many of the book’s characters to her; they don’t take the time to get to know her like the reader does.  It’s worth spending that time with Truly, to understand her and the beauty of this novel.

Title: Changes (Dresden Files, Book 12)
Author: Jim Butcher
ISBN: 9780451463173
Pages: 448
Release Date: April 6, 2010 
Publisher: Roc
Genre: Fantasy
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

When Harry receives a phone call from his former girlfriend and unrequited love Susan Rodriguez, he is surprised, considering he never expected to hear from her again.  What’s even more shocking is what she has to say – Red Court vampires have kidnapped their daughter.  The thing is, Harry never even knew he had a daughter until that moment, but when faced the the prospect of her horrible death, Harry will go to the farthest lengths in order to get her back.

Review:

The title of the twelfth novel in The Dresden Files (reviews of Small Favor and Turn Coat) is incredibly apt.  This book is a game changer.  From the very first lines of the novel, it is clear that Harry’s life won’t be the same ever again.  The choices he makes in this book in order to protect his daughter, while understandable, are shocking.  Butcher clearly isn’t playing it safe with these books, taking risks that keep the series fresh.  They certainly do make things interesting.

At this point in a series, you’d think that there wouldn’t be much character development left for the main persona, but Jim Butcher proves his talent by adding yet another layer to the complicated man that is Harry Dresden.  We all knew he was loyal and dedicated, but this book shows just how far he is willing to go to protect someone he cares about, especially if he feels responsible for them.

There’s not much more I can say about this book without giving away significant portions of the plot, so I will just say that Changes is a thrill ride from beginning to end.  Jim Butcher has crafted yet another amazing book and has once again left me wanting more, eagerly anticipating the next novel in this incredible series. 

If you haven’t given this series a chance yet, I can’t recommend it highly enough.  The first book in the series is called Storm Front, and you should definitely pick it up as soon as possible.  The Dresden Files is clever and witty, and is probably my favorite series currently being written.  Run, don’t walk, to your nearest library or bookstore, whether you’re starting the series or in the middle of it.  You definitely won’t regret it.

Title: Baltimore Blues (Tess Monaghan Mysteries)
Author: Laura Lippman
ISBN: 9780380788750
Pages: 304
Release Date: February 1, 1997
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Mystery
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Tess Monaghan has been in a funk ever since she was laid off from her job two years ago.  While she enjoyed being a reporter, she hasn’t really decided what she wants to do next.  However, when a friend of Tess’s becomes the prime suspect in a bloody murder, she finds herself drawn into the case and testing her skills as a private investigator.

Review:

I’m a huge fan of Laura Lippman’s standalone novels, so I was eager to give her Tess Monaghan series a try.  While her detective novel didn’t provide the same atmospheric experience as What the Dead Know and Every Secret Thing, it was still an engaging and fun read.

I absolutely loved the character of Tess.  She was driven, resourceful, and refused to leave any stone unturned when it came to discovering the truth.  However, she was also unsure of herself and hesitant to take risks on her own behalf.  Since losing her job, Tess had been living in a kind of limbo, waiting for something to happen to her rather than seeking out opportunities.  She was stuck in a rut, settling for mediocre when she had the potential to be great.

Having this mystery fall into her lap really changed things for Tess.  She realized she didn’t like the person she was becoming, willing to accept handouts rather than get a job and provide for herself.  I loved the process of self-discovery in this novel as well as how Tess comes to terms with her life and the person she wants to be.

The mystery in Baltimore Blues was also very well done.  Lippman had me guessing from beginning to end.  I also liked how much the Baltimore setting played into the book as a whole.

Baltimore Blues was an enjoyable novel and a great start to a series.  I will definitely be going back to read the rest of the books to see what Tess Monaghan gets herself into next.

In conjunction with TLC Book Tours, I have one copy of Hidden Wives to give away to a lucky winner!

To enter, please fill out the form below.  Comments on this post will not be counted towards entry!  Because this is coming straight from the publisher, US/Canada only please.  This contest runs until Saturday, July 24.  I’ll pick a winner on July 25.  I will not share the information you give me with anyone.  Good luck!

Title: Hidden Wives
Author: Claire Avery
ISBN: 9780765326898
Pages: 336
Release Date: June 8, 2010
Publisher: Forge
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: TLC Book Tours 
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Sara lives in the Blood of the Lamb polygamous sect in rural Utah.  Though she’s only fifteen, she’s past the age where most girls in the community have been married.  The only thing that’s keeping her unmarried is the fact that her older sister, Rachel, is also unmarried.  Rachel is exceptionally beautiful, and as a result, many men have received testimony from God in order to marry her.  When the Prophet reveals who Sara will marry, it horrifies her.  She begins to question her upbringing and the community she was raised in, hoping that one day she’ll be able to escape.

Review:

I’ve read a few books about polygamous communities, and all have been pretty horrifying.  From David Ebershoff’s The 19th Wife to Carol Lynch Williams’ The Chosen One, these books portray a society so foreign and repulsive, it’s hard to believe that the stories within these novels are actually taking place somewhere in the United States.  Hidden Wives has a “ripped from the headlines” feel to it; it’s dramatic and eye-opening.

The two main characters in Hidden Wives are Sara and Rachel, though there are other narrators interspersed throughout the story.  Sara begins to question her faith and the community’s practices very early in the novel.  Having attended public school outside the community and embraced it, she realizes that they are very different from everyone else.  Rachel, on the other hand, is much more of a sheep.  She truly believes in the Prophet and their religion, as well as the sanctity of plural (or celestial) marriage.  It takes a lot to shake her faith, and even once that happens, she is still worried about apostasy and going to hell. 

Avery (the author Claire Avery is actually the pseudonym of two sisters, but for the purposes of this review, I’ll refer to them as “Avery”) develops these characters well, really endearing them to the reader.  Having two main characters is also very effective – Sara is the protagonist, trying to bring change.  Rachel is the other side of the spectrum, a perfect example of how indoctrinated these girls are.  Looking at her, it’s easier to understand why more women don’t try to escape these horrible conditions.

Hidden Wives is a tense, suspenseful read.  Sometimes I felt like the events portrayed were unrealistic (for example, how quickly Sara accepted an African American boy, when she’d been taught from birth they were basically the spawn of Satan), but in general it’s a gripping read.  The abuse that these women have to endure is simply heartbreaking.  It’s not a book for the faint of heart, but it’s certainly a detailed and well-researched look at a polygamous community.

Title: The House of Subadar
Author: Vijay Medtia
ISBN: 9781901969276
Pages: 250
Release Date: April 1, 2007
Publisher: Arcadia Books
Genre: Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction
Source: Author
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

After serving an eight year sentence for murdering a man who threatened to violate his mother, Veer Subadar is out on parole.  Along with his friend Mohan, he sets off to Punjab to reunite with his family.  Upon arriving, Veer learns that his family has fallen on hard times and is ready to leave for Bombay in order to find work.

Review:

I’m always on the lookout for new books about South Asia, so when Vijay Medtia contacted me about reviewing his debut novel, I was more than eager to give it a try. 

In The House of Subadar, Medtia beautifully displays both the highest hopes and the deepest despair of the Subadar family, and how both emotions can coexist side by side.  The family is desperate to find work, and find some peace, but both seem to be lacking in modern-day India.  Through the story of this one family, the reader begins to understand more about the plight of rural citizens of India, and what urban flight is doing to the country.

There is also a lot of violence present in The House of Subadar, though it is never gratuitous.  India is a young country with real stability problems, especially when it comes to relations between Muslims and Hindus.  These issues are too deep to delve into, and Medtia doesn’t really address the source of the problem in the book, but he doesn’t need to.  By portraying the tensions without explaining where they come from, he successfully depicts how it’s just become a way of life in India.  There’s no reason for the people to analyze the situation because that’s how it’s been as long as anyone can remember. 

Medtia’s prose is crisp and precise, and really serves to highlight the desperate atmosphere of the novel.  Just as there is no work, there is also no room for any extra words.  That doesn’t mean that this is a spare novel though; Medtia’s descriptions are bold and vivid, bringing India to life for the reader.

There’s a lot more I could discuss about The House of Subadar – the importance of family, the customs it portrays, the character development – but I’ll stop myself here.  It’s a well-written, engaging debut novel that anyone interested in cultural tales would enjoy.

Title: Leaving Unknown: A Novel
Author: Kerry Reichs
ISBN: 9780061808135
Pages: 368
Release Date: March 30, 2010
Publisher: Avon A
Genre: Chick Lit
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

When she’s fired from her job and her parents refuse to bail her out once again, Maeve Connelly decides it’s time to leave her beloved home state of North Carolina.  Her destination?  Los Angeles, California.  She embarks on an epic roadtrip, visiting towns with memorable names.  When her car breaks down in Unknown, Arizona, Maeve temporarily settles down in order to pay for the repairs.  But when she starts thinking of Unknown as home, will she be able to set down roots or will she run, like she always does?

Review:

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a good chick lit novel, so I was excited to start Leaving Unknown.  I love these types of stories, about women who settle down somewhere new and find a place to call home, and I was pleased that this book did not disappoint.

Maeve was a wonderful character, though she did bother me at the beginning of the novel.  She seemed to have no direction and was aimlessly wandering, expecting others to bail her out when things got tough.  But as the novel progressed, it was clear how much she relied on herself and how strong she could be.  Then, after she’d completely won me over, Reichs changed the game completely by revealing a secret from Maeve’s past.  If Reichs had chosen to reveal it earlier, the reader’s relationship with Maeve would have been completely different.  I absolutely loved the way this was done, and how it changed everything.

The story of Leaving Unknown was solid as well.  Mostly, it was Maeve’s journey to come to terms with her past, and what she considers her horribly bad luck.  There were some wonderful secondary characters along the way that really made the reading experience colorful and fun.  I have to admit, I thought the last few chapters of the book dragged because I knew exactly how the book was going to end, but once I was finished I appreciated how Reichs tied up the story and brought Maeve some closure.

Leaving Unknown was a light, enjoyable read with a lot of heart.  Reichs writes her characters well, and readers will find themselves emotionally invested in Maeve’s journey.  It’s a book that perfectly showcases chick lit’s mature, sophisticated side, free of boyfriend quests, glitzy jewelry, and brand name dropping.  Fans of chick lit and women’s fiction, as well as novels of self-discovery, will really enjoy this book.

Lava fields at Volcanoes National Park on the big island of Hawaii

For more Wordless Wednesdays, click here

Title: Perfect Reader: A Novel
Author: Maggie Pouncey
ISBN: 9780307378743
Pages: 288
Release Date: June 15, 2010
Publisher: Pantheon
Genre: Literary Fiction
Source: Amazon Vine
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

When Flora Dempsey’s father dies, she returns to her hometown in order to settle his will and understand what exactly being his literary executor means.  Her father was the former president of Darwin College, so he was famous in the community.  Flora feels ambivalent about returning and facing the ghosts of her past, and is surprised to discover facets of her father’s life she knew nothing about.

Review:

I love academic settings for books, so I jumped at the chance to read Perfect Reader.  (Plus, as an avid reader, how could I not be captured by that title?)  Pouncey’s descriptions and atmospheric portrayal of the college town were simply wonderful.  The reader could smell the musty books in the library, taste the strength of the coffee at the local campus coffee shop.  Additionally, Pouncey really gave the reader a sense of the somewhat claustrophobic nature of a small college town.  Even if something is your private business, chances are, everyone is going to know what it is by the end of the day.

The focus of Perfect Reader is on relationships and how complicated they can be.  Part of the book consists of flashbacks to times when Flora’s father was still alive.  Through these glimpses into her past, the reader can really get a sense of what her father was like, and what the nature of their connection was.  Additionally, Pouncey depicts Flora’s friendship with a local girl, Georgia, and how it shaped Flora.  These relationships are key to understanding Flora as she is today.

Though I did enjoy Perfect Reader, I had a little trouble with Flora.  She wasn’t developed well enough for my tastes, and as a result I had trouble connecting with her.  Since this is a character driven novel, that made the book languish at times.  I did like her and I was invested in her story.  I just would have appreciated more of an emotional connection with her.

Perfect Reader was a solid novel that I enjoyed, despite my hesitations about Flora.  The academic setting and Flora’s quest to be the perfect reader for her father’s poems are wonderful aspects of the book.  Fans of lighter literary fiction and books set in academia should consider this book.

Number of book reviews posted: 30
Number of books read:  36
Number of pages read: 12,480

5 Star Review:

Posts:

A Dry Read: New Books for Nashville 

BBAW Entry Post

BEA 2010: Oh, the Books!

South Asian Challenge: Looking Forward

Summer Reading List

List of book reviews: (in alphabetical order by author’s last name)

The Lost Girls – Jennifer Baggett, Holly Corbett, & Amanda Pressner

A Year on Ladybug Farm – Donna Ball

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake – Aimee Bender

The Lies We Told – Diane Chamberlain

The Passage – Justin Cronin

Postcards from a Dead Girl – Kirk Farber

Half Life – Roopa Farooki

Heart of the Matter – Emily Giffin

Promises to Keep – Jane Green

Leaving India – Minal Hajratwala

Unaccustomed Earth – Jhumpa Lahiri

Stay – Allie Larkin

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest – Stieg Larsson

Lavinia – Ursula K. Le Guin

The Book of Spies – Gayle Lynds

The Poet Prince – Kathleen McGowan

Needles and Pearls – Gil McNeil

Heaven – Lisa Miller

V for Vendetta – Alan Moore & Dave Lloyd

Spooky Little Girl – Laurie Notaro

Heresy – S.J. Parris

A Curtain Falls – Stefanie Pintoff

Beneath the Sands of Egypt – Donald P. Ryan

The One That I Want – Allison Winn Scotch

Fireworks Over Toccoa – Jeffrey Stepakoff

Beachcombers – Nancy Thayer

Waiting for Columbus – Thomas Trofimuk

Climbing the Stairs – Padma Venkatraman

Bruno, Chief of Police – Martin Walker

A Vintage Affair – Isabel Wolff

Books I’ve read this month: (in alphabetical order by author’s last name)

And Only To Deceive – Tasha Alexander

The Lost Girls – Jennifer Baggett, Holly Corbett, & Amanda Pressner

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County – Tiffany Baker

A Stranger in the Family – Robert Barnard

Changes – Jim Butcher

Insatiable – Meg Cabot

Seven Year Switch – Claire Cook

Sea Escape – Lynne Griffin

29 – Adena Halpern

Living Dead in Dallas – Charlaine Harris

Kiss in the Dark – Lauren Henderson

Between the Tides – Patti Callahan Henry

Stay – Allie Larkin

Lavinia – Ursula K. Le Guin

Baltimore Blues – Laura Lippmann

The Book of Spies – Gayle Lynds

The House of Subadar – Vijay Medtia

V for Vendetta – Alan Moore & Dave Lloyd

A Gate at the Stairs – Lorrie Moore

Riding Rockets – Mike Mullane

1st to Die – James Patterson

Rampant – Diana Peterfreund

Perfect Reader – Maggie Pouncey

Leaving Unknown – Kerry Reichs

Day for Night – Frederick Reiken

The Battle of the Labyrinth – Rick Riordan

The Last Olympian – Rick Riordan

The House on Oyster Creek – Heidi Jon Schmidt

The Lost Chalice – Vernon Silver

The Woman Who Fell From the Sky – Jennifer Steil

America – Jon Stewart

Kept – D.J. Taylor

Beachcombers – Nancy Thayer

The Whole Wide Beauty – Emily Woof

The Messenger of Athens – Anne Zouroudi

The Space Between Us – Thrity Umrigar

Title: A Gate at the Stairs
Author: Lorrie Moore
ISBN: 9780375409288
Pages: 336
Release Date: September 1, 2009
Publisher: Knopf
Genre: Literary Fiction
Source: Curled Up With a Good Book
Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary:

Tassie Keltjin is an undergraduate student living in a Midwestern university town. Needing some extra money, she decides to take a job as a part-time nanny for a childless couple looking to adopt. Sarah Brink is a chef who has her own restaurant, while Edward specializes in eye cancer research. Tassie travels with the two to visit their potential babies and birth mothers, and begins to see the quirks that characterize this family. As she experiences her own coming-of-age, Tassie becomes part of this new, slightly unbalanced family.

Review:

Lorrie Moore’s novel The Gate at the Stairs is an interesting look at a girl and her coming-of-age in Midwestern America. Moore tackles a multitude of subjects here – there is racism, and even more interestingly, a reverse racism where different races are used specifically for their diversity. There’s also an exploration of the nanny-child relationship and what happens when a child looks to her caregiver rather than her mother for support. There’s plenty of wit present in this novel as well. Moore injects a good amount of humor in this book, and more often than not the reader will be left smirking from the unique conversations and plot points in the novel.

However, The Gate at the Stairs also has many flaws which prevent it from being a great work of literary fiction.  First, there is barely a plot to hold this book together. The real driving force is the mystery behind Sarah and Edward, and it fizzles very quickly. The book meanders at its own, plodding pace, never really coming to a point. There’s a lot of description, but not a lot going on to describe. Additionally, Moore’s writing is extremely florid and unnecessarily verbose. She uses sentences when a mere phrase would do. Also, the sheer number of similes and metaphors are overwhelming. The metaphor in the title, The Gate at the Stairs, along with all the others present in the novel, is clear early on and doesn’t need to be reinforced so many time.

The Gate at the Stairs was, above all, Tassie’s coming-of-age story, though the frequent, sometimes aimless subplots take away from this main goal. It’s a book that shows a lot of promise, but the execution is flawed. Here’s hoping that Lorrie Moore’s next effort has some tighter editing and a more straightforward story.

I can’t believe we’re already in the second week of July – where has this month gone?  I’m actually glad July is passing quickly though.  My final for my (horrible) class is July 27, but before then, I have to write a ridiculously long paper (it’s taken me 3 days just to gather data for it) and put together a presentation.  I also have to do at least 2-3 more rounds of editing on my thesis.  I’m going to be finished with my Master’s degree at the end of July and am going to take a much-needed break from work and school in August.  I’m going to be traveling quite a bit again in August, which I feel ambivalent about.  I’m excited to be going the places I’m going, but at the same time, I just want to stay home and catch up on reading and blogging.

I haven’t been reading much at all because I’ve been consumed by school, and was in Houston last weekend.  We went to visit some of my husband’s family.  My husband’s uncle is an astronaut, so we got a behind-the-scenes tour of Johnson Space Center, which was really amazing.  I’ll put together a post at some point, though it may be after this crazy month is over!

I’m currently running two giveaways.  The first is for 4 books by Thrity Umrigar, and the second is for 2 books by Lynne Griffin.  Please use the forms to enter, as comments on the posts won’t count!

Reviews posted this week: