Under the Visible Life by Kim Echlin

from good reads

3.5 stars

Well Christmas has come and gone. And not nearly as much reading was done. I think the problem was a) I got a puzzle for Christmas that I was excited to work on and b) right now the book I am reading, while excellently written, just isn't holding my interest or pulling me in. There are some books where you just can't put it down, while others you can put it down with ease. I hope that this book picks up a bit and pulls me in.

It might be the timing of it too. Right now I am feeling the time crunch because there are four books on my to read list for this year that I want to get done, but I have to read this one first because of the hold list at the library. It is never great when you have to read a book then in there because of outside factors. It is much better if you get to choose the timing of the book. I can feel the lure of the other books so strongly.  I think I might just return it and put it on hold again. I think it would be the perfect spring/summer read.

What do you think? Do you believe in the timing of books?

Synopsis

This is a story that follows two women from two completely different world. They are both having to survive in a world that has been set up against them. Through their love of music, especially jazz, they are able to connect and become each others support.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. This was definitely one where I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know what was going to happen to these two women.

You have Katherine who decides to take charge of her destiny. The man in her life might have done her wrong, but she had a dream and she wasn't going to wait around for some guy to help her get there. I like how the author shows the struggles and hardships she goes through to find her success. Sometimes we just see the end result of someone's success without seeing how they struggled to get where they got. Life isn't always easy. It is hard work.

Mahsa was a lovely character and your heart goes out to her. Her struggles would have been so difficult. Coming from a culture which see women as mere commodities would be hard to break from. The trickery of her uncle and her feelings of being stifled and unable to escape I can't even imagine. Her character allowed us to see how living in two different worlds can be difficult and exhausting. It is like living a lie or being pulled in two.

There is definitely something you can learn from each woman.

The one thing that dragged the book down was the abstract discussion about music. I like music but I don't need to delve into it's mysteries. I just I don't "get it". While the music was the unifying factor in the book it got a bit much sometimes.

On the whole a very lovely read.

Punishment by Linden MacIntyre

from goodreads

4 stars

This year I finally made it out to Waterloo Public Library's Battle of the Books. It is when local celebrities champion the books for Waterloo Reads which are the Evergreen Award nominated books by the OLA. I have wanted to go for a few years but it would never work out. Something else was always going on. But this year was my year. What a fun night! There were a lot of people and we all had a great evening of laughs, fun and really yummy food. At the end of the night we voted for what book we thought should win. If your community ever does a book battle I highly recommend going. You will have such an enjoyable evening.

Synopsis

Tony Breau is retired and moved back to his home town in Nova Scotia. He left his position as a guard at the penitentiary under a bit of a cloud. When a young woman is found dead, Tony finds himself in the centre of things. He reconnects with a love from his past, and is haunted by a young man he tried to help.

My Thoughts

There are some books that quietly get into your heart. This is one of them. MacIntyre does a superb job at showing what small town life can be like. Enchanting, yet, stifling. Tony is a great main character. He is not in your face. In fact, he is rather a reluctant hero.

This book shows the difficulties people can face when they try to repent and change. People's memories are long and they remember your misdeeds even if you have completely changed. It is hard to get out of that shadow. It is hard to be given a second chance. It is hard to be relabelled.

This book really has everything, mystery, self reflection, love. It shows the price we can pay for doing the right thing. It shows the need for morals and for honesty. It questions how we view and think of others. It is definitely a worthwhile read.

Mark of the Plague by Kevin Sands

from goodreads

4 stars

Christmas time is coming. And that means that the library is closed on more often. That means I had to do a stock up to make sure I had enough to get me through. For me nothing is worse than when you finish a book and don't have the next one waiting there to get started. I like to have at least two by my nightstand so I know I will not have in reading gap. When there are so many books you want to read you cannot have reading lulls. It is finish one, get on to the next. (Yes, I know I have a bit of a reading problem. My husband can tell you all about it.)

Last Christmas I went on a bit of a nordic crime spree reading all of Asa Larsson's Rebecka Martinsson series. This year it is a bit of a mix, yet I just noticed that three off them are either set in Scandinavia or talk about Scandinavian culture. Weird, as that was totally not planned.

What do you like to read during the holidays? Do you go for a mix or is there a particular theme?

Synopsis

This is the second installment in the Blackthorn Series. Christopher is waiting for a new master, but that is going to take awhile as the Apothecary guild as left London because of the plague outbreak. With the plague has come a prophet stating who will be the next afflicted. Then a man shows up with a supposed cure for the plague. Is this too good to be true?

My Thoughts

This was an excellent sequel. It has definitely insured success for the rest of the series.

Once again we had a fast paced story filled with riddles and codes. There was danger, friendship and sacrifice. You will laugh, gasp and cry. Your emotions will be in constant flux.

What I really like about Sands is his ability to expose kids some dark aspects of the world in which we live, without making them feel scared or making things seem hopeless. Through his characters we see people who are out for themselves, who are willing to kill in order to get what they want, we see people abuse others, we see people who are hungry an scared. Yet through his characters we see tenacity, we see people still willing to make a change and have things be better, we see people who stand by one another, we see people picking themselves up and dusting themselves off and persevering. What great lessons. Yes, life isn't perfect and there are people who do some pretty bad things but we can stay true to ourselves and do what we can do for a better world.

All in all this was a fantastic thrill ride. A strong addition to a very promising series. I would recommend this for a mature 10 year old and up.

Seconds by Bryan Lee O'Malley

from goodreads

5 stars

I am not a big art person. Like, I like looking at nice pieces but I wouldn't say, " I get it". I don't look at it and analyse it. It is just a picture. What I do find amazing is how much a picture conveys. Without words you can get a sense of what is happening in a certain time frame or in a job. You can get a glimpse to what matters to the artist, what landscapes they enjoy or perhaps what their favourite colour is.

I guess that is the nice thing about art. You don't have to be an analyser, you don't have to collect it or try to be deep about it. You can just enjoy art because it is there. You can enjoy art just for you. You can let the pictures speak to you or be whatever you need it to be for you at a particular time. That's awesome.

Synopsis

This is a graphic novel that revolves around a woman named Kate. She is opening up her own restaurant while still living above the one where she used to work. When a worker gets injured the "house spirit" shows Kate a way to change things to help the injured worker, but now Kate wants to try and fix everything.

My Thoughts

I haven't read a lot of graphic novels but this is an art form I am going to have to explore a lot more. I love how you don't get bogged down with detailed descriptions. You can just get on with the story and you see what is happening instead of trying to imagine it. The story was pure and was not shrouded in adjectives and adverbs. I think that is the great thing about this genre, it is more dialogue driven, but you know exactly what is happening and you know exactly what the character is like.

I loved the idea that this book explored, the idea of trying to fix things. We often feel we need to fix things when really we just need to let it be. Sometimes the more we try to make things perfect the worse it can sometimes be. And the people we are trying to make happy won't become so. In this story it shows how one change which seems small has ripple effects that could make other things change, and the more you try to change things the more things get changed.

I loved how flawed Kate was. She wasn't trying to put on airs, she wasn't trying to be likeable. She had her own sense of right and wrong, her own sense of self. I love the other characters too. Everyone has something about them that makes them intriguing, even if they are only a minor player.

This would be a great book to try the graphic novel genre. I plowed through it in less than a day. The story is out there but not too out there and it does give you a lot to reflect on. I really enjoyed it!

That Lonely Section of Hell: The Bothched Investigation of a Serial Who Almost Got Away by Lori Shenher

from goodreads

4 stars

Well, school is in full swing and that means illness. First my husband, then Miss P and then Mr S. And now it finally got to me. Lucky! What is with school time and illness. All our kids were healthy before school and then they get sick after the first week. Are illness causing germs on summer vacay too and then they think to themselves "schools on, let's get back to work boys". Or maybe their thinking "that mom looks like she is getting her life a little too organized, better bring her down a notch, ha ha ha."

Whatever the reason whenever the kids are sick I just keep my book close at hand for when I need to snuggle with a sick child and then when I get sick I hope I feel good enough to read. Might as well enjoy the downtime.

Synopsis
Lori Shenher was working on the case of missing women in Vancouver. This is her story about the pains of trying to solve the mystery and the tolls it took on her life both personally and professionally. We learn how easy it was for serial killer Robert Pickton to get away with murder.

My Thoughts

To sum this book up in one word I would use heartbreaking. This was such a heartbreaking read. Here you have a police officer trying to do her best by these women who don't have a lot of advocates and getting stonewalled by so many factors.

This is a tale that shows a broken policing system that still operates in a chauvinistic "atta boy" type culture. The disturbing apathy towards the addicts and prostitutes and other street people that was shown was so sad. The assumption that these people weren't worth the effort to look into their disappearances was sad and rather disgusting. We all have problems, some are more apparent than others. But no matter what our problems are we should be treated with dignity and respect. We should be helped not shoved aside.

The lack of co-operation between police forces was also disturbing. Who cares who gets credit. Why can't people just work together. It also is frustrating how a lot of this investigation came down to no money available, and because of that a murderer was going free.

It was rather ridiculous how long it took to get onto Robert Pickton's farm, especially after he had stabbed a woman and she got away. What did he have on government officials or cops that made them not want to go forward into looking into him. This book really shows how some people are more interested in keeping the status quo of their own life than to do the right thing even if it might affect them.

I really liked how she showed how this affected her. She was stressed and traumatised She showed how hard cases, like this, can lead to burn out and paranoia. It shows the need of mental support for these police officers. Mental illness is not a sign of weakness. Sometimes we don't see the personal sacrifices police officers go through because of their jobs. This gives us an appreciation for some of the hard things they do. To a lot of cops it is not just a job. It is personal.

As with any memoir or autobiography you need to take it with a grain of salt. This is one person's thoughts on what happened. But, even if there are some biases, this book is excellent at showing flaws in the legal system and allows us to question what ineptness we think is acceptable.

Local Customs by Audrey Thomas

from goodreads

4 stars

It is the last week before school and I am ready. I love my kids. I want the best for them and I am trying to mould them into functioning members of society. (Even though sometimes I'm wondering how well I am actually doing at that goal.) But I am ready to have a bit of time away from them. Because of Mr. S, we have been homebodies for a lot of the summer. All my fantastic pinterest plans went down the tubes as I had no desire to get anything ready. When night time comes and the kids are in bed, I am ready for a break. When during the day they are watching a movie and Mr. S. is down for a nap, I am ready for a break. The gumption just is not there. Because of this inaction the kids are starting to get a bit antsy. Home is only so cool.

The kids are ready for school too. I think they are excited to see their friends, meet their teacher and have a break from their overbearing mother. I think we need breaks to truly appreciate what we have. And maybe, once the kids are in school, I will start my plans for next summer.

Synopsis

This historical fiction takes a look at the life of Letitia Landon, a writer from the 1800s, who is thirty-six and feels she will never marry. She meets Governor George McClean of Cape Coast Castle which is on the Gold Coast of Africa. Eight weeks after she is married she is dead. Letitia speaks from the grave to look at the circumstances surrounding her death.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. I liked how it was written in different voices. You really got a sense of what was happening not only in Letitia's life but also outside of the British fort. The use of different voices helped to show the different cultures that were on the Gold Coast. The native cultures, the British military culture and the religious culture. Each viewed the other in different ways and interacted with each other differently too.

I loved how the cause of death was hinted at from various people. Was it suicide? Was it a tropical disease? Did she have an underlying health problem? Was it murder? We don't know but it is interesting to speculate.

I liked how this book was truly a story. It was not inundated with information. We got what we needed and nothing more. That was lovely. It really fit in with the mystique of the landscape. You aren't reading this to become educated, you are reading this to be entertained.

This was a delightful quick read with a bit of a Woman in White flair. A great summer read.

Birdie by Tracey Lindberg

from goodreads

2 stars

I love watching the Olympics. Not only do you get to watch incredible physical feats, I get to read during the commercials. It's amazing how much reading I was actually able to accomplish. It takes so long to set up some events that I can read during that part too! Now if only their was an Olympic event for reading. That is a competition I could get behind. Marathon reading perhaps?

Synopsis

Birdie goes into herself and travels through her past. She is able to confront the demons that have been plaguing her.

My Thoughts

This book had so much potential but to me just fell flat.

This seemed to be the same story as so many others. A troubled woman, alcohol problems, sexual abuse and the desire to put her life together. While these things are prevalent in society, especially and unfortunately in Aboriginal communities, and we should know about them and deal with these issues as a society, the presence of them in this story made the story seem inevitable and predictable. You knew where things were headed and the climax confrontation with the uncle was not at all surprising.

The story was also hard to follow at times. You skipped around different timelines quite a bit and it was at times confusing. It took a while to sort out where you were.

I appreciated how the author showed why foster systems do not always work and it allowed a conversation to be had in that regard.

I had high hopes going in but it just didn't live up to my expectations. It could have been so much more.

A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout

3 stars

Man, life is different. This little boy of mine eats and eats all the time. Between dealing with him and his ferocious appetite and then paying attention to the girls, my reading time has definitely shrunk. When I am not holding Mr. S or helping one of the kids I just want to lie down and sleep. Or if I do start reading, I end up waking up half an hour later. I know that this is life with a new born and I know it will get better, but man... it is rough. Oh well, at least I have a nice chunky baby to show for all the feedings I am doing.

I will try to do weekly posts, but no promises. I find that I will plan to do a post on one day, and then forget or get distracted by other things, or I forget what day of the week it is. So I will do my best to do Thursday posts. But, please be patient with me... sleep trumps everything!

Synopsis

Amanda was held captive in Somalia. This is the story of her experience as well as events leading up to it.

My Thoughts

This book is Waterloo Regions One Book One Community selection for this year.

While this is a book full of interesting insights and scary situations, on the whole, it did not hold my attention. I did read all the way through but I had to force myself to keep reading at times.

Her mental fortitude during her ordeal was amazing. I really did feel for her as she was trying to figure out how to keep things from getting worse and trying to navigate a crazy system of captives where you were never sure if you were on the right path to your goal or not. It really must have been terrifying knowing that your value as a woman was zilch and you don't know what they could do to you at any moment.

I did try hard not to feel to judgemental while reading this, but a few judgy thoughts did creep into my head. She was warned multiple times about how dangerous Somalia was for foreigners. She did not have any protection or insurance from a network. She was freelancing and going about this on her own. And then she roped her friend in to join her on this crazy venture. What!? While I understand that life is about taking risks, we are also able to manage them. So the fact that she went against all these warnings from people who were more experienced and knowledgeable in the field (she was new to all this) just seems crazy to me. Like did she have an inferiority complex. What was she trying to prove? While what happened to her was horrible and should not happen to people period, in her case if she had heeded the warnings it could have been avoided. End of judginess.

In her narrative I liked how she showed that she felt vulnerable that she did feel despair. She wasn't always happy go-lucky everything will turn out. Yet, through her vulnerability she was still able to maintain a strength about her and with that a quiet inner dignity. That came through well. I also liked how she showed us how this ordeal still affects her today. How she gets nervous around certain people and situations. I think sometimes as onlookers we think "well their out now, back to normal". But no! They are still trying to process and come to terms with a traumatic experience and we need to be aware of that. While it still affects her she also doesn't let this situation define her.

Her narrative is not horribly graphic but it doesn't sugar coat things either. She was abused, tortured and to some, just a plaything. We get to understand a little of what it might have been like.

After reading her story, I am not sure what the takeaway is. Was the point just to share her story? If so, she does that well. But if she wanted us to learn something from it I'm not sure what that would be. Don't go to dangerous countries on a whim? Some people are very clear on their takeaways such as Corrie ten Boom, this one not so much. I think it is because the takeaway was not clear the narrative on the whole loses it's impact and perhaps that is what made this book not the attention grabber it could have been. While I am glad to have her story and have her experience filed away in my brain, it is not one that will stay with me in the forefront. This could have been more than just a narrative of one experience of her life but unfortunately it feel short.

Moonlight Over Paris by Jennifer Robson

from goodreads

4 stars

In February it was my library's customer appreciation month. They had different activities and contests. One was a selfie contest, where you took a selfie in one of the branches and then tweeted it or emailed it. Well, since I have a twitter account (I really don't use it) and had my phone with me I decided to make my first tweet for the contest. And guess what! I won a prize.  They clearly weren't judging for technique as it is probably the worst selfie ever, (there was sun shining on the screen which made it hard to figure things out) but I was super excited. And what a prize! I got a free library bag, the best mug in the world (I have been using it every day), an interesting book about local history, a funky notebook, beautiful cards, a pen that works, a heart eraser and two zipper pulls that say "read". It was definitely more than I was expecting that's for sure. What a generous library!

I definitely value my library. I love my local branch. I love that my kids are so excited to go to the library. I love that my kids consider the employees their friends. I love that I can read so many books for free. If it wasn't for my library, there would be less blog posts, because I wouldn't be able to buy all these books! I love my library!

Synopsis

Years after the break in her engagement to Edward, and after a near fatal illness, Lady Helena Montagu-Douglas-Parr is at a loss of what to do with her life. She is in her late twenties, which means her prospects are non-existent, and at the moment she feels like her life has no real purpose.

With her parents permission she decides to go study art in Paris, living with an eccentric aunt. There she meets a variety of people, makes real friends including an American reporter, Sam Howard.

My Thoughts

This is the latest Robson installment. I love how her books can stand alone, yet are connected by the characters.

Helena was a character that popped up in Somewhere in France and After the War is Over, but you never really got to learn much about her. She was always someone I wanted to know more about so I am glad that this book is about her.

I really liked the characters in this book. I felt that they were fleshed out, they complemented each other and they were interesting. I also liked how we got to really see Helena transform from a tentative person, unsure in her life, to a confident woman willing to stand up for herself and break the mould.

It was fun to see Paris in the 20s. It really was the place to be. It seemed anyone who was anyone in the art/literary world was there then. Robson did a good job of showing that without it being a list of famous people at a party.

If you are looking for a steamy romance you won't get it. It is kind of slow. And while you can tell that these people have feelings for each other it is not front and centre. I kind of wished we could see more of their relationship and their blossoming friendship instead of all the talk about art. I am not a big art person and so the talk of art really didn't interest me.

All and all I did enjoy this book. I think I will compare everything that Robson writes with the brilliance of Somewhere in France. And while there is that comparison I don't know if I will enjoy any of her other books as much.

The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel

from goodreads

4 stars

I cannot believe it is March already. While time sometimes seems to be going slowly, the days just fly past.

On Sunday I watched the Oscars with one of my book club friends. It was so much fun. I don't know what it is about award shows but I love watching them. I don't care about the dresses, or the speeches, or about the celebrity of it, really. Perhaps I like seeing people who have worked hard at their craft be celebrated and in awe and humbled by their achievement.

While watching it we were excited about seeing the film Mad Max: Fury Road win so many Oscars. When you think of the Oscars you think of more artsy and make you have to think movies receiving attention. No matter what type of movie is made, every one on them are working hard to do their best for it.

Do you like watching award shows?

Synopsis

I am taking the synopsis from goodreads as it is better than anything I could come up with to capture the fun and intensity of this book.

The Boundless, the greatest train ever built, is on its maiden voyage across the country, and first-class passenger Will Everett is about to embark on the adventure of his life!

When Will ends up in possession of the key to a train car containing priceless treasures, he becomes the target of sinister figures from his past.

In order to survive, Will must join a traveling circus, enlisting the aid of Mr. Dorian, the ringmaster and leader of the troupe, and Maren, a girl his age who is an expert escape artist. With villains fast on their heels, can will and Maren reach Will's father and save The Boundless before someone winds up dead?

My Thoughts

This is my first Kenneth Oppel book. I am definitely going to have to check more of his stuff out.

I love the idea of this monstrously long train full of secrets, deceptions, mythical creatures, different kinds of people with different stories. It was really cool to see the people from the caboose all the way up to the engine.

I love that there is a sense of normalcy, that things are familiar, but, there is enough fantasy to let your imagination go. It is a dark and mysterious story, it can be intense at times, but it is fun. Because of all the different aspects of the book you really can't pigeon hole it into a certain genre. There is history, adventure, mystery and fantasy. It is all delightfully mishmashed together.

I would love to see what happens to Will and Maren after their adventure on The Boundless. I think they would lead really interesting lives.

This is definitely a book that I would recommend for ages 13+. It does deal with some nefarious characters that might not be the best for younger audiences.

I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend by Martin Short

from goodreads

4 stars

The older I get the more I am realizing, compared to most of the world, I am a bit of a prude. Like, I don't want to see unnecessary nudity, I don't want to hear unnecessary profanity, and crude humour doesn't really do it for me. It is a bit different when it comes to reading. I am pretty open to most things. Though, I doubt I will ever read erotica and if there is swearing, I hope it is done purposefully and inline with the character, not just because an author is trying to be poignant.

Now, I like to laugh as much as the next person, but what is it with comedians who have to say the f word every two words. Can't you get your point across and be funny and relevant without doing that? I guess that is why I like Jim Gaffigan so much. He is so funny, he is preaching to the choir with most of the things he says, but he isn't swearing the whole time. It is so nice! So here is hoping that more people will catch onto the fact that you don't have to swear so much to be liked or be funny. Or at least here is hoping Jim Gaffigan and others like him make lots of material so I can be entertained for years to come.

Synopsis

Martin Short gives us a look inside his childhood, early years as an actor and the love of his life.

My Thoughts

I must say, I love Martin Short! I mostly love him as a person, not so much the characters he created. Though I loved the Three Amigos. His character was my favourite. I probably wouldn't have rated the book as highly as I did if I didn't love him so much.

One weird thing about me is I love reading things about celebrities and watching interviews about celebrities. Mostly I love it because I like learning tidbits of trivia that I can later use to show my awesomeness in knowledge. If only I could figure out how to monetize all my useless information that I have stored. Jeopardy is probably not an option. Anyway, because I like learning things about celebrities, this book was right up my alley.

This is a book that you will laugh at and cry at. My favourite story was the one about the cat. It had tears streaming down my face. There was quite a bit of name dropping, but I didn't find it super obnoxious. You could tell the celebrities he was talking about, such as Tom Hanks and Steve Martin, were truly his friends and he was close to them. So, he may have dropped some A list names but it was not done without a purpose, it was done because they are people he has a true meaningful relationship with.

I think what made me love this book the most was how he talked about his relationship with his wife, Nancy. It was the common thread throughout. They encouraged each other, comforted each other, and weren't afraid to tell each other how it really is. Their relationship really was a team effort with give and take on both ends. That is so refreshing to see and have as a model. I'm not saying their relationship was perfect, and he isn't either, but it was real and not some weird perfection fantasy which I think too many people are trying to have these days. Their relationship seemed happy, and not in a manic way. They seemed to have genuine joy with each other. I think that is why everyone felt so said when they heard she died. They were each others other half.

I also liked the 9 categories of life that Short reflects on to help him determine how balanced (or successful) his life is. The 9 categories are self, immediate family, original family, friends, money, career, creativity, discipline, lifestyle. He makes some good points. That is definitely a must read section.

I have heard that it is better to listen to the audio version. Short narrates it himself so you get to hear his impressions and weird voices. I might listen to it at some point to get the full effect but my imagination was quite good and I enjoyed the book nonetheless.

All in all this was a great read about a real, genuine, not on happy pills guy you helps us have great life lessons. He has a charmed but not over the top life, and really, this book helped me fall in love with Martin Short all over again.

After the War is Over by Jennifer Robson

from goodreads

3 stars

Sorry this is late, I was a bit busy yesterday. So what was I doing? Not reading. Instead I caught up on some family friendly movies. Why? Head lice has come into our home!

Now I know that head lice happens, it has nothing to do with the cleanliness of ones hair or scalp and anyone can get it. I do not have a head lice stigma. But it is still annoying. Going through each strand of hair and making sure all the nits are picked off, washing pillows and stuffies and hats and coats and anything else where lice might be lurking. And since Miss G and Miss V are like two peas in a pod, I will have to be vigilant on two heads, though currently I only see it on one.

At least I have already been through this once before. I have the system down. And I know... if for some reason I am not at thorough and the lice persist, I'll just call in the lice lady. She may be expensive but she is probably worth it. But hopefully that won't happen. So thank goodness for T.V.'s and electricity. I don't know how people dealt with lice without it. Your head itching yet?

Synopsis

This a companion book to Somewhere in France. The war is now over and Charlotte, friend of Lilly, is working to help those around her and she writes a column that sheds light on the hardships and injustices of returning servicemen and their families.

She also can't keep her mind of her friend Edward Neville-Ashford who is now the Earl of Cumberland, after his father unexpectedly dies.

My Thoughts

This was a fluff book and kind of a let down after Somewhere in France which I absolutely loved and adored. While it is a continuation of the Somewhere in France story, it is a stand alone book, with a different protagonist, and you wouldn't need to read Somewhere in France first. Though I would because it is soooo good.

So, what did this book have going for it. It was interesting to learn the history of voting at Oxford. Since Charlotte had graduated from Oxford, or rather one of the colleges, she was eligible to vote in that riding, before women got the vote nationwide. The look at "shellshock" and the social hardships servicemen endured was insightful. Also, the answers to the questions I was left with at the end of Somewhere in France were answered so that was satisfying.

What was not going for it? The main character, Charlotte, was rather flat and I didn't find her all that interesting or complex. I'm not saying all characters need to be complex, but it is hard to carry a book when the character is flat. Because of this, the book and its outcome was kind of predictable.

While the social causes and the history found in this book is just as important and interesting as that discussed in Somewhere in France, the story itself was just not as interesting or gripping.

All in all it was a nice book to pass the time but it will not be a favourite. Robson does have a new book, Moonlight Over Paris, coming out this month which I am excited to read. Hopefully it is not as fluffy.

The Orenda by Joseph Boyden

from goodreads

3 stars

Well, something happened this week that hasn't happened all winter. I wasn't sure it was ever going to happen, but it did. I shoveled the drive way.

Gasp! I know. It was shocking to me too. But one day you wake up from a previous day of rain to a blanket of lovely fluffy snow. It's time to get the snow pants out and and do some serious shoveling. Miss P "helped" for a bit but she only lasted about 5 minutes and then was ready to head back in. But I kept going. I figured I might as well get my work out for the day in.

Some people complain about shoveling snow. And I can understand that. It is a lot of work, and you are probably going to have to do it again, especially when the plow goes by, and, really, who likes having to do menial labour for free? But when you really think about it, shoveling is a great way to get cardio and strength training in without having to get to the gym. You work up a sweat and you have a sense of accomplishment when you are finished. Seriously, what's not to like. And perhaps, as a treat, you can drink some hot chocolate and curl up with a book. Doesn't that sound nice?

Synopsis

This looks at the fall of the huron nation through the view of three people. Bird, a Huron warrior/leader who is very respected in his village; Snow Falls, an Iroquois girl who Bird captures as revenge for his own family who were murdered by the Iroquois; and Christophe a Jesuit Priest who is trying to spread the word of God to the people.

My Thoughts

I wasn't sure what I was exactly getting into with this book, but I did like it.

I liked the approach that Boyden used with the 3 voices to tell the story. I think it helped to get unique views on what was going on and what motivated them. In away it helped to round out the story.

With books like this it would be easy to show bias or assign blame to a particular group. Boyden did a great job in presenting a balanced story. It was fair to all sides, showing the good and the bad, and in the end it was merely a story or telling of what happened, not an opinion piece.

I did find the book dry and slow moving at times. Sometimes the events overlapped or were repeated because we were getting the others points of view. And really, I found it an easy book to put down. It took me a long time to read partly because another book caught my eye, so I would take a break. I guess it just wasn't thrilling.

The history of this story is important to read and understand. The story is beautiful and rather epic. Just don't expect to be riveted from page one to the end.

The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands

from goodreads

5 stars

I am so excited for tomorrow! Yes, it is Christmas Eve. But that's not why I'm excited. My husband is off tomorrow so he can help the kids and I might be able to have some uninterrupted reading time in the morning. I love lazing in my nice, warm and comfy duvet in the morning just reading. I sure hope he isn't expecting a lazy morning... I think we might have to have a discussion tonight.

Synopsis

Christopher is an apprentice for an apothecary, Benedict Blackthorn. Apothecaries are being targeted by some cult. Christopher has to decipher clues in order to save the guild and stop these murders.

My Thoughts

What an awesome book! I read it in a day. I just could not put it down. It had suspense and intrigue and funny bits and puzzles. It was just great.

I will admit I went into the book with a bit of trepidation. This is the author's first book and it seemed to be heavily pushed and that combination does not guarantee a success, quite often it is hit and miss. This is definitely a hit.

I liked how he was able to incorporate historical detail without it feeling like a history book. He is able to create this great world without the reader feeling bogged down in details. You are learning, but you don't feel like you are learning.

He doesn't shy away from the brutality of life in the 1660s. He also doesn't shy away from the brutality of torture and murder, so if you are squeamish, this might not be the best fit for you.

Even though it is set in the 1660s, the characters are relatable and you would love them as your friend.

This is a great mystery and a great adventure. If you are looking for a last minute book for someone on your list pick this up. While anyone could read this book, this might be a good one to introduce to a preteen boy who might not be as interested in reading as you would like. The suggested age for this book is 10-14. I would think that the 10 year old would need to be a bit on the mature side and be able to handle some gore. Just love this book!

Open Heart, Open Mind by Clara Hughes

from goodreads

4 stars

Well yesterday there was a minor Christmas miracle. I actually started feeling a tiny bit Christmassy and got out some of our decorations. So we finally have a nativity scene out (it is a Veggie Tales one, I feel sort of sacrilegious) and our stockings.

The kids kept wanting to put more and more out but I squashed those ambitions. Usually we have decorations in our bay window. But our tree is in front of the window and is so big that you really can't get to the shelf part or see it. We'll save those for next year, when hopefully, we will get a smaller tree!

Synopsis

One of Canada's best known athletes, most decorated olympian in both summer and winter olympics, opens up about the demons of her past, the demons she still faces, how sport helped her but also hindered her as well.

My Thoughts

This was a great, fast read about a Canadian celebrity.

It is amazing, the success she has found, considering she didn't find sport until late, by most standards. As well, it is amazing the early success she had considering the booze and drugged filled life she had as a teenager.

I think she did a great job of balancing her life stories and her sport stories. The balance helped maintain interest. For me nothing is worse than a book purely about just sports things, the games they played and training they did. While an important element, I like learning about the actual person, how they think, and feel. I felt that I actually got to know Clara the person, instead of learning about all her stats and awards.

I like how she doesn't always try to show herself in a positive light. She shows us times when she didn't act well, when things didn't go the way she planned. It was interesting how she had her on stigma against mental illness (she refused to believe she had depression when first asked about it) and now she is the spokeswoman for mental illness awareness and is working hard to remove the stigma.

I appreciated how she showed her relationship with her husband in a real light. She shows their highs and their lows. They seem really cool and suit each other and that is awesome. By the way, their wedding, totally awesome. It should be an inspiration to all those getting married.

While not a deep memoir, it still shed light on her life, dark times, good times, self-discovery and how sport literally saved her life. This memoir definitely helped make Clara a whole person and not just a memorable smile.

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Canada by Ellen Warwick Illustrated by Kim Smith

from goodreads

3 stars

December 1st! I guess it is really time to get serious about Christmas. Usually by this time if I haven't bought things I have at least a list made up and some sort of plan. This year... not happening. It's not that I'm anti-Christmas or feeling particularly grinchy. I just haven't got my brain to the place of sugar plum fairies yet. I'm sure I'll get there, hopefully before December 24th.

What do you to help you get into the Christmas spirit?

Synopsis

Two children and their grandmother travel across Canada over twelve days.

My Thoughts

This book confused me. It's a picture book, but then it is also a travel guide to Canada. Though the pictures look like it should be a book for kids 4-8, it is more appropriate for 10-12.

For every day there is a lengthy letter telling all about what they did on that particular day. And then on the other page there is an added line to the song of The Twelve Days of Christmas. The letter is too long to hold little kids attention so we just looked at the pictures and sang the song. When I read it myself later the letters were full of fun and cool facts and made me excited to take a cross Canada tour. You can learn a lot. So, if you are reading it then I would totally change how you read it according to what kids you are reading it to.

This book celebrates all fun things Canada, but in a rather long winded way. While I think it is great I think it is missing its target audience, or at least is unsure of who the target audience is. Because of this confusion I don't think this book will be as loved as it should.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

from goodreads

4 stars

Miss G is always inventing things. She has heaps of drawings and plans and goes through so much tape is is rather ridiculous. Some of her creations are pretty interesting. Often she runs to her room saying"I have a great idea for the best thing ever!"

What can be frustrating at times is when she needs help with her creation and she expects you to know exactly what she needs and wants. When you tell her you don't know what you want her to do, she does not always believe you and then gets mad when you tape something at the wrong spot. Or sometimes her plan does not always work out the way it did in her head... that can be frustrating too.

When I say this book on my library's main page I knew I had to get it out. It screamed Miss G because I had heard those words before.

Synopsis

A little girl along with her puppy assistant set out to make the most magnificent thing.

My Thoughts

This author totally got the little girl inventor thing down. The brilliant ideas, the thorough drawings, the many, many, many trials and the frustration when things weren't going quite as planned.

I liked how the author shows that many of the greatest things are created through the trial and error process and that you might not get it perfect the first time. I liked how methodical the process was. I liked how a cooling off period or walking away period is sometimes what is needed when you are stuck. I also liked how the author showed that while some of her models weren't good for what she wanted they worked for other people. Sometimes when we set out to create something we might create a thing we didn't expect but is useful for others.

The drawings were quite nice. They were simplistic yet exactly what this story needed.

This is a great book to encourage kids to solve their own problems, think things through and keep trying. I really enjoyed it.

Three Evergreen Nominated Books

Ever since I found out about the Evergreen awards, through the OLA, I get super excited ever January. That is when the nominations for the year come out and I am so excited to read great Canadian literature. I usually don't get through the whole list. Last year and this year I have read about half, and that's not too shabby. Right now you can vote for who you want to win the award. If you go to the Waterloo Public Library's home page there is a button to click that will take you right to the online voting platform. Voting closes next week so make sure you have your say on what book you think was your favourite.

Here are the final three Evergreen nominated books I have read.

from goodreads

Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese
5 stars

Synopsis
When the kid is asked by his dying father, a man he really doesn't know and care for, to be taken out in the woods to die, he learns about himself, his past, and real love.

My Thoughts

This was such a lovely story. This is the second book by Wagamese that I have read and he leaves me in awe every time. There is something about his prose that transports you into a different time and place, so effortlessly, you become enveloped.

I loved how he refers to the different characters as "the old man" and "the kid". In some instances you don't know what the real names are until half way through the story. There is something about that that is just charming and in this story so appropriate. It confirms, in a way, that these are characters who are down to earth and just trying to do their thing and do the best they can with their lives. They are not trying to put on airs.

This story shows the importance of knowing your roots, knowing the stories of those who have gone before. To know where you have come from. This book also shows the perils of loosing yourself and not expressing your fears and sharing your burdens. Often times when we try to be "strong" those are the times when we really are at our weakest. It is strong to share, it is strong to express fear.

To sum up this book I would have to say it is simple, yet breathtaking. It is definitely worth the read.

from goodreads

The Lobster Kings by Alexi Zentner
3 stars

Synopsis

This is a family saga of the Kings family. This is a mix of lobster fishing, drug wars, proving yourself, and mythology all rolled into one story.

My Thoughts

This book was okay. I found the main character, Cordelia, rather annoying and one dimensional. All she seemed to think about was her boat, lobsters, and proving that a woman could do it. I guess it is hard to understand this one dimensional thinking since I don't feel a particular calling or yearning in my life. I also didn't like how Cordelia felt she had to take things into her own hands. There were times, especially the thing at the end, where it was sheer stubbornness and stupidity that she didn't call or wait for back up. She was not only risking her life but those of her crew on the boat and that is just not acceptable. In fact it is kind of selfish.

The story is broken up by talking about art, specifically art done by the first Kings on Loosewood Island. While it was interesting and sometimes tied into the story, at times it was a bit much and the flow of the story was lost. It kind of made the story drag a bit.

I guess this book was sort of like the wild west but in the east and in fishing boats instead of on horses.

At the end of the book it left me feeling kind of meh.

from goodreads

Juliet was a surprise by Bill Gaston
2 stars

Synopsis

This is a collection of short stories.

My Thoughts

This collection was just weird. There were a couple of stories that were okay but for the most part it was just strange and I didn't get it. Strange and weird are not necessarily bad but in this case it was. It left me feeling confused and that I had just wasted my time.

Perhaps it is just the genre. I usually don't read short stories and so maybe that is just the way they are. But, I kinda doubt that.

One thing I did like is how we just got plopped into the middle of someone's life and got to see a snippit of it. There was no need for build up or lengthy explanations. You just kind of went with it.

While this has not turned me off trying out short stories again, I would not recommend this book. It wasn't for me.

They Left Us Everything by Plum Johnson

from goodreads

4 stars

While I am fairly youngish, 32, my parents are rather elderly. I was born late in their life as the youngest of six children. While my parents probably have quite a while to live, as some of my grandparents lived to be quite old, their mortality is still present in my mind.

While they are still doing well for their age they are definitely starting to slow down, be more cautious and need more help. Their memory is slowly going and they just aren't as with it as they once were, which I am not as patient about as I should be.

When they finally move from their house, or when they pass on, I am not looking forward to going through their stuff. My mom, more than my dad, is a collector of things. They aren't even particularly nice things or collectible things. It is just stuff. Walking into her house is sort of like walking into a community yard sale. And you know what, if that makes her happy I'm all for it. Unfortunately going through the stuff will be quite another thing. While most things will be donated or discarded we will still need to sift through everything as it is all sort of jumbled together. Really, who knows what kind of treasures we will find.

At least I have the comfort in knowing that when that time comes I won't be tackling it myself. I have other siblings who are as capable of moving stuff around as I am. It can be a team effort and not a solo expedition.

Synopsis

Plum Johnson has been looking after her parents for years. When her mother passes away she is filled with a sense of relief and yet has guilt as well. She decides to tackle clearing out her parents house and while doing so confronts her own conflicted feelings.

My Thoughts

This is a book that everyone caught in the sandwich generation should read. It is a mix of family history meets antiques meets therapy. She is fairly candid about her feelings, about her struggles with her parents, especially her mother, and her desires for her children. She shows the process of going through what parents leave behind and dealing with the estate.

I like how she touches on the subject of not really knowing someone, in this case a parent, until they are gone. As she read her mothers diaries she discovered her mothers fears, hopes and ambitions. I think it is this late discovery of how her mother truly felt about her that made the author long for more time with her parents, even though when her mother was still living it was hard too. The only people we really know are ourselves. When we see the outward shell of those around us it is hard to know if it is an act or them. We don't know what they are thinking or what makes them tick. Her mothers diaries and letters helped this author know more about her parents and in turn her own life.

It was also interesting to see how the actual things were dealt with. Somethings were heirlooms, or antiques or something not intrinsically valuable, yet it seems those less valuable items were what held the most sentimentality.

There were times when the story line of her time emptying her parents house got a bit lost and a bit overshadowed. She would often start talking about the life her parents lived, which, while interesting, isn't why I wanted to read the book. I was more interested in what Plum was going through than the history of her parents.

Over all it was an enjoyable read, one that I can definitely identify with.

Sadie the Ballerina by Joan Betty Stuchner Illustrated by Bruno St-Aubin

from amazon.com

3 stars

Seriously what is it about little girls and ballerina's. It seems every time we go to the library we always end up with a Ballerina book in our bag. Maybe the ballerina books on the shelf can sniff out little girls who love to dance and some how zoom into their hands. Sort of like magnets. The kids can only see are the spines of the book yet they are able to sifter and sniff out books that deal with dancing or princesses or have glitter on the cover. It must be a gift, or some inner radar. I am definitely puzzled.

I guess there is nothing wrong with ballerina books. I should just be glad that they got something. But seriously, I don't care if the little girl wants point shoes or a tutu. And seriously, how many of them can really ever be the sugar plum fairy? Is there no other ballet that they can discuss? Maybe I should write a ballerina story, I could discuss a more obscure ballet and maybe the girl does not want to be a ballerina but a monster truck driver. That would jazz things up a bit.

What I do know is that I need to branch out the book selection. I don't think I can handle another ballet story for quite a while.

Synopsis

Sadie wants to be a ballerina and wants to go to ballet school. Her mother responds with the dreaded words, "We'll see."

My Thoughts

This was an okay read. Kind of your typical little girl wants to be a beautiful, graceful ballerina, but sometimes is clumsy. Nothing too new or inventive.

What irked me was what Sadie did at the ballet. I was like "thanks author for now making every little kid think that they should all sneak on stage and dance with the performers." Like seriously. Sadie didn't even really get reprimanded and in the end her parents agree to let her go to ballet school. If my kid did something like that we would leave as soon as she got back to her seat and we would be talking about proper etiquette while out in public. And they probably wouldn't be going to ballet school. At least not for a while. That kind of behaviour can be dangerous and absurd. Adults who did that would probably get arrested or something. I just could not believe it! It irked me so much.

So if you like ballet and you can handle ill-behaved disobedient children then this is the book for you.