TGIF and Book Appeal

We've reached end of another week (yay!!!) --- and that means, among other things, it's TGIF at GReads!
Today's question is:   Book Appeal:   When you're browsing GoodReads, the library, or another blogger's reviews, what grabs your attention to make you want to read it?

I get a lot of my books from my library, so when I'm browsing the new book section, unusual-sounding titles will catch my eye.   I also keep my eye out for books I've been meaning to read (and keep forgetting to grab), or a familiar author.   Cover art sometimes does make me pick up a book, but not always (mostly because there isn't enough room on our displays to put the books with their covers facing out -- so I'm looking mostly at the spines).    The one book that did catch my eye this week is Caitlin's Kiernan's newest (that book's catching everyone's eye right now -- see image below).

When I'm looking at books on GoodReads and blogs, an interesting-sounding summary and review will make me want to pick up the book.   I've seen reviews on blogs for books that I don't think I would have chosen, but the reviewer made it sound interesting --- and it's great to then discover a new book that I probably wouldn't have known about.


Have a great Friday, everyone!

King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard

Summary (courtesy of GoodReads):  King Solomon's Mines (1885) is a popular novel by the Victorian adventure writer & fabulist, Sir Henry Rider Haggard. It tells of a search of an unexplored region of Africa by a group of adventurers led by Allan Quatermain for the missing brother of one of the party. It is the 1st English fictional adventure novel set in Africa, & is considered to be the genesis of the Lost World literary genre. 

And here's what I thought:   This is the first book in the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Challenge hosted by Booking in Heels.  I had never read this book, although I was a bit familiar with what it was about --- and while it wasn't the kind of book I would normally pick up for a read, it was pretty interesting.

Written in 1885, this is an adventure novel that takes place in Africa, a country the author was quite familiar with.   Haggard's writing style is pretty descriptive, and it's clear that he had knowledge of Africa, and hunting, and African culture.    Quatermain's voice throughout the story is quite clear --- in fact, I could practically hear him narrating this book (and I think this could be an interesting audiobook, depending on who was reading it).    Haggard also has a bit of humor coming through in the story, especially when he's describing one of the other characters, Captain John Good, R.N.    Good is one of those men who seems to maintain his clean appearance and good manners, no matter what the situation.  He is described as such: "There he sat upon a leather bag, looking just as though he had come in from  a comfortable day's shooting in a civilized country, absolutely clean, tidy, and well-dressed.  He had on a shooting suit of brown tweed, with a hat to match, and neat gaiters.  He was, as usual, beautifully shaven, his eyeglasses and his false teeth appeared to be in perfect order. and altogether he was the neatest man I ever had to do with in the wilderness."  (p. 269 my edition).   Those false teeth make a significant appearance later in the story.

This book reminded me a bit of an Indiana Jones adventure (except with hunting), and to be sure, there is a lot of action going on here, and a bit of mystery, as well.  Hunting isn't really my thing, however, so I admit the parts where Quatermain is hunting elephants (and some other animals) were ones I skimmed a bit.  But, I enjoyed other parts quite a bit --- which I was surprised by.  I suppose I was thinking this would be a "men, men, men" book, and it was --- but the Indiana Jones-esque feel and pace made it an enjoyable read.  I don't know if this is a book I'll re-read again, but I appreciate it for what it was when it was written, and feel it's a classic for good reason.

For more about the author, Wikipedia has a goodarticle.
First sentences: It is a curious thing that at my age - fifty-five last birthday - I should find myself taking up a pen to try and write a history.  I wonder what sort of a history it will be when I have done it, if I ever come to the end of the trip!  I have done a good many things in my life, which seems a long one to me, owing to my having begun so young, perhaps.  At an age when other boys are at school I was earning my living as a trader in the old Colony.  I have been trading, hunting, fighting, or mining ever since.

The Rook by Daniel O'Malley

Summary (courtesy of GoodReads):

"The body you are wearing used to be mine." So begins the letter Myfanwy Thomas is holding when she awakes in a London park surrounded by bodies all wearing latex gloves. With no recollection of who she is, Myfanwy must follow the instructions her former self left behind to discover her identity and track down the agents who want to destroy her.

She soon learns that she is a Rook, a high-ranking member of a secret organization called the Chequy that battles the many supernatural forces at work in Britain. She also discovers that she possesses a rare, potentially deadly supernatural ability of her own.

In her quest to uncover which member of the Chequy betrayed her and why, Myfanwy encounters a person with four bodies, an aristocratic woman who can enter her dreams, a secret training facility where children are transformed into deadly fighters, and a conspiracy more vast than she ever could have imagined.

Filled with characters both fascinating and fantastical, THE ROOK is a richly inventive, suspenseful, and often wry thriller that marks an ambitious debut from a promising young writer.

And here's what I thought:   How about this:  Imaginative.  Clever.  Engaging.   And that's just the main character!   I loved this book.   Loved it so much that I started recommending it to people when I was halfway through it, and when I was done, didn't want to return it to the library (but I did).     There were so many things I enjoyed about this book ---- so let's start with the story and work our way up to the main character, okay?

As you can see from the above summary (I love that GoodReads does all the heavy lifting so I don't have to write a summary, myself), Myfanwy (pronounced Miffany ... like Tiffany but with an M) wakes up with no recollection of who she is.  Luckily, her previous self has left her all kinds of notes, which tell her a bit about herself, and her work.   I really loved this idea, that a character is discovering who they are, while we are, based on notes left by themselves.   And the world O'Malley has created here is our world, with just that bit of a supernatural twist to make it fun.  So there are plenty of things that are recognizable, and then new things thrown in (kind of like the show Supernatural... or Sanctuary).    I liked how the author gave us this secret organization, full of its own odd characters (some likeable, some dangerous... some both), and a mystery to figure out.   Going through it, I had my suspicions about who might have wanted Myfanwy dead.... and then would frequently change my mind and choose another person.   Loved it.

And Myfanwy?  She's a treat of a character -- practical, clever, a bit ruthless once she becomes comfortable with herself, and with a good sense of humor.  It's obvious that the Myfanwy we meet at the beginning is not really the same woman she was before.  It's almost like she's able to shed the somewhat timid person she was before, and just be a bit more confident --- after all, she doesn't have much to lose.   As her previous self explains, she has risen to the top ranks in the organization by being a superior administrator ---- but it turns out that there is much more to Myfanwy than meets the eye.   As she discovers things about herself (not just from the notes and letters and large binder of material she's left for herself), she really turns out to be quite extraordinary.

I think the author did a great job with not only the storyline, characters, and pacing  .... but he also does an exceptional job of writing a female main character.  What I mean is: I never stop believing her for a moment.    What I sometimes find in stories, when authors write a main character of the opposite sex, that there is something that gives me pause, or gets me stuck momentarily.   It is a fact that men and women use language differently (linguistics), and this is the kind of thing that can happen where I'm reading along and suddenly there's a trip ...... I think to myself, a woman (because I'm female), just wouldn't say that that way.   The one example that always stands out in my mind is Robert Hellenga's book, The Sixteen Pleasure, where all was going swimmingly until the main character said something so ... male.  This never happened in this story.   That's one of the things that really made this a wonderful read for me.

Extra points go to the author for giving Myfanwy a pet bunny.

I believe I'll be recommending this book quite a lot, especially to readers who like Simon Green's Secret Histories series.   I'm really looking forward to seeing what's next from this author (and will be treating myself to a copy of this book, hopefully, as soon as I have a bit of extra pocket money).

Here's an example of some of the writing I enjoyed:

p 98 ---  "Leather-covered armchairs were occupied by the elderly, the plump, the male.  This is not to imply that the occupants possessed only one of the above characteristics.  They were all, without exception, male.  Plumpness or age or both were preferred, but not mandatory."

p 62 "Myfanwy looked herself over in the mirror.  The hair she had swept back in a clip was coming loose, and her suit (although far more expensive than Ingrid's) was rumpled.  She'd neglected makeup entirely, and those damn black eyes lent her the appearance of a raccoon.  A raccoon that had gotten hit in the face.  After a lifetime of poor nutrition."
First sentences: Dear You,  The body you are wearing used to be mine.  The scar on the inner left thigh is there because I fell out of a tree and impaled my leg at the age of nine.  The filling in the far left tooth on the top is a result of my avoiding the dentist for four years.  But you probably care little about this body's past.  after all, I'm writing this letter for you to read in the future.  Perhaps you are wondering why anyone would do such a thing.  The answer is both simple and complicated.  The simple amswer is because I knew it would be necessary.  The complicated answer could take a little more time.

Thoughts on the cover:  I love how simple it is, with the crest and four images -- simple, striking, and perfect for the story.  I wish all covers could accomplish this.

The Good Luck Knot by Melissa Field

Summary (from the author):

A year has passed since Jordan hit rock bottom and ended up having her stomach pumped. She swears to everyone she's changed and suicide is no longer first on her to do list. So maybe she still smokes a lot of weed and carries a flask around, but still, she's changed, and she's really getting fed up with the constant questioning. She wishes everyone could see what she does – that she's found love with Guatam and he's helping her get on with her life.

It isn't until Gautam betrays her and the relationship implodes that she begins to worry herself. She cannot stay in the same small town she grew up in and maintain the image that everything is okay. She needs to get away and clear her head. Far away. Like maybe to the farthest place on Earth. When she announces she's taking a job in Antarctica her friends beg her to stay. No one wants her to be so far away and alone. It doesn't matter though. She's going.

Six months there pass too quickly. Something has changed inside her and awakened a need to understand. She needs to understand herself, her decisions, her family, her past, life, God, death, all of it. Why was she so ready to die? Why is she now so ready to live? She cannot go home until she understands something, anything. Because if she can't find out the how's and why's she might end up right back where she started, with a beer in one hand and a razor to cut her arm in the other.

Bali, Alaska, and Mongolia are amongst the places she travels to while seeking hope and answers. Being so far away gives her perspective on her life and the people in it. She can suddenly see now what she's put everyone through, and a new fear settles into her. What if she finds all of her answers, but returns home to people who are fed up with her unstable ways?

The Good Luck Knot is a book about hope, love, forgiveness and finding ourselves in the most unexpected ways. It begins with a metaphor assimilating a person’s life path to the folding of a paper crane. Each chapter is a fold, and the book goes back and forth in time, itself a reflection of the origami metaphor. Just as a paper crane folds into itself, showing no beginning or end, The Good Luck Knot’s final chapter connects to the first, reflecting this endless flow. Jordan’s search for herself, God and love in a seemingly random Universe ties into this, and the paper crane is a theme in many chapters.

And here's what I thought:   I was contacted by the author for a review of her book, and while this didn't sound like my usual read, I agreed to give it a try.  What I found when I read this book was that there were parts that I found interesting, but that the book didn't really catch me.  However --- please note that this is the kind of book that I think readers either have a very personal connection to, or it just doesn't resonate with them.  So, let me explain.

While this book is fiction, it reads like a very personal story.   I felt like there was less a storyline running through the book than a continuous exploration by Jordan to discover more about herself, and where her life was headed.   There were times when I felt like I was almost too privy to what was going on in Jordan's mind and because I didn't always feel like I connected to her, it was a bit distracting ---- kind of like when you're having a conversation with someone you don't know very well, and they tell you way too much about something personal to them.

There are some things about this book that I did like.  The author, herself, has traveled quite extensively, and those parts of the story read very clearly --- I can tell that she is familiar with these places.   I liked her use of the paper crane as a metaphor in the book --- as you can see from her summary, the crane folds over into itself, and the storyline in this book does the same.  Once you get used to the bit of back-and-forth in time that sometimes happens, it does all come together.  

While I didn't feel a strong connection to Jordan, I found her to be interesting.   Because we learn about her through her experiences, and basically get into her head, you get a very direct approach to the main character.  At times, I found this to be a bit exhausting, and I think it's just the way I reacted to Jordan --- and again, this is a very personal reaction.  I am sure there are other readers who will make a connection with this character and really enjoy the book.  Just because it didn't happen for me is not really the fault of the author.

So, I'm giving this the rating I'm giving it just because I wasn't that wild about it.  It wasn't really anything in particular that I didn't like --- it's more like trying a new food, and thinking, hmmmm.... interesting.....  but I'd rather have something else.   Hopefully, that makes sense, and if this book sounds good to you, you'll give it a try.


First sentences:   She stared at the small paper crane, following the creases up and around.  It sat in her palm, perched on the lifeline wrinkle.  She turned her head up, her arm relaxed.  The crane fell beside her into the grass.  Her gaze went up, higher and higher, deep into the crown of the maple tree.  A cool breeze passed through the field.  A shiver went up her as leaves rustled.  Her eyes closed.  She listened.

Thoughts on the cover:  Definitely pretty, but I would have gone with some kind of image of a paper crane, since it figures heavily in this story.  This cover art does have what look like looped threads, so I like that, but I'd still go with a crane or cranes.


If you'd like to learn more about the author, she is on GoodReads, where you may also find information and more reviews on this book.

Author Melissa Field

TGIF --- Buy or Borrow ????

I think I'm liking this whole TGIF thing......   and I appreciate that Ginger over at GReads hosts and has a question for us every week.   This week's question is:  Buy or Borrow:  Where do your books that you read come from?  The bookstore?  The library?  Do you prefer to own a book, or have it on loan?  

I'm a librarian, so I do get most of my books from the library.  Because I order books for part of our collection, I'm always looking at journals, reviews, etc -- so I'm always filling up my tbr (to be read) list with new books.   Plus, just walking around here, I see books on the different displays that catch my eye.   I'm also a big believer in the "try before you buy" way of doing things.

I don't buy a lot of books for two reasons:  1) I don't have a lot of extra money to spend (Librarians don't typically make a ton of money) and 2) I don't necessarily want to own every book I read.     I read a lot, and if I really, really love a book and want it for myself, I'll buy it. Otherwise, I can always check it out from the library again.

When I buy books, I try to always go through my local independent bookstore (we've got a great one with two locations near me), or I browse at the local used books store.   I also really like Book Depository UK because I can get my favorite British author's books, with free shipping.   I also sometimes get a free copy of a book from a publisher, author, or LibraryThing, which is always a treat.

So, that's my story.  What's yours?  

Late, late, late ..... but finally remembered --- the Giveaway winner!

Well.... this is a bit embarrassing .......    I was supposed to do a giveaway on the 15th.  For the Brunch I had on December 18th.   I had a note on my calendar and everything because I just knew I would forget about it --- and I still forgot it.    I could blame this on recent stress brought on by a sick husband (he's much better) and sick bunny (still working on getting better), but the fact is: I just plain forgot.

So, without further ado ... there were 5 comments, and Random.Org chose comment #2.   So, I apologize here, and will apologize to the lucky commenter, and will also apologize to Sasha (who no doubt was wondering if I fell off the face of the earth).    And, I'll throw in a little something extra when I send out my prize package.    Thanks to everyone who did leave a comment back in December!

did you forget something???????

  True Random Number Generator
Min: Max: Result:2

Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala

Summary (courtesy of GoodReads):  Joy Delamere is suffocating...

From asthma, which has nearly claimed her life. From her parents, who will do anything to keep that from happening. From delectably dangerous Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out.

Joy can take his words - tender words, cruel words - until the night they go too far.

Now, Joy will leave everything behind to find the one who has offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. She will become someone else. She will learn to survive. She will breathe... if only she can get to Creed before it’s too late.

Set against the gritty backdrop of Seattle’s streets and a cast of characters with secrets of their own, Holly Cupala’s powerful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the meaning of love, and how far a girl will go to discover her own strength.: 

And here's what I thought:   I liked that this story was somewhat edgy, and that it brought real-life issues of homeless teens into the forefront.  The story is full of characters with flaws, even the characters who seem a bit too good to be true at first --- and I liked that.   The pacing is even, and I liked how the story built as Joy not only made her way through her days, but also in how the story's backstory was built up through Joy's memories, and reflections on her immediate past (the time right before she decided to leave home).   I felt the author did a good job of making a lot of things very authentic; she doesn't romanticize what it's like to be a teen living on the streets.   The story is powerful, and I liked how the author handled not only Joy and her story, but the other characters around her (not just Creed, but May and Santos, as well).

I did find Joy to be kind of frustrating ---- she decides to run away, and she does a bit of planning, but then once she gets into the city, she has no idea what she's going to do, how she's going to eat, or stay warm....  and what about when her medicine runs out?   I suppose this is realistic, and you know, if she had all of these things planned out, the story wouldn't be as good, or as real.   As an adult reading this, though, those were some of the thoughts that I had about Joy and her plan to live on her own, among Seattle's homeless teens.    I also wasn't sure if I liked the ending because it felt a little too neatly wrapped up.

However, overall, I liked this story, and thought it was a pretty good read.   I suppose that's why I gave it two ratings, because I felt it wasn't all the way up to a 4, although it was pretty close.   




First sentences:   Slyt.  Slyt.  Sliding metal cut through the still night, spiraling ribbons of hair into the sink.  But better the sound of scissors than the rattle of my lungs.  One wrong breath would set off the alarm.

Thoughts on the cover:  I think it's ok, although it's not my favorite.  I'm not sure if it's the yellow of the font, or the fact that it looks almost too pretty overall --- but I would have liked something a little grittier, considering the storyline.