The Purity of Vengeance by Jussi Adler Olsen

from Boston Globe

4 stars

Sometimes when I am reading a book I picture what the author looks like, this is before I look at the back jacket cover or look online. Sometimes I am quite surprised. Some of the racier books I have read are written by women who look so matronly that you almost wish to blush at their words. You say to yourself, "as if this person really wrote that". Sometimes the picture and the book is spot on. In this books case the character of Carl Morck that I picture while reading looks exactly like the author's picture on the jacket cover. Down to each goatee hair. I wonder if authors often picture themselves in the character role. Painting a picture that gives us a glimpse into their reality. Or, if they are writing an escape for themselves as well and creating something that allows them to live a life one wouldn't expect from them. I know that looks really has nothing to do with how people think and feel. We use looks to characterize people so much but in reality not everyone lives up to those characteristics. It is interesting. We really can't judge a book from its cover, or at least its author's cover.

Synopsis

Carl Morck is working on a cold case of a missing woman who lived a life of ill-repute. He and his team of colleagues realize that on that date there were an more missing people cases and they all had something related to each other, a woman, Nete Hermansen. At the same time a political party was gaining in popularity. One that thought women should be sterilized if they lived a life of promiscuity so their unborn children wouldn't become a drain on society's resources.

In another time line, one from the 80s, we get flashbacks on the heartbreaking life of Nete Hermansen and her time spent on Sprogo, an island where mentally handicapped women were sent. The only way off the island was to be sterilized.

My Thoughts

This was another great read by Jussi Adler-Olsen. The crime was a bit less creepy than others in the Department Q series but it was still disturbing. The message was clear. We do not know the worth of one person. We do not know the back story behind their current circumstances and we do not know what people are capable of given when given a chance to do something good. There is always grey area.

The story line from the 80s I didn't like so much. Perhaps since I am  a mother of a young child the thought of women not being able to have a family or being forced to have abortions made me sad. We don't know how children will turn out or what contributions they will make later in their life and to have a diabolical doctor end that child's existence before it's time, just because he finds the parents to be unfavourable, is disturbing. There are no perfect people, or people who are better than others. Every one is worth something.

I loved reading the present day story line. I found it full of suspense, humour, and your grow to love Carl and his associates even more. You also get to know more about the back story of Carl. It will be interesting to find out if they will ever know what happened in his shooting from the beginning of the series.

As with other of Adler-Olsen's Departmet Q series, you get a sense of some of his political views. And while in this book it does have a political overtone it also has a basic human rights overtone.

While I didn't find it quite as easy to read as the others in the series it was still good and leaves me waiting impatiently for the next installment to be translated.

A Day with Wilbur Robinson by William Joyce

from goodreads

5 stars

Well it was a sad day on Saturday. My oldest watched Meet the Robinsons which is based on this book. She came to me and said, "Mom, the movie wasn't the same as the book". I had to break the news to her that sometimes movies were not the same as the books. Lucky for her though, while Meet the Robinsons doesn't follow the story exactly it still stayed true to the fun and whimsy you find in this book. They didn't change characters around, they basically kept every element that was fun in A Day with Wilbur Robinson in the movie.

I know this isn't a movie review blog but, if you are looking for a great family movie that is fun for kids and adults and does not have any of those adult type jokes that they sometimes stick in (you know the ones I mean) then this is the movie for you. It was fun. Even my husband loved it. He stayed awake for the whole movie. (Last family movie we watched he fell asleep and we had to keep waking him up.) This movie is one that I am tempted to buy, but for now we will just go to the library to get our fix.

Synopsis

Unnamed boy goes over to his friend Wilbur Robinson's house. While there he is enlisted to find grandfather's teeth. As they search Wilbur's house they meet dinosaurs, snowball fights, life size train sets and more. All the while Wilbur apologizes for the boring day.

My Thoughts

This was such a fun book. When I was reading it to my oldest her eyes were wide with wonder the whole time. After I read the words on the page I had to wait until she was finished soaking up the pictures before I could move on. There is something interesting in each picture. The illustrations are filled with layers. Look to fast and you will miss something incredible.

I love how retro the Robinson family is. Singing Yes, We Have no Bananas. That is so cool. I love that song, ever since I heard in in the original movie Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn, William Holden and Humphrey Bogart. The Robinson's are truly some hip cats. And the best thing is they are totally oblivious to how cool they are. They are just living life how they want without worrying what others think. They are being their authentic selves. That is something positive to definitely emulate.

While I was reading the book, the way the people were illustrated seemed really similar to the show George Shrinks. When I was done I read the back and found out that Joyce was the creator of George Shrinks. I had no idea. I knew that he created Rolie Polie Olie (I saw it on t.v.) but I didn't realize how much work he has done on other shows and movies. He is one creative guy. I actually looked him up on goodreads. Man he has written a lot and done a lot. (He wrote the stories that the movie Rise of the Guardians is based on. That is another movie that is super awesome. My family loves it.) I think I am going to have to read all his stuff.

It would be interesting to see what other adventures Wilbur and his friend would get up to on another day. This book has whet my appetite for more. But for now, we are satisfied. This book allowed my daughter's imagination to go wild, and that is good enough for me.

The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

from goodreads

3 stars

I don't know what it is but dystopian novels fascinate me. I think it is neat to see what societies the author creates and then think, how would our world now get to be the world in the books. What massive destruction or political takeovers would have to occur to get the people to be part of this society. I like that they make you think about your own morals and values and makes you question the status quo. It's nice when books make you think and challenge you to reaffirm what you hold dear. Although right now we seem to be swamped with dystopian novels, each one still allows us to have a conversation with ourselves and others. I think that is the whole point of reading. It helps you discover what type of person you are and what you look for in others.


***Possible spoilers*** (Though I will try not to say anything that would be a spoiler I may inadvertently. I know this is a series that people probably don't want to have spoiled so I totally understand if you want to read the books first and then read what I thought.)

Synopsis

It is Chicago after a completely devastating war. The city is divided into 5 factions Erudite (the wise), Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Amity (the peaceful) and Dauntless (the brave). At age 16 you decide what faction to join. If you pass the initiation process you stay in the faction if not you are kicked out and become part of the factionless population.

Beatrice Prior (Tris) is from Abnegation. During her aptitude test she is told she is something that is a danger to herself and she needs to keep it secret. She shocks her family when she chooses a different faction. In her new faction she meets a boy named Four and together they find out secrets of their society and have tough decisions to make once the truth is known.

My Thoughts

Well, this is definitely no Hunger Games. I found with the Hunger Games I was sucked into the story from page one. It didn't take a long time for the author to set up the society and it got right to the action. The Divergent series on the other hand seemed to take the whole first book to develop the society. I found it to be slow paced and not as exciting as I was expecting it to be. Perhaps one reason why I wasn't over the moon with this series was because it was so hyped up. I heard only how awesome it was so I was expecting something that was going to blow my socks off. I didn't get that.

The first book in the trilogy, Divergent, was slow paced and really repetitive.  Tris feels guilty about leaving her faction, then feels strong in her resolve for choosing her new faction, then feels guilty again, then feels confident again. I was like, make up your mind, geish. The book left me with more questions than answers and just didn't hold my interest like the Hunger Games. I finished it because I was sure that the next book would be better as the society was already set up.

The second book, Insurgent, was definitely more action packed. The questions that I had after the first book were starting to be answered. I felt the author started to get into her writing groove as it was not as repetitive, though some of her descriptions of the make out sessions were very repetitive. Someone get that lady a thesaurus. This book shows the importance of honesty and forgiveness in relationships.

The third book, Allegiant, was really out of left field. She brought in a completely new story arc. It fit, but it left me with new questions. She almost needs to write a new book or series just dealing with the new revelations she brought into the society. I did feel satisfied with the ending. Some people were really upset, but I was o.k. with it. As a reader you always hope for happy endings for every character. In this case it didn't happen, yet it fit the story. And while my initial reactions was, dang that kind of sucks, I am not angry or feeling hurt, because it fit the story. Unlike an unmentionable character's death in Downton Abbey. Don't get me started about that! (If you have seen season 3 you know exactly what I'm talking about. I am still unimpressed. Though after seeing season 4 I am a bit less upset.)

On the whole I liked the series. It is not my favourite series but it was o.k. It gives you a lot to think about. Should we faction ourselves? Is it good to focus on one characteristic or embrace many characteristics. Are some personality traits better than others?

Even though I did enjoy it, there were times that I got frustrated with the main character. Tris has a hero complex, where she thinks she is the only one who can do things and that she needs to do it herself. I found her to be immature at times. I know she is only 16 but she still doesn't need to be so whinny and self-sacrificing.

There are some plot holes or questions that weren't completely answered. During the whole series I wanted to know more about what society was like outside the city. What did those living outside the city really think about those in Chicago? Perhaps Roth is leaving room for another series set in the outside. I know that knowing that information is not really important to the story, but it would be interesting to know.

This series is definitely a 14+ series. It has a bit of a harder edge to it. And while there is no blatant sex, somethings are eluded to making it more appropriate for older teens. I think girls may like this series more because of the romance component but, there is enough action that would hold boys' interest. A teen reader would probably rate the series higher than what I did. My nieces loved it. I guess I am becoming a true adult!

Uncle Wally's Old Brown Shoe by Wallace Edwards

from goodreads

5 stars

I'll be honest. Lately I wonder if my children are really my offspring. They have been bringing home the most horrid books from the library. No good story, no good illustrations. Seriously there are only so many Scooby-doo adventures this mom can take. But then last week a miracle occurred. My oldest brought home this book and the angel choirs sang in the background. Who knows what this week will bring but at least my sanity has been restored for a while at least.

Synopsis

Uncle Wally's shoe goes on an adventure through dream land. It is written in the same vein as The House that Jack Built.

My Thoughts

The pictures in this book were gorgeous. I loved the tiger theme throughout. Sometimes you saw an actual tiger, sometimes it was the pattern on a scarf. It was really neat. The pictures were truly a treat for your eyes as you looked in every corner to find something new and whimsical. They were serious magic.

I loved the rhythm and rhyme that the book followed. My kids were excited to see what the shoe was going to be used for next. The story wasn't as exciting the pictures but hey, you can't have everything. And the pictures more than made up for anything that was lacking in the story.

This is definitely one that I want on my shelf.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

from goodreads

4 stars

Well, March Break is winding down. Even though we had a staycation, I think we had fun. We did more winter activities in this week than we did all winter. Mostly, because the weather is finally warm enough that you don't mind being outside. This has meant that my reading has slowed down. Although, I think I would rather live life than read about others living it.

Synopsis

Agnes Magnusdottir is charged with murder and is sentenced to be executed. She is sent to live at the farm of Kornas with Jon Jonsson and his family in northern Iceland. This book shows the family's struggle having a murderess in their home. It also shows Agnes struggling with a dual life, feeling normal and part of a household on the one side but knowing she is doomed to die on the other. This book is based on real events using primary source documents as well as local stories about this event.

My Thoughts

I found this to be a really interesting read. I do not know much about Iceland and I didn't realize how subsistent their living was in the early 19th century. When I think of the 19th century I think of the settings of Jane Austen. Nice houses, actual glass windows and normal type of roofing. In Iceland it was much more harsh where those types of housing materials were luxuries. It was interesting to see how the Icelanders used every part of the animal for things. Ex. stretched fish skin for windows.

I found that Kent was really good making you feel like this was a bleak and dreary landscape, without having to come right out and say it. I felt gray and cold the whole time I was reading it.

I really felt for Agnes. What a hard life. It is hard to read about people who, no matter what they do, can't seem to catch a break and move upwards in life. They never see their dreams get realized, and they do have dreams. Society just seems to be set up against them if they don't fit the perfect mould of what it thinks is proper. Though our society still has its problems it is a bit easier to make what you want of your life. To change your trajectory.

I loved the reverend who was put in charge of Agnes' salvation. His approach was that of befriending instead of preaching fire and brimstone. No one likes to be preached at, they just want to be heard, and he was able to give that the Agnes which was awesome.

I think one of the great things about this novel is that it shows that every culture at every time seems to have the same type of personalities as you find in our current one. You have those who are in power and want to lord it over others. You have others who are humble to a fault almost and are so kind. And you have others who are proud and want to keep others down. And then you have progressive types who ruffle a few feathers. When you read about a certain characters, especially Blondal, you know exactly what type of person they are. I don't know if knowing that all people have been the same over time is comforting or not, but it is interesting none the less.

This was a great read, not thoroughly entertaining, but it makes you ponder, what is the value of a life. And, it helps you realized that things are not black and white. There is always a gray area.

Giant by Juliet and Charles Snape

2.5 stars

Sorry about the late post today. It is March Break here and we were having some family fun today! I hope you are having an awesome week!

Synopsis

Lia lives in a village at the foot of a mountain, which is really a giant. The giant does not like how the villagers use her. So, she leaves. The villagers try to make their own substitutions but, it is not quite the same.

My Thoughts

I found this book to be a bit confusing and I felt that there were some pages missing. But I doubled checked and they were, in fact, all there.

The first few pictures makes it seem like the villagers are fairly responsible with the mountain. Then BAM! the mountain is covered in garbage, though the words talk about picnics and playing. The words don't tell us that the villagers are not being careful with the waste, the picture does. It is like the picture and the words don't sync up very well.

The mountain feels used and uncared for, which would I guess makes sense but it still looked o.k. Not like a huge waste land.

Then the villagers get the great idea of replacing the giant mountain with garbage. A big old hill of garbage. Really, I don't call that a great idea. I call that a dump. Who would want to play in that or let their kids play in that. Like really. It's not very realistic, or at least, it didn't make sense.

When the villagers realize how much they miss the giant, they just simply ask her to come back and she does. If I was that giant I would be looking for some guarantees or hashing out some sort of compensation package.

Now, I think the moral of the story is to take care of the environment and not be wasteful or destructive to the earth. But it does not come across in a very straight forward way. It was just such an awkward and weird story.

Adulting: how to become a grown-up in 468 easy(ish) steps by Kelly Williams Brown

from goodreads

4 stars

I have another secret to share. My husband and I really aren't adults, we are just big kids that wear an adult exterior. Somethings just seem so difficult for us to do. Like wanting to tidy our house. Or remembering to sweep the floors every day. Simple adult things to do yet it seems like Mount Olympus for us. Every now and again we say, "We need to be more adult like". It works for a few days and then back we revert to our old ways of putting things off instead of pulling up our socks and getting it over with. Like honestly, why would I choose to clean my oven when I could read a totally awesome book? Do you sometimes feel like a fake grown up too?

Synopsis

This is a great guide of how to be an adult. It breaks things down into these categories: get your mind right, domesticity, cooking, fake it it till you make it, get a job, money, maintenance, friends and neighbours, love, times were tough, families. It goes through things in detail. It is a humourous read that makes you feel good about where you are in the adult range of things and inspires you to become more. This book is based of the blog adultingblog.com.

My Thoughts

As soon as I saw this book I knew I had to read it. I look around at all my peers and they seem to have this whole grown-up thing put together. I feel like I am always scrambling to be a grown-up. My house is always messy, and I never feel organized. (Seriously, where do people put their stuff. Do they not have possessions or are all their cupboards filled to the gills?) Williams Brown makes being a grown-up seem not that hard and she has some really good tips. Nothing she has in there seems undoable. You just have to do it. (I guess that is the hard part, actually doing something.)

She is really good at encouraging the reader and calling out the reader, without ever making you feel bad. You laugh along with her and agree with her. Her flow charts are hilarious, yet honest and helpful.  I love her tips for having an organized move. I will definitely use it next time we move. Though, I hope never to move again, well at least not until we are ready for retirement living.

For me I found that there was a bit too much swearing for my taste. Some of it was just unnecessary and so it took away from the book. Even with that, I think it would be a great gift to give to a twenty something in your life. Heck it would be a great gift for any person. Even if you think you have the whole adult thing figured out, this book is still great to read. You might pick up an extra tip or two.

After reading this book this is what being a grown-up means: be nice, be humble, use common sense and send thank you cards. That doesn't seem so hard, does it?

Winter is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer

from goodreads

4 stars

The title of this book is a bit of a misnomer for this winter. I have lived in Waterloo for 11 years now and I do not remember a winter that has been this frigid. Now I come from Central Ontario where if you don't plug in your car at night, it will not start the next morning. So I know what cold is. But Waterloo is in Southern Ontario, and it is supposed to be a bit more balmy. Oh well. I am loving the snow. And the cold, well it makes it for a good excuse to have hot chocolate.

Synopsis

You thought summer was warm. Summer has nothing on winter, as this book sets out to prove.

My Thoughts

This is a really cute story. It makes you feel warm and cuddly. You feel warm reading about the cuddly blankets, the warm fire, and the hot chocolate. Reading it made me want to bundle up and go for tobogganing or do a fun cross-country ski.

My kids thought it was hilarious. They were like, "winter isn't the warmest season, this book is so crazy!"

This book will help you remember the fun of winter, even when it is super cold out. It makes me happy to be able to enjoy four, completely different, seasons.