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christianreader2011-10-31 10:51 am
mainemilyhoon.livejournal.com) wrote in christianreader2011-10-31 10:51 am
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Books For October
A * means I didn't finish it.
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
Everyone in the family assumes Gwen's cousin Charlotte inherited the time-traveling gene, and they've been training and preparing her for years. So it comes as a huge shock to everyone when Gwen is the one who starts popping in and out of different times.
I LOVED this book. Gwen is a very relatable, likeable character, and the time-travel aspect is interesting since it's genetic and not based on machines. The bad guy is maybe a little TOO mustache-twirlingly sinister, but it fits the spirit of the book. I can't wait for Sapphire Blue next summer!
The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye (page 884 to the end)
After everything else he's been to, Ashton Pelham-Martyn now has to go fight in a war in Afghanistan and lose all his friends.
I thought I was never going to finish this book, and a few times I almost sat it down and walked away, never to return. But since I'd already spent so much time on it I decided I might as well finish it. The end of the book is basically M.M. Kaye's tribute to her husband's great-great-uncle and his regiment, who were massacred in Kabul. Since she couldn't very well have fictional Ash play a major part in a real battle, she leaves him locked in a room, only able to watch helplessly from a distance, and focuses on three British officers instead. It is long and gloomy and by the end Ash has no one in the world left except Anjuli, which makes the ending slightly depressing. I'm glad I finished it so that I can say I've read all of M.M. Kaye's books, but I wouldn't read it again.
The Far Pavilions Picture Book by M.M. Kaye and David Larkin
This is exactly what it says - a collection of photos and drawings illustrating scenes and locations from The Far Pavilions. It was interesting, especially the pictures of characters who were based on real people. It made me wish I'd liked the book better.
*Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
When Tamsin was born her grandmother prophesied that she would be the most powerful witch in their family, but somehow her powers never showed up. Now she's the only non-magical one in a huge extended family of people who can do amazing things. Frustrated and bitter, Tamsin tries to help a stranger who mistakes her for her sister, and ends up putting the whole family in danger.
I really liked the sound of this one, but it was a little tiresome. Tamsin is almost too rebellious, and I hate reading books where the main character is deliberately blind to the sinister things going on around her, just to stretch things out longer.
*Radical by David Platt
There are some things to like about this book. It's true that Jesus didn't die so we could live cushy middle-class lives and not worry too much about anyone but ourselves. But David Platt is either not a good enough writer to say what he means, or else he's a little confused theologically. His version of John 3:16 seems to be "For God so hated the world that he sent his only son to die so that he could stand to look at a few of us." There's no grace in David Platt's view of Christianity, instead you have to be living this "radical" life in order to be saved.
I agree with him to an extent - a church which can raise $30 million for a new sanctuary but only sends $5,000 to help suffering brothers and sisters in Sudan needs to sort out its priorities, and a lot of us in America have no idea what it's like to be a Christian in places where persecution means losing everything, possibly even your life. But salvation doesn't depend on what you do. You can't save yourself, even if you do sell everything and live in a tent in Africa telling people about Jesus. All you have to do to be saved is accept that Jesus died for your sins, and repent. Adding anything to that is misleading and false.
The Spy at the Villa Miranda by Elsie Lee
A young woman, recently divorced, is asked to accompany a retired college professor on a trip to Greece, but on the eve of departure she catches someone trying to break in, and at their first stop on the way her suitcases are searched. Clearly there's more going on than a simple vacation. Then her ex-husband shows up and they're forced together as house-guests.
Elsie Lee was recommended to me as "similar to Mary Stewart", and I suppose she is, in a very superficial way. I'd rather just re-read Mary Stewart's books, though, and not bother with more Elsie Lee. She's not a very descriptive writer, and the romance was extremely disappointing. There's so much tension and pent-up emotion available in a story about estranged lovers, but she didn't take advantage of it at all. The heroine just whines, "Why were you so mean to me?" and then cries on her husband's shoulder, and that's the end of it.
Fateful by Claudia Gray
Ladies' maid Tess is planning to leave the snooty, overbearing family she works for as soon as the Titanic docks in America. No sooner has she boarded the ship, however, than she becomes involved with a handsome first-class passenger named Alec who has problems of his own he'd like to escape from: he's a werewolf.
I got tired of Claudia Gray's Evernight series, but I loved this one. The combination of historical drama and paranormal romance was a lot more interesting than if it had been just another werewolf book. It made me want to watch Titanic again, but I promised myself that would never happen...isn't 12 times enough? (Don't judge me; I was only 15!)
Every Secret Thing by Emma Cole
An elderly man approaches Kate Murray in London where she's covering a murder trial. He asks her to consider meeting him so he can tell her about a murder he witnessed during World War II, then steps off the sidewalk into the path of an oncoming car, and is instantly killed. Kate is shocked by what she's witnessed but doesn't think much of it, until she begins to learn more about the man and his involvement with her grandmother during the war.
Emma Cole, who is actually Susanna Kearsley, was also recommended to fans of Mary Stewart, and this one was much more what I was hoping for than Elsie Lee. The climax was a bit anti-climactic, and it was fairly easy to spot that the "bad guy" wasn't actually bad - also I would have liked a little more romance there, and not just a hint that at some point he's going to take her to dinner now that they both know who the other is - but overall it was very good.
*The Shadow Thieves by Anne Ursu
A sullen girl named Charlotte and her cousin Zee have to enter the Underworld to stop a mysterious illness afflicting all the kids they know.
I had such high hopes for this one. It started off a bit Harry Potterish, but the charm quickly wore off. The witty/snarky tone of the narrator got on my nerves, and it felt like the author was trying too hard to be clever.
Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
Five-year-old Betsy wants a friend her own age, and gets one when Tacy's family moves in across the street. After a bit of a rocky start they become best friends and have many imagination-fueled adventures.
I've heard about the Betsy-Tacy books so many times that I felt like I'd already read them. They're kind of the city girl version of the Little House books, but without the undercurrent of "life is really hard and this family is constantly on the verge of poverty and homelessness" that I never noticed until I re-read the Little House books as an adult. Not much happens in this first book, since the girls are only 5, but it sets up the characters for the rest of the series and is really cute.
Betsy-Tacy and Tib by Maud Hart Lovelace
Betsy, Tacy, and their friend Tib are now 8, and despite adults saying annoying things about how three best friends will just fight all the time, they get along perfectly. They smear mud on each other and pretend to be beggars, cook up an awful mess in the kitchen, and give each other disastrous haircuts, and they always have a good time together.
This one is, again, sort of uneventful and more kid-friendly than adult-friendly, but I liked it.
One Night of Scandal by Teresa Medeiros
Lottie Fairleigh just wanted to peek at the "Murderous Marquess" in the townhouse next door. She didn't expect him to find her and drag her inside, mistaking her for a nosy reporter. She didn't expect to be found kissing him by her brother-in-law and all the guests at her debutant ball. And she certainly didn't expect to be married to him and on her way to his secluded home in Cornwall, where his first wife died - or was she murdered by her husband?
I don't read many full-on romance novels anymore, but I made an exception for this one since I loved the book about Lottie's older sister. There are elements of Rebecca and Jane Eyre here, and grown-up Lottie is still as fun as little-girl Lottie was in A Kiss to Remember.
Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill by Maud Hart Lovelace
Now 10, Betsy, Tacy, and Tib feel very grown-up. They fall in love with the king of Spain, make new friends in Little Syria, just over the hill from their neighborhood, and squabble with Betsy's older sister Julia about whether Julia or Tib should be crowned Queen of the May.
Charming, like the first two, but still just a little too young for me. Or maybe I'm just bitter that my own childhood wasn't this much fun!
Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown by Maud Hart Lovelace
And then they were 12. A public library opens in town, rich Mr. Poppy buys the town's first horseless carriage, and if Winona Root would just invite them to go to a play at the new Opera House, Betsy, Tacy, and Tib would be perfectly happy.
I liked this one but it wasn't my favorite. I think because so many people love the Betsy-Tacy books I was expecting something more. I had to take a break before going on with the series.
*Sideways on a Scooter by Miranda Kennedy
27-year-old Miranda moved to Delhi with some idea of becoming a foreign correspondent for NPR, and learned firsthand what life is like for single women in India.
My ideas of India are all influenced by Bollywood, so maybe it's good to get a perspective based in reality rather than movies. On the other hand, Miranda Kennedy seems to think the solution is more freedom to have sex before marriage, rather than changing misogynistic attitudes in the culture. It was very eye-opening about how restrictive the whole caste-structure is, and how it plays a part in keeping India from really reforming and being able to better support a huge population.
Love Story by Jennifer Echols
Erin Blackwell is rebelling by majoring in creative writing instead of business, so her grandmother is leaving their racehorse farm to the stable boy, Hunter, who is attending the same college. Erin and Hunter have a long, complicated relationship, which gradually unfolds in the stories they write for class.
I usually love Jennifer Echols books - Going Too Far was fantastic, and Forget You, while not quite as good, was still a great read. But Love Story for some reason didn't have the same grab-you-and-don't-let-go appeal. Erin acted like a two-year-old, reacting but never stopping to reason things out or ask why Hunter or her grandmother were doing certain things. And I finished the book feeling like there should still have been a few chapters to go - where was the resolution?
Die For Me by Amy Plum
Depressed and reclusive after her parents died in a car accident, Kate doesn't protest when her sister decides they should move to Paris to live with their grandparents. When she meets gorgeous, mysterious Vincent and his family of gorgeous, mysterious "siblings", she is drawn into the world of the revenants, who become immortal after dying to save someone else.
There are a lot of YA paranormal romances which are heavily influenced by Twilight, but Die For Me pretty much IS Twilight. Just set in Paris, with zombies instead of vampires. So you might think I would have loved it, but...no. Where Twilight was interesting, this book is wordy and just sort of meanders from plot point to plot point. It's like bad fan fiction. Vincent is incredibly cheesy and dull, without any of the appeal of Edward Cullen. Where Twilight felt like the author really cared about the story and characters, Die For Me feels rushed and half-hearted. Just...save yourself the trouble and re-read Twilight, instead.
How To Save a Life by Sara Zarr
Jill has changed since her dad died - she used to be friendly and fun and kind, but now she just feels cold and uncaring. Mandy is pregnant and has no idea what to do with her life, besides get out of Omaha. When Jill's mom decides to adopt Mandy's baby and invites her to live with them until the baby is born, Jill is outraged.
The other Sara Zarr book I've read was a disappointment, but this one was great. Mandy's story was just a little predictable - the big shocking twist was exactly what I assumed was going to happen, since it almost always does in this sort of book - but Jill's story made up for it. I guess it was predictable, too, but not quite as much so? I don't know. I just liked it a lot.
Heaven to Betsy by Maud Hart Lovelace
Now 14 and starting high school, Betsy and Tacy are still best friends, though Tib moved back to Milwaukee. Despite taking place in 1906 the story feels very modern - Betsy and her friends are boy crazy and spend most of their time planning parties and going on picnics. Betsy worries about her straight hair and lack of beauty, and realizes that her family's cheerful home is more of a draw for the boys who hang around than she is.
I started this at a bad time - I was feeling sorry for myself and reading about a girl half my age who has three or four boys constantly dancing attendance on her didn't really help. It just made me feel old. I liked it, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have.
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
Everyone in the family assumes Gwen's cousin Charlotte inherited the time-traveling gene, and they've been training and preparing her for years. So it comes as a huge shock to everyone when Gwen is the one who starts popping in and out of different times.
I LOVED this book. Gwen is a very relatable, likeable character, and the time-travel aspect is interesting since it's genetic and not based on machines. The bad guy is maybe a little TOO mustache-twirlingly sinister, but it fits the spirit of the book. I can't wait for Sapphire Blue next summer!
The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye (page 884 to the end)
After everything else he's been to, Ashton Pelham-Martyn now has to go fight in a war in Afghanistan and lose all his friends.
I thought I was never going to finish this book, and a few times I almost sat it down and walked away, never to return. But since I'd already spent so much time on it I decided I might as well finish it. The end of the book is basically M.M. Kaye's tribute to her husband's great-great-uncle and his regiment, who were massacred in Kabul. Since she couldn't very well have fictional Ash play a major part in a real battle, she leaves him locked in a room, only able to watch helplessly from a distance, and focuses on three British officers instead. It is long and gloomy and by the end Ash has no one in the world left except Anjuli, which makes the ending slightly depressing. I'm glad I finished it so that I can say I've read all of M.M. Kaye's books, but I wouldn't read it again.
The Far Pavilions Picture Book by M.M. Kaye and David Larkin
This is exactly what it says - a collection of photos and drawings illustrating scenes and locations from The Far Pavilions. It was interesting, especially the pictures of characters who were based on real people. It made me wish I'd liked the book better.
*Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
When Tamsin was born her grandmother prophesied that she would be the most powerful witch in their family, but somehow her powers never showed up. Now she's the only non-magical one in a huge extended family of people who can do amazing things. Frustrated and bitter, Tamsin tries to help a stranger who mistakes her for her sister, and ends up putting the whole family in danger.
I really liked the sound of this one, but it was a little tiresome. Tamsin is almost too rebellious, and I hate reading books where the main character is deliberately blind to the sinister things going on around her, just to stretch things out longer.
*Radical by David Platt
There are some things to like about this book. It's true that Jesus didn't die so we could live cushy middle-class lives and not worry too much about anyone but ourselves. But David Platt is either not a good enough writer to say what he means, or else he's a little confused theologically. His version of John 3:16 seems to be "For God so hated the world that he sent his only son to die so that he could stand to look at a few of us." There's no grace in David Platt's view of Christianity, instead you have to be living this "radical" life in order to be saved.
I agree with him to an extent - a church which can raise $30 million for a new sanctuary but only sends $5,000 to help suffering brothers and sisters in Sudan needs to sort out its priorities, and a lot of us in America have no idea what it's like to be a Christian in places where persecution means losing everything, possibly even your life. But salvation doesn't depend on what you do. You can't save yourself, even if you do sell everything and live in a tent in Africa telling people about Jesus. All you have to do to be saved is accept that Jesus died for your sins, and repent. Adding anything to that is misleading and false.
The Spy at the Villa Miranda by Elsie Lee
A young woman, recently divorced, is asked to accompany a retired college professor on a trip to Greece, but on the eve of departure she catches someone trying to break in, and at their first stop on the way her suitcases are searched. Clearly there's more going on than a simple vacation. Then her ex-husband shows up and they're forced together as house-guests.
Elsie Lee was recommended to me as "similar to Mary Stewart", and I suppose she is, in a very superficial way. I'd rather just re-read Mary Stewart's books, though, and not bother with more Elsie Lee. She's not a very descriptive writer, and the romance was extremely disappointing. There's so much tension and pent-up emotion available in a story about estranged lovers, but she didn't take advantage of it at all. The heroine just whines, "Why were you so mean to me?" and then cries on her husband's shoulder, and that's the end of it.
Fateful by Claudia Gray
Ladies' maid Tess is planning to leave the snooty, overbearing family she works for as soon as the Titanic docks in America. No sooner has she boarded the ship, however, than she becomes involved with a handsome first-class passenger named Alec who has problems of his own he'd like to escape from: he's a werewolf.
I got tired of Claudia Gray's Evernight series, but I loved this one. The combination of historical drama and paranormal romance was a lot more interesting than if it had been just another werewolf book. It made me want to watch Titanic again, but I promised myself that would never happen...isn't 12 times enough? (Don't judge me; I was only 15!)
Every Secret Thing by Emma Cole
An elderly man approaches Kate Murray in London where she's covering a murder trial. He asks her to consider meeting him so he can tell her about a murder he witnessed during World War II, then steps off the sidewalk into the path of an oncoming car, and is instantly killed. Kate is shocked by what she's witnessed but doesn't think much of it, until she begins to learn more about the man and his involvement with her grandmother during the war.
Emma Cole, who is actually Susanna Kearsley, was also recommended to fans of Mary Stewart, and this one was much more what I was hoping for than Elsie Lee. The climax was a bit anti-climactic, and it was fairly easy to spot that the "bad guy" wasn't actually bad - also I would have liked a little more romance there, and not just a hint that at some point he's going to take her to dinner now that they both know who the other is - but overall it was very good.
*The Shadow Thieves by Anne Ursu
A sullen girl named Charlotte and her cousin Zee have to enter the Underworld to stop a mysterious illness afflicting all the kids they know.
I had such high hopes for this one. It started off a bit Harry Potterish, but the charm quickly wore off. The witty/snarky tone of the narrator got on my nerves, and it felt like the author was trying too hard to be clever.
Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
Five-year-old Betsy wants a friend her own age, and gets one when Tacy's family moves in across the street. After a bit of a rocky start they become best friends and have many imagination-fueled adventures.
I've heard about the Betsy-Tacy books so many times that I felt like I'd already read them. They're kind of the city girl version of the Little House books, but without the undercurrent of "life is really hard and this family is constantly on the verge of poverty and homelessness" that I never noticed until I re-read the Little House books as an adult. Not much happens in this first book, since the girls are only 5, but it sets up the characters for the rest of the series and is really cute.
Betsy-Tacy and Tib by Maud Hart Lovelace
Betsy, Tacy, and their friend Tib are now 8, and despite adults saying annoying things about how three best friends will just fight all the time, they get along perfectly. They smear mud on each other and pretend to be beggars, cook up an awful mess in the kitchen, and give each other disastrous haircuts, and they always have a good time together.
This one is, again, sort of uneventful and more kid-friendly than adult-friendly, but I liked it.
One Night of Scandal by Teresa Medeiros
Lottie Fairleigh just wanted to peek at the "Murderous Marquess" in the townhouse next door. She didn't expect him to find her and drag her inside, mistaking her for a nosy reporter. She didn't expect to be found kissing him by her brother-in-law and all the guests at her debutant ball. And she certainly didn't expect to be married to him and on her way to his secluded home in Cornwall, where his first wife died - or was she murdered by her husband?
I don't read many full-on romance novels anymore, but I made an exception for this one since I loved the book about Lottie's older sister. There are elements of Rebecca and Jane Eyre here, and grown-up Lottie is still as fun as little-girl Lottie was in A Kiss to Remember.
Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill by Maud Hart Lovelace
Now 10, Betsy, Tacy, and Tib feel very grown-up. They fall in love with the king of Spain, make new friends in Little Syria, just over the hill from their neighborhood, and squabble with Betsy's older sister Julia about whether Julia or Tib should be crowned Queen of the May.
Charming, like the first two, but still just a little too young for me. Or maybe I'm just bitter that my own childhood wasn't this much fun!
Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown by Maud Hart Lovelace
And then they were 12. A public library opens in town, rich Mr. Poppy buys the town's first horseless carriage, and if Winona Root would just invite them to go to a play at the new Opera House, Betsy, Tacy, and Tib would be perfectly happy.
I liked this one but it wasn't my favorite. I think because so many people love the Betsy-Tacy books I was expecting something more. I had to take a break before going on with the series.
*Sideways on a Scooter by Miranda Kennedy
27-year-old Miranda moved to Delhi with some idea of becoming a foreign correspondent for NPR, and learned firsthand what life is like for single women in India.
My ideas of India are all influenced by Bollywood, so maybe it's good to get a perspective based in reality rather than movies. On the other hand, Miranda Kennedy seems to think the solution is more freedom to have sex before marriage, rather than changing misogynistic attitudes in the culture. It was very eye-opening about how restrictive the whole caste-structure is, and how it plays a part in keeping India from really reforming and being able to better support a huge population.
Love Story by Jennifer Echols
Erin Blackwell is rebelling by majoring in creative writing instead of business, so her grandmother is leaving their racehorse farm to the stable boy, Hunter, who is attending the same college. Erin and Hunter have a long, complicated relationship, which gradually unfolds in the stories they write for class.
I usually love Jennifer Echols books - Going Too Far was fantastic, and Forget You, while not quite as good, was still a great read. But Love Story for some reason didn't have the same grab-you-and-don't-let-go appeal. Erin acted like a two-year-old, reacting but never stopping to reason things out or ask why Hunter or her grandmother were doing certain things. And I finished the book feeling like there should still have been a few chapters to go - where was the resolution?
Die For Me by Amy Plum
Depressed and reclusive after her parents died in a car accident, Kate doesn't protest when her sister decides they should move to Paris to live with their grandparents. When she meets gorgeous, mysterious Vincent and his family of gorgeous, mysterious "siblings", she is drawn into the world of the revenants, who become immortal after dying to save someone else.
There are a lot of YA paranormal romances which are heavily influenced by Twilight, but Die For Me pretty much IS Twilight. Just set in Paris, with zombies instead of vampires. So you might think I would have loved it, but...no. Where Twilight was interesting, this book is wordy and just sort of meanders from plot point to plot point. It's like bad fan fiction. Vincent is incredibly cheesy and dull, without any of the appeal of Edward Cullen. Where Twilight felt like the author really cared about the story and characters, Die For Me feels rushed and half-hearted. Just...save yourself the trouble and re-read Twilight, instead.
How To Save a Life by Sara Zarr
Jill has changed since her dad died - she used to be friendly and fun and kind, but now she just feels cold and uncaring. Mandy is pregnant and has no idea what to do with her life, besides get out of Omaha. When Jill's mom decides to adopt Mandy's baby and invites her to live with them until the baby is born, Jill is outraged.
The other Sara Zarr book I've read was a disappointment, but this one was great. Mandy's story was just a little predictable - the big shocking twist was exactly what I assumed was going to happen, since it almost always does in this sort of book - but Jill's story made up for it. I guess it was predictable, too, but not quite as much so? I don't know. I just liked it a lot.
Heaven to Betsy by Maud Hart Lovelace
Now 14 and starting high school, Betsy and Tacy are still best friends, though Tib moved back to Milwaukee. Despite taking place in 1906 the story feels very modern - Betsy and her friends are boy crazy and spend most of their time planning parties and going on picnics. Betsy worries about her straight hair and lack of beauty, and realizes that her family's cheerful home is more of a draw for the boys who hang around than she is.
I started this at a bad time - I was feeling sorry for myself and reading about a girl half my age who has three or four boys constantly dancing attendance on her didn't really help. It just made me feel old. I liked it, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have.