Was fuer eine positive Ueberraschung! Ich wusste nicht was ich erwarten sollte, obwohl der Titel ja schon einiges ueber den Inhalt des Buches verraet.Was fuer eine positive Ueberraschung! Ich wusste nicht was ich erwarten sollte, obwohl der Titel ja schon einiges ueber den Inhalt des Buches verraet. Dazu noch der anonyme Autor, mein Interesse war geweckt. Was fuer ein lustiges Buch! Es wurde mir empfohlen, und jetzt kann ich dasselbe tun. Ich hatte gehofft das es nicht gemein ist, und nur unfreundliche Sachen ueber die Kanzlerin und ihren Mann bietet. Zum Glueck war diese Sorge unbegruendet. Das Buch aus der Sicht des Ehemannes von Angela Merkel, ist lustig, charmant, und sonderbar glaubwuerdig. Absolut lesenswert!
Was fuer eine positive Ueberraschung! Ich wusste nicht was ich erwarten sollte, obwohl der Titel ja schon einiges ueber den Inhalt des Buches verraet. Dazu noch der anonyme Autor, mein Interesse war geweckt. Was fuer ein lustiges Buch! Es wurde mir empfohlen, und jetzt kann ich dasselbe tun. Ich hatte gehofft das es nicht gemein ist, und nur unfreundliche Sachen ueber die Kanzlerin und ihren Mann bietet. Zum Glueck war diese Sorge unbegruendet. Das Buch aus der Sicht des Ehemannes von Angela Merkel, ist lustig, charmant, und sonderbar glaubwuerdig. Absolut lesenswert!
This is not a short book, and yet very little actually happens. There is a fair amount of fuss made about the mystery of this novel, and I was, on thaThis is not a short book, and yet very little actually happens. There is a fair amount of fuss made about the mystery of this novel, and I was, on that front, rather disappointed. However, on a whole, it never felt boring to me. I think it is a credit to Du Maurier's writing ability that she was able to make a classic out of a rather sedate sort of tale. I won't go into plot details, because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but the story follows the second wife of Maxim de Winter (curiously only ever named as Mrs. de Winter) as she becomes the new mistress of Manderley. She soon realizes all is not as it seems, and that the staff, Maxim and particularly the eerie housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, have something they are trying to conceal about Rebecca, Maxim's first wife.
The style of writing really drew me in almost instantly, and though the mystery wasn't a huge shock to me, I didn't really mind, because the book, for me, was really about the characters and the setting of Manderley.
I am not a big reader of non-fiction, and when I say that, I mean, I read about one non-fiction book to one hundred fiction novels. However, I have a I am not a big reader of non-fiction, and when I say that, I mean, I read about one non-fiction book to one hundred fiction novels. However, I have a fondness for Alan Cumming, as he hosts the Masterpiece Mysteries. I listened to the audio book, which Cumming narrates wonderfully, and was surprised and moved by the level of depth, honesty and even humor in it. Cumming had a very difficult childhood, stemming from the fact that his father was both physically and verbally abusive. He has a very good relationship with his mother and brother, which makes it clear that family is truly quite important to him, so such a break from his father must have been very difficult. The story is told both in flashbacks to his youth and in the recent past (2010), moving smoothly between these times and showing the reader how much the past can shape a person's present, but also, how one can manage to outgrow and evade aspects of it. Undoubtedly, Cumming had a difficult childhood, and some of the stories he tells of it are truly upsetting and very sad, yet there is a lightness to this book, too. He makes it very clear that he has moved forward and is successful and happy both privately and professionally. I came away from this relatively short book, feeling as though I knew him well, and would certainly like to know more. Highly recommended!
I have to say, this book surprised me. Though the characters are really all caricatures of stereotypical high school people, they feel, at least, likeI have to say, this book surprised me. Though the characters are really all caricatures of stereotypical high school people, they feel, at least, like a real and believable version of such. The book is quite short, so none of the characters really makes a huge impact, since it is told by a handful of them in alternating chapters. This book is really more about the idea, the story, not character development. At least that is how I came away from it. The plot centers around a scandalous event that may or may not have taken place surrounding a high school girl, Alice Franklin. Her story and the events that came before and after it, are told by classmates, former friends, and people who know about her. This is a very interesting technique, and a clever one for such a story. We are given slightly varying versions of events, creeping closer to the truth, until, at the end, we hear from Alice herself. Though I say this story was more about the idea of what rumors, cruel gossip, bullying and social alienation can do, the one character who really stood out to me was Kurt, the "geeky boy". He was just a lovely person and I would have liked to know more about him. All in all, I didn't feel that there was one particularly nasty person, as so often is the case with the spreading of malicious rumors. Rather, the characters each added a small degree to the big problem, each throwing in a cruel remark, or new gossip to fuel the flame. I found this notion quite believable. I am lucky to say I have never experienced bullying, but especially nowadays, with the internet such a ready forum for anonymous nastiness, it is hard not to see it as a major problem. The idea I feel this book is aiming at is what is worse, doing the actual bullying or doing nothing to stop it? Small kindesses and showing sympathy and understanding can make a tremendous impact. It is hard to go against the grain and strike out on your own when you feel something wrong is happening, but it can make all the difference. One person's compassion can help the victim of bullying or someone who is made an outcast, feel not quite so alone anymore. While reading this book, I didn't think it would leave much of an impact, but clearly it has. It's short and oddly simple, but well worth the read.
What a lovely surprise this book was, and just what the doctor ordered, just as the grey slog of Winter sets in. I had read some very positive reviews,What a lovely surprise this book was, and just what the doctor ordered, just as the grey slog of Winter sets in. I had read some very positive reviews, but from the book summary, i couldn't gather much that would excite me. Still, after a series of daunting, nightmarisch thrillers, it was time for something decidedly milder. OKAY FOR NOW is a wonderful little coming-of-age story that very much reminded me of the TV series, THE WONDER YEARS (if you don't know it, go and find it!). The story centers around Doug, a thirteen-year-old living in a small town in 1968. If you are thinking, as I was, what do I have in common with a teenager in the 60s, you'll be surprised! Though there is a generational gap, as well as a historical one, Doug is a "swell" guy with just the right amount of sass and humility. I won't go into the plot, others have done that wonderfully already, but I do want to say that this is one of the nicest books I've read all year, and one I just know I will be recommending to all manner of readers.
The first time I saw this book, I was intrigued. Yes, I judged it by its cover, but what a beautiful cover it is! The story sounded a bit odd, and so IThe first time I saw this book, I was intrigued. Yes, I judged it by its cover, but what a beautiful cover it is! The story sounded a bit odd, and so I left off buying it for a while until I happened upon a copy so cheap, I could not resist. The story is set between the world wars in Papua New Guinea. The main characters are anthropologists, and while I took the standard Intro to Anthropology at university, I do not have much of a grounding in the study. I do not know whether the author, Lily King, does, but it certainly seems as though she knows her stuff. The book is very smoothly written, alternating between Nell and Bankson (though I liked his chapters better). King really managed to incorporate the story of the protagonists within the broader story of the Tam people their are studying. It never felt forced or overly dramatic, and even the ending (I won't spoil it, don't worry) did not seem contrived. I will say, this is a quiet sort of book. You are transported in time and place and see the world through the eyes of these anthropologists, who are themselves coping with personal troubles. Because it is so short, it never feels slow moving even if the story seems sedate at times. A worthwhile read, and a pleasant surprise at that!
I AM PILGRIM is being touted as a stunning thriller in a class of its own, and so I admit I was sucked in. I am happy to say (after 700 pages?!?) thatI AM PILGRIM is being touted as a stunning thriller in a class of its own, and so I admit I was sucked in. I am happy to say (after 700 pages?!?) that the book is, indeed, better than your run of the mill thriller both in terms of the plot itself as well as Hayes' writing style. I won't go into the plot, as I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but the story really pulls you in very quickly. It is written in first person which I found really effective in making you connect to the protagonist a.k.a. Pilgrim/Scott/Jude or one of the other names he used. I often find my problem with thrillers to be that I cannot connect to the main character at all, not just because they are usually male and superhuman, but also because they are written in third person. Hayes immediately achieves a sense of intimacy between the reader and the character by allowing us to know his most private thoughts and letting us know him better than anyone else. On the outside, he remains highly enigmatic to everyone he meets, so you feel, reading it, as though you are really living the story through him, which, I think, is the mark of a good writer. I will say that the plot was, at times, a little confusing and I actually had to go back to re-read or check something I had missed earlier. That said, it does wrap up nicely, and I enjoyed the way Hayes used memory and flashbacks to slowly unfold the story. Despite this and its length, the book moves quickly and I was never bored. I look forward to the next installment in what promises to be an engaging series.
I'll admit it, the cover of this really got my attention, and when I won it here, I was intrigued to see what went beyond that. I AM LIVIA tells the stI'll admit it, the cover of this really got my attention, and when I won it here, I was intrigued to see what went beyond that. I AM LIVIA tells the story of the wife of Augustus/Octavius. I've long been interested in Roman history (and wit Robert Harris' excellent Cicero series fresh in my mind) I was very curious to learn more, and especially to do so from a woman's account of events. This is, of course, a work of fiction, but I trust that Pyllis Smith did a fair amount of research for this book, because from what I know of the Roman world at that time, she remained quite true to fact. We cannot know the inner workings of Livia Drusilla's mind, that is true, but I liked imagining Smith's account to be a fair portrayal of this fascinating woman. Livia was not Octavian's first wife, nor he her first husband, but by all accounts, their marriage was surprisingly based on love and mutual respect, rather than a bargain with relatives. Livia was, in a sense, ambitious in her own right, especially in furthering the role and rights of women in Rome. Despite her privileges, she did not have an easy life. I won't give too much away, but as you can imagine being a woman in a country ruled by men and rooted in sexism and inequality, was not an easy lot. Still, she was a tough one, and made the best of what she had, trying along the way, to do the same for others, too. Coming away from this book, I do not know whether I really liked Livia all that much. But one cannot deny a swelling of respect for this woman. At times the book felt a little repetitive, but never dull. This will probably appeal to fans of Robert Harris, Tracy Chevalier and Diana Vreeland. I was lucky to have won this in a First Reads giveaway from Amazon Publishing and have written, what I think is a fair and fitting review. Thanks!
I was a bit wary of picking up this little book, due to overly high expectations. I am happy to say, those expectations were almost entirely met. A.J.I was a bit wary of picking up this little book, due to overly high expectations. I am happy to say, those expectations were almost entirely met. A.J.'s story is at once very real and believable, and at the same time is tinged by an almost magical quality. I won't rehash the plot, but the story instantly pulls you in, even though A.J. is, at fist at least, not a particularly sympathetic character. Zevin creates a wonderful story here of a man who is alone, but whose life is entirely changed by the people who enter it at just the right time. My only complaint, hence the four stars, is the ending, which I did not entirely like. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone by adding details that don't appear in the sleeve of the book, but I think this would appeal to just about anyone. The magic of this book comes from the quirky, starnge, lovely characters and from the cleverly intricate plot strings that tie together beautifully and elegantly, and leave the reader, a.k.a. me, feeling happy and moved. The book itself is not really a particularly happy one, but once you read it, you feel you know these characters and you know the setting, Alice Island, as though you have met them and been there many times before. This is the kind of story that lingers in your mind for some time, I find, and I am looking forward to looking up some of Zevin's previous work.
So, I've finally read it, and can confirm, it is worth all the fuss. I can hardly believe this is a debut! It is written with such confidence and eloqSo, I've finally read it, and can confirm, it is worth all the fuss. I can hardly believe this is a debut! It is written with such confidence and eloquence, but then Healey did study creative writing. The story centers around Maud, an 81 year-old woman descending ever deeper into dementia. The book is told both from Maud's present and her past, and as the story moves along, the line between these times becomes ever more blurry, disintegrating slowly as Maud grows more confused. While Maud is the kind of character you want to hug and make a nice cup of tea, she isn't portrayed as this vision of perfection. From the flashbacks into her past, we see a willful young woman who isn't always the easiest to sympathize with. But taking that into consideration, Healey manages to create very real character for us. A person with flaws, but a good, kind heart and you cannot help but be drawn into her world, as much as you might actually want to escape it. I was truly impressed with the thoughtfulness and level of dignity in this book, and the handling of a subject that is often dismissed or misunderstood. Growing old is, in today's society especially, treated as an illness in itself, but the alternative is nothingness. Maud's story emphasized the fact that old age is deeply deserving of respect. What happened to her to get through her 81 years was no walk in the park, and what she, and surely other sufferers of dementia, are faced with is terrifying, for them and also for the families having to watch their loved ones get lost and being unable to do much to prevent it. Maud had a kind daughter and granddaughter, who were overwhelmed, but helpful, and seemed quite realistic. This is certainly well worth reading. But read it when the sun is shining, before winter swoops in and everything is gray and too bleak to read such a sad story.
The newest in the wonderful Charles Lenox series, might just be my favourite. The mystery was very engaging, and quite personal for Charles this time,The newest in the wonderful Charles Lenox series, might just be my favourite. The mystery was very engaging, and quite personal for Charles this time, which only served to add to my curiosity! I also loved the new dynamic of Charles and Dallington working much more together again, because they just have wonderful chemistry. The thing I like best about this series is that there is so much character development, yet what I love about the characters remains steadfast. Charles is one of those select fictional characters I have almost mentally adopted as a friendly and clever uncle I'd like to have, so reading about him, his friends and family is always a pleasure. Though the mystery was quite engaging, these books are, for me, less about plot than about the people. I do recommend reading this series in order for that reason. Finch also deserves high praise for his mastery of the language and customs of Victorian times. It sounds polished and elegant, without being false or over-the-top as many historical fiction novels can be in an effort to prove their worth in the genre. The only negative thing I have to say is that I will now have to wait another year for the next installment!
This is only my second book by Bryce Courtenay, but already he is establishing himself as one of my favourite writers. Though FOUR FIRES and THE POWERThis is only my second book by Bryce Courtenay, but already he is establishing himself as one of my favourite writers. Though FOUR FIRES and THE POWER OF ONE (the books I have read thus far) are rather lengthy, they truly resonate and the characters Courtenay creates in both feel so real I miss them when I finish. The story centers around the Maloney family in a small town in Australia. They don't have it easy, and are definitely a multi-faceted bunch, but they make the best of what they have and just feel like a real family. Courtenay's books remind me so strongly of Gerald Durell's MY FAMILY AND OTHER ANIMALS. The people are quirky and sometimes downright odd, but they all have some sort of charm that makes you root for them. In any case, FOUR FIRES deals with so many issues that feel too important to forget in terms of historical value, while still remaining incredibly relevant today. Courtenay is an author who takes his time getting to the crux of the matter, but the journey of arriving is better than the 'prize'. His books are so intrinsically about character development, you really feel as though you are following this group of people as they live their lives, go through ups and downs. That is my favourite kind of book. If I can feel for the characters or grow interested in their stories, there doesn't need to be any huge plot related drama. Still, for those readers who need adventure, there's that, too. Courtenay writes about the difficulties of living in the Australian Bush, of Australia's World War II involvement and PTSD; of making it in the world of business and finding a sense of fulfillment along the way. There is romance and humor, tragedy and adventure. I really don't understand why Courtenay is not better known in Europe and the US, because he easily holds his own in comparison to other writers of epic tomes such as the much-lauded Ken Follett (nothing against Follett...) There I go rambling on and on, but that's just what this kind of book does. It creeps under your skin in the best way possible, so that you feel a part of the story and it is an almost sad event when you finally finish it. I listened to the audio version of this, mainly because I saw that the brilliant Humphrey Bower narrates, and it is absolutely worth it. He is one of the best narrators I have come across. Can't wait to read some of Courtenay's other books. Much as with THE POWER OF ONE, I wish he was alive so I could write him how much I loved this book. Highly recommended!
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