The Story of Halcyon Crane by Wendy Webb

I absolutely loved this book! It’s light and easy and just fun. It was brought up at book club many times and so I just had to grab it. I’m glad we didn’t do it for BC, I don’t think there is a whole lot to discuss, pure pleasure read.

Hallie James has believed all her life that her mother perished in a house fire. She receives a letter from an attorney stating the death of a Madelin Crane, along with a letter from Madeline Crane stating that Hallie is her daughter and she has believed for 30 years that Hallie and her father were dead. This sends Hallie’s world into a tail spin as she tries to discover why her father would have lied to her all of these years. Her life is further complicated as she returns to the island in which she was born and raised and begins to uncover the mysteries and tragedies of her family and her ancestors.

In all the book is a wonderful ghost story, rich with mystery and family ancestry. The setting is fantastic, an island off the Great Lakes where the mode of transportation for the last 100 plus hears has been foot, bike or horse drawn carriages. Much of the book includes accounts in story teller format which really adds to the mystery and ancestry of the island and the main characters family.

Highly recommend!

This is the fifth in a series and of course it’s a series I absolutely fell in love with from the start. If you like late Victorian England murder mystery / romance then this is your cuppa. Dark Enquiry follows our favorite couple Julia and Brisbane as they have returned from their honeymoon (as you can read in Dark Road to Darjeerling, #4) and are setting up their household in London. They quickly involve themselves in a blackmailing / murder plot that draws more than one of Julia’s eccentric family members into the heart of the matter.

Though this mystery plot wasn’t quite as sinister and exciting as some of Raybourn’s other plots the story line is still fantastic. A great mix of mystery, romance and hilarity, Dark Enquiry will not disappoint fans of the Lady Julia series by any means!

Raybourn is one of my favorite authors. She captures her characters well and I find myself tearing up and laughing out loud throughout her books. DO NOT judge a book by its cover though. In my opinion this book and Silent on the Moor have terrible book jackets – they are both reminiscent of of 1980′s costumes of Victorian England, ick. So just push past that.

In an earlier post I told you I would be testing the waters of Anne Perry and her mammoth Victorian Mystery series. Well out of the two series I have to say I think the William Monk series has a bit more depth and bite than the Pitt series. I will say however, that the first half of each one I have read has been a bit dry (the case in both series),  but about halfway through they start heating up, by the time I was 3/4th’s the way through I was to the point where I couldn’t put them down.

So far out of all three I have to vote Defend and Betray as my favorite. The story opens with the murder of General Thaddeus Carlyon, his wife Alexandra quickly admits to the crime but won’t give anyone the real reason for her actions. She awaits trial maintaining her reason was jealousy over a possible affair.  For the time period we are talking about I felt the revealed reason to the crime was pretty shocking and the way it all comes out is definitely nail biting. Also in this book more and more of Monk’s elusive past comes to light which is very exciting. The relationship with he and Hester really haven’t heated up too much by this point but you can see it coming, namely in his reaction to realizing she’s interested in Rathborn a local barrister (our version of a courtroom attorney) that has assisted in each of their mysteries.

I found a dealer on Half.com that has loads of Anne Perry books, so I went ahead and ordered the rest of this series ($36 well spent, love cheap books). So we’ll see how far I get.

A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

Last night my book club met to discuss our latest and greatest, A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. And unlike our last meeting, the opinions on this one were mixed. Overall I think even if you don’t love it you will find it interesting. That’s the phrase that kept popping up, it was “interesting”.

We were pretty split on whether we felt it was a true Pulitzer Prize winner, I myself don’t get it. Which is precisely why I don’t pick books based on awards. Rather like some of the movies that get picked for Emmy’s – and I’m thinking wait did you all see the same movie I did because the movie I saw didn’t deserve my $10 much less an industry award (Black Swan).

Anyway, I was a bit conflicted on my feelings on this book as well. Each chapter is a different character, one member created a flow chart to keep up with all the different characters. We were all envious of her chart. I really liked it at first, but about 50 pages from the end I felt my engine stalling. It was just too disconnected for me, some characters were never to be seen again and others popped up so much later in the book that I couldn’t remember who they were or what their back story was or what their future story was since this is the back story.

Occasionally the author would throw in a future glimpse of a character’s life which I really liked, as in “she would later go on to join a cult where they only ate raw eggs“. But she didn’t do this throughout the book, only a few times in the beginning, it was like she forgot she was doing this and left the idea behind.

Overall it was a short read, and an easy read but a bit hard to follow. I’m glad we picked it for book club as it was a fun one to discuss since no one could say they 100% followed each characters story with success. Had you been a fly on the wall you would have heard a lot of “are you sure that was Rob?” “No that wasn’t Drew that was Benny” “That wasn’t Lou’s daughter that was Lulu, I swear” “Wait, I thought her dad died…no he was the movie star, La Doll just told LuLu he was dead”.

Fun Stuff!

Next month we’re reading, The Book Thief which has been on my shelf for over two years. Really looking forward to that one.

The Birth House by Ami McKay

I am a member of an awesome book club where we typically always pick great books. I missed a week so I missed the discussion around why this book was picked. I looked it up and read the synopsis and thought, really? Why in the world did they want to read this, it doesn’t sound good at all. The book received rave reviews which made me a bit curious. Needless to say I couldn’t get too excited over it and it failed to make my must read list.

Flash forward a couple of weeks to book club. It was the first time I ever remember ALL 15 women loving a book. And the discussion around it went from hysterical commentary on home remedy birth control and birthing to thought proviking discussions on women’s rights. So I grabbed the book from one of the ladies determined to read it and see what it was all about.

I loved it! Absolutely loved it! It’s about a girl (Dora Rare) who is the only female in a family of 6 boys. She’s training with the local mid wife to be a mid wife herself. Now we’re talking Nova Scotia 1916, and area that wouldn’t receive electricity in homes till the mid 40′s. For the most part this is an old shipping and farming community where at home births are the norm. In comes Dr. Thomas determined to bring modern birthing centers to the area. Quickly lines are drawn and conflict arises. But the bigger story here are the relationships between Dora and Miss B, her teacher, and the community of Nova Scotia. Dora, like most girls, dreams of love, family and happiness. But through the traditional routes she’ll find only disappointment and hurt.

The Birth House is a quick read simply because it’s a story that is easy to follow and a narrative style that is similar to a story teller. It’s highly enjoyable in my opinion and rich in character development.

Currently I am wading through two mother of all mother series. Imagine my surprise and elation (man how long have I been waiting to use “elation” in a sentence) when I stumbled upon two period piece series, both Victorian mystery series?!

Now the first one, Thomas & Charlotte Pitt series, currently numbers up to 26 books – yes friends TWENTY SIX!! And the other series, The Monk series, currently numbers at 15. Needless to say I have some reading to do. I don’t feel like I can give an accurate review of either series yet as I’ve only read the first two of each one. I will say the relationships are quite different in each series and the writing is a bit more dense in the Monk series. Which let’s be honest, I’m glad given there is still the possibility that these could be formula novels, let’s hope not of course.

Did you know I detest formula novels?

The Pitt series began in 1979, Inspector Pitt is one of those fun loving disheveled characters that’s easy to like. The Monk series began in the early 90′s, William Monk is more of a brooding darker force characters. That series begins with him having amnesia and having to relearn his job and who he is without anyone knowing his demise. So far both female characters have a lot in common and easily remind me of each other, but like I said I’ve barely skimmed the surface of these series so jury’s still out on that.

So far I’m really looking forward to delving into both series, so that’s a good sign. Reviews to come when I have a few more under my belt.

I have been in a mystery series phase recently, I’m not sure if that’s because those are the easiest to find or if I’m boning up on my detective career – regardless I have found some good ones.

Sebastian St Cyr Mysteries by C.S. Harris

C.S. Harris Site – http://www.csharris.net/

The disclaimer here is you have to like historical period pieces and you have to like who done its. Amazon and Barnes and Noble have been flashing What Angels Fear in front of my face for years. Every time I would make a purchase they would insist I would like this book. As usual, they were right. What I love is there is a larger story line underneath the who done it that will span the entire series.

Sebastian St. Cyr is the reluctant brooding heir to the family title, lands and money (I now tough problem to have). As the youngest son he never expected to be in such a position, but with the death of his oldest brother the title falls to him. He lives his life drinking, gambling and having fun till he is found accused and arrested for murder and must clear his name.

All the while there is a larger mystery and story line involving him and his family running through the series. Let’s just say no one is who they seem to be and there are some shocking twists involving the main characters that will make your jaw hit the floor.

What I like about this series are the characters, the who done its are fun and fine but what draws me back is Sebastian himself, the drama within his own family and the developing character of Hero, the want to be spinster daughter of Sebastian’s biggest rival.

They’re a fairly easy read, and of course certain books prove stronger than others. But overall a highly enjoyable series.

The Winter Sea – Susanna Kearsley

This book popped up on my radar when Barne’s and Noble recommended it based on what I had previously bought. I read the summary and thought “ok, maybe” so I downloaded a sample and went on to the next book that I really wanted to read. Flash forward a few weeks later I’m perusing books and I guess my finger hit this one a little too hard because my Nook took it upon itself to open it for me to read. So I read the first 30 pages and voila, I was hooked!

The story is about a author that writes historical fiction, Carrie McClelland. She travels to Scotland to do some research using her own family’s ancestory as a spring board. She is then drawn to a little Scottish village called Slains. From there the story of Sophia just starts pouring out of her, as if she’s channeling this “fictitous” character in her novel.

So what ends up happening is you as the reader get to read Carrie’s modern day happenings as well as Sophia’s story set in 18th century Scotland. Chapters 1,2.3…. are set in modern day and Chapters I,II,III….are set in the past. The result is an exciting and touching story of two women that you absolutely love. On top of that are characters from the present and the past that you really feel a connection and genuine warmth towards.

I highly recommend this read, it’s smart, touching, romantic and FULL of some great Scottish history centered around the early Jacobite rising against the English crown and the newly United Kingdom.

I’d say being sick means I have more opportunity to read. But I prefer my nose in a book whether I’m sick or not. There are some moments when it seems like I’m on a winning streak with books, and February was one of those months. Grand slam. A vast array of genres passed before my eyes, all fantastic, all worth the recommendation.

Hunger Games Trilogy

Hunger Games, Suzanne Colins

This trilogy caught me off guard a bit. I was expecting something a bit more clandestine, rather I got a more post apocalyptic feel out of it. Which was fine, it was a fantastic series and I’d read it 10 more times in a heart beat. Truly could not put it down and loved every moment of it. Great character development, which is very important. I found my self absorbed in the story, the injustice of their world and the emotions each of them had to deal with on a moment by moment basis.

These are classified as “young adult”, which I don’t understand. I studied young adult literature when I was in college, and from what I remember the fiction that was typically classified as young adult was due to the fact that the plot and characters more aligned with a young adults world rather than a contemporary adults world. Meaning more teenagers and younger could relate based on the fact that they had not yet met full adulthood. Now however, I think if there is a teenager in the book and there isn’t explicit sex, it gets lumped into this very broad genre.

I digress…

Greatest Knight and Scarlet Lion

Greatest Knight and Scarlet Lion by Elizabeth Chadwick

I mentioned this in my post on what kept me sane while I was sick. This series was a mental gift! I am so glad I stumbled upon it and blame many late nights and many shed tears on this series. The story of William Marshall, known as one of the greatest knights in 12th and 13th century England. Marhall (where we get the rank Marshall from) served under the realm of King Henry II, King Richard, King John and King Henry III.

A fascinating blend of history and historical fiction Chadwick does a great job pulling the reader into the lives of Marshall, his family and those that serve him. Scarlet Lion begins where Greatest Knight leaves off and delves deeper into his personal life with his wife Isabelle. Overall the book spans about 50 or so years and is a fantastic read. And yes, you will need tissue for the end.

So during a week coughing, sneezing and blowing wasn’t the most fun, it could have been worse. I made several fantastic discoveries and new favorites and was able to indulge in some old favorites as well. For me a sick woman’s guide included.

Old Favorites Like…

Basically a fruit smoothie without having to stand in line and wait for it to be made, wonderful treat and old favorite.

Was nice to drive through and stock up, no cooking necessary.

Tom Yum Gai is THE comfort food for the sick, no chicken noodle nasty please and thank you. The lemon grass and spices are perfect.

The fourth in one of my favorite historical fiction series, this one takes place in Istanbul Turkey. I have a personal love for that city and Alexander nailed it. It’s also fun to follow favorite authors on Twitter because I was able to tell her so, and she responded…swoon

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I love my Roku, steaming Hulu, Netflix and Pandora is a sick woman’s angel.

New Favorites Like…

This by far helped more than anything else.

I stumbled upon this series on Netflix. FANTASTIC. I love the characters and the drama within a English household in 1912. It’s a good balance between the lives of the family and the servants. Season 2 will be filmed this spring, and I’m sad there were only 7 episodes in season 1.

This was  free book on Nook’s free Friday’s. I took a chance and am glad I did. It’s the story of William Marshall, an historical fiction account of his life based on a biography his oldest son had done after Marshall died. William Marshall served King Henry II, Henry III, King Richard and King John. It spans 1167 -1197. Highly recommend for history buffs. (Elizabeth Chadwick). I’m currently reading the sequel which is also fantastic, spanning 1197-1221

Sable

Tango

Being the weather has warmed up, we’ve all taken advantage of the windows. It’s easy to be lazy when you have the laziest partners in crime. Occasionally they would move, but just to stretch or yawn. Very serene.

]]> http://www.curlsz.com/sick-womans-guide-to-sanity/feed 1 http://www.curlsz.com/cutting-for-stone http://www.curlsz.com/cutting-for-stone#comments Mon, 24 Jan 2011 05:25:57 +0000 curlsz http://www.curlsz.com/?p=330 It’s such a pleasure to feel immersed in a story, to hold on to a story and not want it to end. This is how I felt with Abraham Verghese Cutting for Stone.

Granted, the first 100 pages was a bit tough to get through making it a slow start for me. But after that I felt like I was running downhill, gaining so much momentum in the story that I couldn’t stop, didn’t want to stop. It’s a beautiful story of twins, their relationship with their family, friends and their country – Ethiopia.  A large part of the story reflects personal conflicts as well as the conflicts in Ethiopia over the decades. But through it all I felt like I was right there, living their lives with them, living out this story.

A great blend of love, conflict and cultures – spanning India, Ethiopia and America. I can not recommend this book enough. It’s one I want to stockpile and hand out to everyone I know.

So here are my recent worm holes. Books I have absolutely loved and devoured in the last few months.

South of Broad by Pat Conroy

I devoured this book over Christmas. It’s a bit melancholy, but fantastic character development and story line. The kind of book where you don’t want to put it down because you feel like you’re leaving your friends if you do. If you’re not familiar with Pat Conroy, he’s a southern writer focusing on the Carolinas. He is great at making you feel like you are walking the streets of Charleston with him. Conroy is the author of The Prince of Tides.

Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver

The sequel to Bean Trees. I would rank Bean Trees above this book, but it did not disappoint as a sequel. I think these books resonate with me so much because of the mother daughter dynamic. Fiercely independent yet strong in their love for each other, I find it to be very similar to my own mother daughter dynamic.

The book begins a few years where The Bean Trees left off. And like her first novel, you feel connected and in love with each of her characters.

Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn

This is the latest in a series, the Lady Julia Gray series. This is not complicated historical fiction, pure indulgent fun and I absolutely love it! The series focuses on the conflict between conventional Victorian England and a very unconventional family, just what modern readers love.

If you like sleuth novels with a strong dose of the Victorian England an a touch of romance these are for you, they make the perfect rainy day reads.

Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon

This is the recent in an EPIC series. Emphasis on epic. Gabaldon started this series in the mid 80′s I believe. Those that love this series fully dedicate their lives to it. I suspect she pumps some kind of female hormones into the glue on the binding.

It’s also a great read for history buffs. Starting in the highlands of Scotland in 1745 with Outlander and traveling to the current book which takes place in the American colonies on the brink of the American Revolution. Of course sadly I now have to wait for the next installment.

A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander

So here’s the deal. I love series, I love historical fiction. I blow thorough them way to quickly. The problem with that is I’m always waiting for the next in the series to be published. Therefore I scoured Amazon for a new series to fill my time. I stumbled upon these. The first book, And Only to Deceive, was pretty good. A bit bland. But the series is definitely gaining in strength.

This belongs on the same shelf as the Lady Julia Gray series. The writing is even similar.

I really connected with this book and its characters. It was a great introduction to this author. It’s a quick read and well worth the time. And the three year old may cause you to run out and adopt a child, just maybe.

I ran across this book when it first came out and it sounded odd and dark and a bit morbid…meaning, right up my alley. Sure enough I loved it, couldn’t put it down, sat through stop lights reading this book. It’s certainly not for everyone. It’s not one of those books I’d insist everyone read in fact, but I thought it was fantastic.

It’s definitely dark and more than a little twisted…and if you are a bit prudish then don’t even consider it.

Here’s the synopsis… He placed a notice in a Chicago paper, an advertisement for “a reliable wife.” She responded, saying that she was “a simple, honest woman.” She was, of course, anything but honest, and the only simple thing about her was her single-minded determination to marry this man and then kill him, slowly and carefully, leaving her a wealthy widow, able to take care of the one she truly loved. What Catherine Land did not realize was that the enigmatic and lonely Ralph Truitt had a plan of his own. And what neither anticipated was that they would fall so completely in love. Filled with unforgettable characters, and shimmering with color and atmosphere, A Reliable Wife is an enthralling tale of love and madness, of longing and murder.

I wouldn’t read the reviews first if I was you. They are all over the place and very mixed. No help at all. Like I said it’s not for everyone. Which is probably why I loved it. Things that are “one size fit all” bore me to nauseum. I have no idea how to spell that word and the spell checker doesn’t either.