Musings of a Bookish Kitty: October 2010

Monday, October 25, 2010

Monday Miscellaneous

It was a dark and stormy night . . . The most perfect setting for the Readers Imbibing Peril (R.I.P.) Challenge hosted by Carl V. of Stainless Steel Droppings, wouldn't you say? I am glad I was able to participate in the challenge this year. I met my requirement of reading four books over the course of the challenge (and then some), each with their own combination of suspense and thrill. A couple even had quite a bit of chill!

Peril the First:
Damaged by Pamela Callow (review pending)
Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child
The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
Damaged by Alex Kava (review pending)
Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist
The Art of Disappearing by Ivy Pochoda

Short Story Peril:
"The Pit and the Pendulum" by Edgar Allan Poe
"Best New Horror" by Joe Hill
"20th Century Ghost" by Joe Hill
"Pop Art" by Joe Hill

Other books I reviewed over the course of the challenge (September 1st through October 31st) that technically would have qualified for the challenge had I not read them before I signed up include:
On the Edge by Ilona Andrews
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
Dead Politician Society by Robin Spano

I discovered author Joe Hill over the course of the challenge, finally getting a chance to read some of his work and so far am quite impressed. In fact, many of the authors I read for this challenge are new to me this year. It would be impossible for me to pick a favorite--and since I enjoyed each and every one, I am unable to list a least favorite either!

Many thanks to Carl V. for hosting this fun challenge!

Did you read any scary or spooky books this fall?

As autumn is in full swing, many people are turning their sights to the upcoming winter holidays. Sign ups for two book blogger exchanges are under way now. If you haven't, be sure and check them out.

Kate of the Neverending Shelf is hosting the Booklovers Secret Santa 2010 again this year. Participants are assigned partners and each will give the other a book for the holidays. The book can be used or new.

In addition to--or instead of if you're looking to save money but still want a little something special in the mail this holiday season--Anastasia of Birdbrain[ed] Book Blog is hosting a Book Bloggers Holiday Card Exchange, where book blogger are partnered with other book bloggers to exchange holiday cards. You can choose to send as few as one card or as many as five.

Sure sounds like fun to me!

I am unplugging for the week and will be back in November.
Have a great week and happy reading!

© 2010, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Friday Fill-In Fun

Graphic courtesy of Tonya!
*Click on the image above graphic to get to the Friday Fill-In headquarters, hosted by Janet!*

1. One of my strongest beliefs is that literacy builds a better society.

2. My tummy is starting to get huge!

3. The sky is cloudy with a threat of rain and wind and cold, so it's the perfect time to curl up with a suspense novel.

4. A steaming hot shower after an extra long day at the office is comforting to me.

5. I always thought I'd be a covert operative investigating a secret plot to takeover the world. Alas, there were no secret plots to be found.

6. My cat Parker insisted I follow him; he led me straight to the back door, so I scooped him up in my arms and then we went outside to look at the full moon.

7. And as for the weekend, today I'm looking forward to enjoying a day free of doctor's appointments and other commitments (except maybe a few must-do chores around the house); tomorrow my plans include dragging Anjin around looking at baby cribs; and Sunday, I want to write a couple of book reviews and catch up on my blog hopping!

It's been one of those weeks. You know the kind. I have been battling a cold the last several days, most recently a nasty cough, and my lack of sleep has caught up with me. It was a long week at work and yesterday was especially exhausting. So it was with a little bit of reluctance that I detoured by the mailbox yesterday evening, sure all I'd be met with was an empty box. Instead I found a package. And not just any package. It was from my dear friend and fellow blogger, Melody of Melody's Reading Corner. I confess I got teary-eyed when I saw what was inside the box . . .

Thank you so much, Melody!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Short Story Thursday: "20th Century Ghost" & "Pop Art" by Joe Hill

"20th Century Ghost" & "Pop Art" by Joe Hill (from 20th Century Ghosts)

Alec Sheldon first saw the ghost of Imogene Gilchrist when he was 15. He became obsessed, bought the movie theater she appeared in and collected stories of sightings. He could tell the made up stories from the real ones. Imogene had loved movies. She was nineteen when she died. Many people have been touched by Imogene's ghost, their lives taking them in directions they may or may not have gone otherwise.

The theater isn't doing so well anymore and soon may face closure. Alec wonders what will happen to Imogene if the doors close for the final time . . .

I've said it before and I will say it again: I just love Joe Hill's writing style. I have come to appreciate short stories the more I read them and Joe Hill only enhances that appreciation. The short story, "20th Century Ghost", has all the elements I like in a short story: good characterization, an interesting setting and a great story, at once full of a quiet suspense and thoughtfulness. There are several little pop culture references, some less obvious than others that I found amusing.

With this story, the author offers a different side to his imagination. This is not a horror story rather something else all together--and to say exactly what would spoil the ending. I read the last line with a smile on my face and a little tear in the corner of my eye.

"Pop Art" is yet another different sort of story. I'm not sure calling it a ghost story is appropriate. Art Roth is the narrator's best friend and confidant. He's also inflatable. Art is unable to talk (no mouth) and so must rely on writing his thoughts down. He wears a pad of paper around his neck and carries crayons in his pocket for just this purpose. Art is picked on at school because of his special nature. He's different and vulnerable.

The two make a good match--one tough and a loner and the other ostracized by his condition. The two met in sixth grade and spent much of their time talking--well, one talked, and the other wrote notes. The narrator comes from a dysfunctional home, his dad mean and a deadbeat. Art's parents are musicians and supportive. One day a terrible incident occurs leaving Art less than what he once was. It burns his friend that he was unable to stop it. Art, who has always been obsessed with death, knows his day is coming.

The story may seem silly on the surface, but it carries with it very serious themes. While at times funny, Art's story is a sad one. In real life, he could be that child who is forced to face bullies everyday for being different, worn down by the pressures and stresses he faced every day. In this story, I also saw a narrator who was lonely and afraid, trying to be tough on the outside.

It crossed my mind that Art was perhaps just an imaginary friend and the narrator was telling us his own story, but the story is not written that way. And that makes it all the more interesting.

Read for the Readers Imbibing Peril (R.I.P.) Challenge.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan

Few in town agreed on when the battle began. The matchmaker believed it started the morning after the wedding, when Eva took all of Meridia's gold and left her with thirteen meters of silk. The fortune-teller, backed by his crystal globe swore that Eva's eyes did not turn pitiless until Meridia drenched them in goose blood three months later. The midwife championed another theory: The feud started the day Meridia held her newborn son with such pride that Eva felt the need to humble her. But no matter how loudly the townspeople debated, the answer remained a mystery--and the two women themselves were to blame. Meridia said little, and Eva offered conflicting explanations, which confirmed the town's suspicion that neither of them could actually remember. [opening paragraph]

Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan
Simon & Schuster, 2009
Fiction, 416 pgs

From the author's website:

Of Bees and Mist is an engrossing fable that chronicles three generations of women under one family tree and places them in a mythical town where spirits and spells, witchcraft and demons, and prophets and clairvoyance are an everyday reality.

Meridia grows up in a lonely home until she falls in love with Daniel at age sixteen. Soon, they marry, and Meridia can finally escape to live with her charming husband’s family—unaware that they harbor dark mysteries of their own. As Meridia struggles to embrace her life as a young bride, she discovers long-kept secrets about her own past as well as shocking truths about her new family that push her love, courage, and sanity to the brink.

Erick Setiawan’s astonishing debut is a richly atmospheric and tumultuous ride of hope and heartbreak that is altogether touching, truthful, and memorable.

I love the title, Of Bees and Mist. It's lyrical and mysterious. And so it was with great eagerness that I looked forward to reading Erick Setiawan's novel. It's garnered much praise, both by critics and book bloggers. I was sure it was a book I would love to. Only I didn't. I wanted to. But like every reader, occasionally I come across a book that I am unable to connect with no matter how hard I try.

This isn't a review of the book, not really, because I did not finish it. So, it wouldn't be fair for me to write an actual review. I managed to read half of the book, and what I did read was well written, beautiful at times. And there were moments when I thought perhaps this was it, this was the moment I would be pulled in, but it never was. It finally reached the point where reading the book felt more like a chore. I pushed on, hoping my interest would grow, however it never happened. Finally, I made the tough decision to give up.

I hate giving up on books. I rarely do it, and therefore it is always with a certain amount of guilt that I do so, especially since this is a book I committed to reading for a book tour. I wish I could offer you more constructive reasons why this book didn't work for me, but the truth is that it isn't so easy to put into words. Not every book is a good match for every person. Sometimes the timing is all wrong. Whatever the reason, I was unable to connect with Of Bees and Mist.

Many people really liked this book and their opinions should not be discounted. I can think of many of you who this book might appeal to, in fact. Take a look at these reviews for a better taste of what's in store for you if you read Of Bees and Mist:

Book Chatter
Booklicious
Dolce Bellezza
In the Shadow of Mt. TBR
Joyfully Retired
Life by Candlelight
Life . . . with Books
Stephanie's Written World

You can learn more about Erick Setiawan and his book on the author's website. You can also find him on Facebook. I hope you will check out what others had to say on the TLC Book Tours route!

Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. Book for review provided by the publisher.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tuesday Tangents: Pregnancy, Vet Visits, Cell Phones, & Candy

Tuesday Tangents is hosted by Florinda of The 3 R's Blog

A couple of months ago, my husband and I were discussing whether girls or boys are more difficult to raise. I mentioned this to a coworker one day and she immediately responded, "Girl!" Her reason: because you have to prepare girls to find a decent man and be a good wife.

My cats seem to be a source of disapproval. I have received a number of surprised looks when I respond in the affirmative that we will be keeping the cats (and the dog) even after the baby is born.

Requesting that people not touch my belly without asking only serves as a challenge for some evidently.

Since I became pregnant, it's become even more obvious how process oriented I am. When my husband and I are out and about, he'll smile when he sees a baby while I am more interested in the pregnant woman I caught sight of. I can't help but wonder how far along she is, will I get that big, and can she relate to this or that symptom I've been having? My friend says this will change once I am further along.

Anya had a veterinarian appointment this past weekend to see if the decrease in medication affected her red cell count. Unfortunately it did. She's going to go a couple more weeks with the decreased dosage to see if she stabilizes; however, if she doesn't, we'll put her back on the full dosage.

Anya was put on a diet two weeks ago by the veterinarian. She's gained a couple of ounces since then. My feeling is that she is showing her support to me and doesn't want me to be alone in the weight gain. Especially now that Anjin is determined to lose weight too. I'm not sure the vet agrees.

Anjin and I spent Saturday interviewing prospective child care providers. I went armed with a long list of questions, which I'm sure the providers are used to especially when dealing with new parents.

Anjin and I have never had a camera on our cell phones--until now. I have discovered it's a dangerous weapon in the hands of my husband. Instead of aiming the camera at me, he'd be wise to aim it in the direction of the animals. Or maybe the lizard who has taken up residence right outside our front door.

Having a phone with e-mail and Twitter capabilities is a dream come true. And also a curse. Now I'll be checking my e-mail every five minutes. So, why haven't you e-mailed me?

Halloween is a terrible holiday. Tootsie Rolls. Rollos. Mini candy bars. Too much tempting candy around!

What have you been up to? Any random thoughts you would like to share?

Monday, October 18, 2010

From Book to Film: Let the Right One In

Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist

St. Martin's Griffin, 2008 (English translated version)
Horror; 480 pgs

I like horror novels now and then. I prefer the psychological variety to the blood and gore type novels. I confess to finding the gory ones a bit ridiculous and so find more humor in them than a sense of fear.

Most of the novels I read that involve vampires don't really count as horror. I suppose some of the dark urban fantasy novels I read could fall into that category to some degree. When I first began reading Let the Right One In, I wasn't really sure what I was in for. It has that definite suspense/thriller feel to it. There's a mystery too. The horror of the novel crept up on me and by the end, there was no question what type of book Lindqvist has written.

Usually I have no problem keeping characters straight, but I was a tad confused at first with the way the novel jumps around, especially at the beginning. I'm still not sure I figured out who everyone was, but that didn't hurt my enjoyment of the novel.

Oskar is a 13 year old boy living in the suburb of Blackeberg. He has a fascination murderers, often dreaming of being a killer himself. It's no wonder really, given he's the victim of bullies at school who wants nothing more than to hurt those who hurt him. Oskar has no friends and leads a lonely existence. Until, that is, he meets Eli, his twelve year old neighbor who seems just as much an outcast as he is. Eli is not your typical 12 year old. There is something odd about Eli, which Oskar senses right away, and yet he can't put his finger on it.

The town they live in is in high alert because of the recent death of a boy in a neighboring suburb. It appears to be the work of a serial killer, and when another body, this time of an older man, the police are sure they are right. Other strange things begin to occur as well, raising suspicion and adding confusion. Only a couple begin to wonder if they have a vampire in their midst. After all, vampires aren't real, are they?

Let the Right One In is very dark and not for the faint of heart. It isn't the violence, although it can be violent at times, which makes it so. The pedophilia will turn just about anyone's stomach. It isn't glamorized and it certainly has its part in the story--but, well, it's impossible not to feel disgusted by it all the same. There is also a scene involving cats which isn't at all pretty. I skimmed over that part quickly, something I don't often do, but it was just too disturbing for my sensibilities.

The novel was never without suspense and there was always that underlying creepiness. I liked the first half of the novel more than I did the second but thought it was good overall. I think that had a lot to do with a shift in focus--the novel being more suspense/thriller in the first half and becoming more definitely horror in the second half.

After reading the book, I wasn't so sure I wanted to see the movie after all. But I couldn't resist. And I probably should have. The movie was okay. Set in Sweden, the landscape was breathtaking--all that snow--just how I pictured it as I read the book. The book is on the long side and the movie, just under 2 hours long, wasn't nearly enough time to cover everything in the novel, which was to be expected. And I wasn't too surprised that some of the themes running through the book were completely left out of the film. Those types of things don't generally bother me. I can easily enjoy movies and books in their separate mediums, even while making comparisons.

I did find the movie lacking though. It didn't hold the same suspense I felt while reading the book or that constant feeling of creepiness. I do have to give credit though to the fact that the relationship between Oskar and Eli was very well played--two lonely souls coming together in friendship. The movie really brought home the bond the two had formed.

I am not sure I will be watching the American version (I saw an ad for it the other day). I think the running title is Let Me In. It doesn't quite have the same ring to it as Let the Right One In, if you ask me. And, well, I'm not a big horror movie fan.

Let the Right One In
Drama, Thriller/Horror, Mystery - 2008 (Norway) (rated R)
Directed by Tomas Aldredson
Written by John Ajvide Lindqvist

Source: Book provided by the LibraryThing's Early Reviewer Program. Movie rented through Netflix by myself.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Review: The Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill

He climbed the stairs and started back down the hall to the bedroom. His gaze drifted to an old man, sitting in an antique Shaker chair against the wall. As soon as Jude saw him, his pulse lunged in alarm, and he looked away, fixed his gaze on he bedroom door, so he could only see the old man from the edge of his vision. In the moments that followed, Jude felt it was a mater of leife and death not to make eye contact with the old man, to give no sign tha he saw him. He did not see him, Jude told himself. There was no one there. [pg 29-30]

Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
William Morrow, 2007
Horror; 376 pgs

I remember when Joe Hill's Heart-Shaped Box came out. It was all the buzz. Nearly everyone loved it and couldn't stop talking about it, or so it seemed. I love the premise of the novel. A man who likes to collect macabre things, buys a ghost through a website auction. He gets much more than he bargained for.

What transpires is a nightmare of a story that builds in intensity as it goes. The suit carrying the ghost wasn't meant to belong to just anyone, as Jude soon finds out. His past comes back to haunt him in more ways than one. It took a while for the main character to grow on me. He wasn't the most likable person initially. He is a former rock star who has hurt his share of people over the years, one who goes through women like they are potato chips. His current girlfriend is the young Marybeth, nicknamed Georgia, after the state she is from as all of SS's past girlfriends were. She's a feisty woman, not easily shaken. As the story progresses, however, the reader sees a different side to Jude. He's not quite as tough and despicable as he at first may seem. And by the end, I was definitely rooting for him and Marybeth (and, of course, the dogs).

The ghost himself was scary in his own right. There was a subtleness to the horror initially which grew until it boiled over near the end. This is not a novel for the faint of heart.

Heart-Shaped Box got off to a slow start for me, but I cannot pinpoint why. The novel is very well written and the pacing was perfect for the type of novel it was. The characters were well developed and although the story was at times predictable, it was never lacking in suspense or imagination. By the time I reached the second half of the book, I didn't want to put it down. And I loved the way it all came together in the end, including the wrap up.

I can see why so many people sing Joe Hill's praises. He definitely has a gift for writing a creepy, entertaining and frightening story.

For more information about Joe Hill and his books, visit the author's website.

Read for the Readers Imbibing Peril (R.I.P.) Challenge

Source: I purchased this book a couple of years ago from a book club.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Wordless Wednesday: Hand Me Downs

Once Mine, Soon to be my Daughter's

Hosted by Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Review: Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child

Suicide bombers are easy to spot. They give out all kinds of telltale signs. Mostly because they're nervous. By definition they are all first-timers. [first paragraph of Gone Tomorrow]

Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child
Dell, 2009
Crime Fiction; 576 pgs

Like John Sanford, Lee child is one of the authors I have wanted to try for a while now but never seemed to get around to reading. When Gone Tomorrow came my way, I couldn't resist--even if it meant jumping into a series 13 books in. Fortunately, Gone Tomorrow is one of those series books that stands alone just fine. Although, I have to admit that I'm even more curious about Jack Reacher's past now. Imagine living your life in such simplicity that you travel at will, have no home, no luggage, with just a toothbrush and your wallet in your pocket.

That's the way we first meet Jack Reacher in Gone Tomorrow. Ex-military, he is extremely skilled and observant. And so when he oberves a lone woman sitting in a subway car, meeting the criteria of a possible suicide bomber, Reacher has no choice but to take notice. After mulling the idea of what to do over in his head, he approaches the woman cautiously, not sure what to expect.

From that moment on, the story that unfolds is full of unexpected twists and turns and multi-layered. Reacher finds himself the target of both the bad and the good guys. The novel reminded me of a Greg Rucka novel, with the tough, no nonsense hero at its helm. It's purely entertaining even if not entirely believable--and that's okay. It was easy to fall into Jack Reacher's world for a short while and ride the subways of New York along with him. I was hooked from page one.

At this point, I am not really sure what I think of Jack Reacher himself. I would like to have seen a more vulnerable side to him, I think. There is no doubt he is intelligent. He does his own thing, no matter the consequences, wanting to get to the truth of a situation. He is just as likely to use his brain as his fist, and there's no shortage of good fight scenes in the book. He definitely isn't someone I would want to mess with--or necessarily invite over for lunch.

As much fun as I had reading Gone Tomorrow, I cannot say whether or not this will become a series I will love. I am eager to start with book one in the series, however. I have a feeling Jack will grow on me, and I hear those earlier books in the series are not to be missed.

Rating:

(Good +)

For more information about Lee Child and his books, visit the author's website.

Source: I entered a drawing and won to preview the paperback copy of Gone Tomorrow through Book Browse First Impressions.

Friday, October 08, 2010

Friday Fill-In Fun

Graphic courtesy of Tonya!
*Click on the image above graphic to get to the Friday Fill-In headquarters, hosted by Janet!*

1. My favorite month is September because with it comes the start of the autumn season (and because it's my birthday month).

2. On a hot summer day feeling a fresh cool breeze is always welcome.

3. I love to sniff the air on the first rainy day of the season.

4. A banana mixed in with my cereal is what I like to have as a treat for breakfast.

5. The hobby I enjoy most is reading!

6. Is that really a kick I feel? Oh my!

7. And as for the weekend, today I'm looking forward to taking my maternity slacks to the seamstress to be hemmed first thing in the morning, fitting in a hair cut if I'm able, visiting the doctor in the afternoon (okay, so the amniocentesis, not so much), and enjoying a quiet evening at home; tomorrow my plans include shopping for shower gifts for a friend who is having twins and packing away the knickknacks in the curio cabinet and Sunday, I want to stay up late since I don't have to go to work on Monday!

What are your plans for the weekend? Whatever you do, I hope you have a good one!

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Review: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins (No Spoilers)

Imagine living in a district, confined inside an electric fence, where going beyond its boundaries is punishable by death. Imagine a place where food is scarce and the leading cause of death is starvation. Imagine being unable to say anything negative about the government or its leaders for fear of retribution. Imagine working long and difficult hours, often back breaking labor, collecting resources that are sent to the Capitol, never to be profited from by those who risk their lives for it. Life is dire in many of the districts. Just about everyone is poor, scared, and fighting to survive. It isn't so different in parts of our own reality, unfortunately. Governments leeching off the hard work and earnings of its people and treating its civilians poorly.

In Suzanne Collin's world, there are 12 districts that support the Capitol, a place of decadence and high living. There once had been 13 districts, however, a revolution resulted in its annihilation. To remind the districts of their failure and to exert power over them, the government designed an annual event in the name of entertainment called the Hunger Games. Two children between the ages of 12 and 18, one boy and one girl, are selected from each of the districts every year to compete to the death, all televised. There can only be one victor in the end.

In District 12, Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her young sister's place when Prim's name is called. She cannot bear the thought of her innocent and defenseless sister being put into such a terrible position. The baker's son, Peeta, is the other name drawn. Katniss and Peeta are not close, but they will have to become so if they are to survive the games. It won't be easy. Their mentor, Haymitch, is a drunk, and some of the other tributes (contestants) are much better equipped for the big event. Katniss, however, wins the hearts of many in the districts, becoming a symbol for a possible revolution. It was never her intention--she only wanted to survive--and it would soon become a weight that would threaten to topple her over. But it isn't just her life at stake . . .

The first book in the trilogy, The Hunger Games (Scholastic Press, 2008), took me back to my own young adult years, when I read similar books and watched similar movies--survival stories, some dystopian, others present time. The concept isn't all that new, and so a lot weighs on the story itself and its characters. I was instantly drawn into Collins' world. While I enjoyed The Hunger Games, it was really with Catching Fire (Scholastic Press, 2009) that I fell in love with the trilogy and felt it was a truly original series. Although perhaps love is a bit too strong of a word. I am not as enamored by the trilogy as so many others are--there is no Team Peeta or Team Gale (Katniss' possible love interests) for me. I enjoyed it quite a bit, yes. I thought it was entertaining and definitely suspenseful. I adored Cinna and Prim. There were moments when I laughed out loud, talked to the characters in the book, and even cried. I found it impossible not to be pulled into the books.

I liked Katniss well enough and wanted the best for her, but she did sometimes grate on my nerves. She really was in over her head through the entire trilogy, used as a pawn in what seemed like a never-ending game. Katniss struggled with her identity, trying to be whoever she needed to be at any given time in order to survive. Protecting her loved ones was her top priority. Her best friend Gale and game partner Peeta were much more in tune with who they were and so had a confidence and wisdom that Katniss sometimes lacked. Gale was more of a warrior, his passion and strength on the surface. Peeta's strength was more subtle and so he came off as being gentler. He was smart and insightful. Both fit into Katniss' life, filling needs she had. It's no wonder she struggled with the idea of who to love. I believe she loved both, just in different ways.

I really appreciated how the characters grew from book to book, scarred by the events in their lives. Mockingjay (Scholastic Press, 2010) brings that into full light. The characters in the first book are very different from those in the final book of the trilogy. Not because of any inconsistency, but because of the life they've had to lead. I actually was quite content with Mockingjay and how the trilogy came to an end. I did not always like the choices the characters made but I could understand the why behind them.

The trilogy carries some very heavy themes. These are not light-hearted books. The hunger for power, oppression of those with less than and the cruelty of man can be found throughout. Suzanne Collins' world is very dark, definitely not one I would want to live in. And yet, I wouldn't mind spending time with several of the characters. There were many more good people than there were bad ones. And that is always a sign of hope for the future.

For more information about Suzanne Collins and her books, visit the author's website.

Catching Fire and Mockingjay read for the Readers Imbibing Peril (R.I.P.) Challenge

Source: I bought the box set on sale as soon as it was released. It was a deal I just couldn't resist.

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Short Story Wednesday: "Best New Horror" by Joe Hill

"Best New Horror" by Joe Hill (from 20th Century Ghosts)

One of the reasons I like to mix up my reading, reading a variety of types of books and genres, is to avoid burn out. It'd be too easy to overdo it on one type of book and then nothing seems original or fresh. I would grow too critical and reading would lose some of its pleasure.

Eddie Carroll, editor of America's Best New Horror, has grown weary of the horror stories that come his way. Each year, it is his job to put together an anthology of horror stories. And with each year, he becomes less and less enthralled with the submissions. It is with great pleasure then that he finds "Buttonboy" in his mail. It is a "cruel and perverse" story, awful and beautiful. Carroll hasn't read anything that good in a long while and so he sets out to find the author to request his permission to include the story in that year's anthology. In "Best New Horror", Carroll lives and breathes horror and soon finds himself in the middle of what may just well become his own horror story.

Joe Hill's short story, "Best New Horror" is a perfect fit for this time of year. The story of "Buttonboy" is dreadfully horrific, playing on several horror cliches. It's not a story on its own I would enjoy, much less recommend, but told in the context of "Best New Horror", it is put into a context which is much more palatable--and enjoyable.

Joe Hill succeeds at creating a short story that says so much in so few pages. The reader gets a good feel for the main character, Eddie Carroll. And there is just enough story there to build up the suspense and bring the story to a pivotal ending without making the reader feel short changed. At least not this reader. While I wouldn't count "Best New Horror" among my favorites, it was an entertaining story and a good opener for the author's collection of stories, 20th Century Ghosts.

Read for the Readers Imbibing Peril (R.I.P.) Challenge.

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Pardon Me . . .

I had started a post for today, but, well, I decided to finish my book instead. Meanwhile, I asked Parker to entertain you. Only, I think he's otherwise occupied as well.

Monday, October 04, 2010

Review: The Art of Disappearing by Ivy Pochoda

I married Tobias Warring in the Silver Bells All-Nite Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. It was a conventional start to our unconventional story. And it was an attempt to conjure something solid from the wind scattered sands. [excerpt from The Art of Disappearing]

The Art of Disappearing by Ivy Pochoda
St. Martin's Press, 2010
Fiction; 320 pgs

Mel Snow met the love of her life in a desert saloon one night. Two days later, they are married. Toby is a magician hoping to make it big one day in Las Vegas. Only, he isn't your usual magician. He doesn't perform tricks of illusion like most magicians. He is a real magician, practicing real magic. He knows very little about where his magic comes from or how to control it, which makes him dangerous, not only to himself, but those around him. After a mishap with a former assistant, he swore off using humans in his act again. But that could only last so long.

Mel finds a kindred spirit in Toby; both moving from place to place, searching for that which they've lost. Mel has her own magic, although it's never really described as that in the novel. She is a textile consultant and she has this uncanny ability to hear the voices and music coming from textiles. She is able to weave stories together from them, including her own.

Toby has a charm about him that draws people to him. Mel can't help but begin to doubt that her own presence in his life wasn't something he concocted. Or is their love real? And while this is a significant plot point, the real story seems to be about two people trying to find their way in the world and come to terms with their pasts. Toby longs to rewrite the past while Mel struggles to understand it and find her place in it.

Toby's story took center stage in the novel. However, when I had read the final page of the book, I came away feeling it was much more Mel's story. And that makes sense given she is the narrator. It's hard for me to talk about this book and my feelings surrounding it without giving too much away. The development of the characters over the course of the novel is an intricate part of its make up. This is very much a character driven novel. The author also introduces us to old time magicians who long ago lost their magic, a not so good magician bent on revenge, a brother who is called by the water, and a teenage runaway who wants to make a name for herself. Each of their stories serve an important purpose in the novel, giving the reader an even fuller image of Toby and Mel, both as individuals and of their relationship together.

There is a beauty in the writing, in the descriptions of the desert and later Amsterdam as well as in the life given to Toby's magic. I was just as mesmerized as Mel in Toby's gift and powers. It wasn't until the second half of the novel, however, that I found myself completely drawn into Toby and Mel's life. The first half was interesting enough, but the story seemed to lag now and then. I think it had more to do with how separate Toby and Mel's stories seemed at that point. They seemed a bit disconnected from each other in those initial chapters. The novel grew on me though as everything fell into place, and, by the end, I was quite impressed.

I used to think that magic realism and I didn't go well together, but I've since chalked that up to a bad experience. The Art of Disappearing made me believe in magic for the few hours I was reading. I left the book feeling satisfied and a bit sad. I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for us next.

Rating:

(Good +)

You can learn more about Ivy Pochoda and her book on the author's website and her blog. Be sure and check the TLC Book Tours website for other tour stops as well!

Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. Book for review provided by the publisher.

U.S/Canada and International Giveaways

The publisher has been kind enough to offer a copy of The Art of Disappearing to one lucky person in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, I will be giving away my copy (read once) to someone outside of the U.S. and Canada--I hate to leave anyone out!

To enter, please leave a comment with your e-mail address (unless it is very easy to find on your blog or profile page) telling me why you want to read this book (entries not meeting the full requirements will be disqualified automatically). The winners will be chosen in a random drawing. Deadline to enter is October 11th at 11:59 p.m. The winners will be notified by e-mail. Good luck!

Friday, October 01, 2010

Friday Fill-In Fun

Graphic courtesy of Tonya!
*Click on the image above graphic to get to the Friday Fill-In headquarters, hosted by Janet!*

1. My back still gives me trouble now and then.

2. The thunder last night drove my animals wild.

3. Leaves are falling all around, but the temperature keeps rising. Summer won't let go.

4. I haven't had too many problems with forgetfulness since becoming pregnant; clumsiness is another issue.

5. Healing is sometimes a long and difficult process.

6. Dodging reaching hands, craving sweets, and taking bets on the gender of my baby is what I've been up to lately!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to kicking off my shoes and cuddling on the couch with my husband and animals; tomorrow my plans include taking Anya to the vet to have her red cell level checked and then it's off to work I go; and Sunday, I want to take full advantage of my one free day this weekend!

What are your plans for the weekend? Whatever you do, I hope you have a good one!