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.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

from goodreads

3.5 stars

I have a confession to make. I am vain and like pretty things. When I was going onto my library's website to put a hold on this book I totally chose what edition I wanted based on the cover. The cover was so beautiful and I said to myself "I want to be seen reading a book that looks so great". Man did that ever backfire. When I picked it up the book was huge. And that is when I realized. This book was actually two books in one. It had both A tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations. As I started to read I found my wrist starting to hurt and my arm going a bit numb because of the heft of this book. I had to return it and get a different copy.

So lesson most definitely learned. Don't be vain. Especially when choosing book editions!


Synopsis

This book is set in London and Paris, hence the two cities in the title. It looks at how the reign of terror was really not as black and white as the new fraternity made it out to be.

My Thoughts

I had heard so many people say they loved this book and it is their favourite Dickens, so I went into it expecting a great heart wrenching story. And while there are some great moments in the story, it was not my favourite.

As with any Dickens there was a great tangled web of characters. Everyone was related in someway. Dickens definitely uses the whole six (or less) degrees of separation in his novels. But I felt that the characters were rather bland and that the revelations were not as surprising. I kind of figured a lot of things out before they were revealed.

We all know that Dickens can be wordy and that some of the things he refers to are his contemporaries and not ours. Sometimes that can make things confusing. I found at times I was confused about what he was talking about or referring to. He called inanimate objects, she or he. And so it took me a while before I could figure out that he was talking about a gun, or a political movement and not a person. Other times I was just lost and had to reread to know what was going on.

I did like the themes of the book. It looks at the whole concept of sins of our fathers. Should we be condemned or punished for things our forefathers did, especially when we ourselves do not share their views or have not had the chance to prove ourselves? He also allowed us to look into crowd mania and how when we are by ourselves we wouldn't do acts of violence or allow them to happen but as a crowd we get caught up in the hysteria of it all. Especially when there is an us vs. them mentality. We have seen this play out in many countries and politics lately.

I loved that this was a historical novel. Sometimes when we think of authors and time periods before the 20th century we just sort of lump them all together. Shouldn't Austen and Dickens be contemporaries? Of course not, but we just don't think about it. Time and things changed at a snail's pace back then. So when I was reading this I always had in my head that Dickens was really looking back and making observations of the past. This happened 90 years before he wrote this. Was he reflecting on his own time with what happened in the past?

On the whole this book is worth reading. I just felt that the emotional intensity that you find in some of his other books just wasn't there.

Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally

2 stars

Sometimes I feel that the movie makers have access to my to-reads list and decide those are the books that they need to turn into movies. While I enjoy book adapted movies I do not like it when I read the book while the movie is out. I feel like people who see me read the book think I am jumping on the book/movie bandwagon even though the title may have been on my list for a year or so.

Now I know in reality people aren't judging me. I know that the majority of people out there don't care what I am reading. But, it is hard to get the thought out of my brain.

This year there have been a lot of books like this. What I have tried to do is read them before the movie is released so at least I am a bit ahead of the curve. It also means I will not have to read a copy with the movie poster as the cover. Shudder. Seriously is there nothing worse than that? I guess this is my book snobbishness coming out but if one doesn't have some sort of standards one doesn't have anything.

Synopsis

Oskar Schindler helps save Jews from Cracow from extermination.

My Thoughts

I usually like the book better than the movie, but this is one case where the opposite is true. Save yourself the time and trouble and just watch the movie.

This is a book that just didn't know what it wanted to be. Was it a historical fiction, as it was touted to be, was it a biography or memoir, was it a straight history text? I just couldn't figure it out.

There were some sections that read as a beautiful narrative. There were other sections that almost seemed like an outline waiting to be fleshed out. And then there were other sections that were written as a section from a history textbook. The different writing styles mad the story overall really disjointed.

There were a lot of names that made the narrative confusing. This was especially so as some people were mentioned and then not mentioned again until a hundred pages later. There was no closure with lots of the characters. We never knew if some got out or were killed. Why mention them at all? Along with this the timeline jumped around adding to confusion.

The one thing that was good about this book was that it showed what people were up against and showed the complex system in place to control the Jewish population. It showed why many Jews didn't fight back. It showed how unbelievable the treatment of Jews really were.

The story of Oskar Schindler is important to know, but, learn about it through the movie adaptation.

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.

Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

from goodreads

3 stars

Well, March Break is starting to come to an end. There has been much reading, youtube watching, pig making and scrounging up acceptable snacks. I have enjoyed sleeping in a bit, and not worrying about making lunch. Also it has been a great week because I have had no appointments! No bundling up three kids to sit in a cramped waiting room for me. I call that a win.

But this March Break has made me realize how much I need to make sure I have lots of activities and things planned for the summer. Time to get serious on pinterest and become the awesomest mom ever for the summer! ;)

Synopsis

This is the story of Gretchen, a 17 year old girl who in entrenched in the Nazi Party. She looks up to Hitler as a father figure and even calls him Uncle Dolf. Yet, after meeting Daniel Cohen a reporter and a Jew, everything she thought she new as certain is called into question, and she starts to question whether her father's death was really a tragic accident or murder.

My Thoughts

This was a well researched and rather accurate portrayal of Munich in the early 1930s. She wove the mystery in a way that was able to highlight events and philosophies. It was a really good approach.

What I found week was the narrative. Since Blankman was trying to fit so much history into the book (trying to fit the entire Nazi philosophy in one book is very tricky because it encompasses so much) the narrative really suffered.

There were many times where the timeline of the story was not accurate and this caused some confusion and awkwardness. An example of this was when Gretchen was going to a country house with Geli. She tells her brother that they are going to leave the next morning. Then you turn the page and she spends the whole next day helping her mom clean the house and doesn't really leave for the country house for another two days. While it wasn't major and didn't destroy the plot it was still kind of frustrating. There were other times when the timeline just didn't add up.

I also found things to be a bit repetitive, and seriously, how many times did Reinhard have to catch them. Like really?

In the end it was a mediocre story that strung together historical facts. I did not find it that intriguing, the characters that engaging or the romance that sizzling. Perhaps if I hadn't studied this period extensively in university I would have enjoyed discovering this time and the events a bit more and it would have been a bit more interesting. I do appreciate the obvious research that went into it. It is nice when a historical fiction is well researched.

There is a sequel to this book. I am not sure yet if I will bother with it or not. Perhaps once my to read book has been whittled down a bit more.

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.

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 Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott

from goodreads

3.5 stars

Sometimes I finish a book and am left breathless, thinking it is the best thing ever. Then with some time and distance and reflection its flaws come out and make themselves known. This leaves me befuddled. Should I claim I love it like I did when I first finished reading? Or, harp on all the flaws I have found out after the fact? Do you review on your heart or your head?

This is one of those books. It left me breathless and excited, but then with some distance I realized there were many flaws that I over looked and things that really weren't that great. This has left me feeling confused. I guess a book can't be all bad if it leaves you thinking about it after the fact.

Synopsis

This is the story of Alice. She has left her family farm to forge a life for herself as a factory girl in the cotton mills. There she makes a friend in Lovey, a woman who is kind, takes a stand and lives a bit dangerously. She also catches the eye of the mill owners son. This is a book of friendship, love, courage, murder, and standing up for what is right.

My Thoughts

This is a historical fiction that focuses more on the fiction side. If you are a stickler for historical accuracy this is not the book for you.

This is a great story of friendship and being willing to take a stand against injustice. The characters were varied but believable and you would want to be part of their group. The romance was a bit contrived but lovely.

I found the courtroom scenes to be tedious and it took too much time of the story. I wanted to know more about the ladies and the factory work then I cared to know about the courtroom proceedings. I felt it should have been the side story and not the main feature.

There was something about this book that kept me hooked. I read it in a day. It is a fun, heartrending story. And, while I read it in December, I could see this being a great summer read.

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!

Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein

from goodreads

4 stars

One of my book club friends is in a total reading slump. Even some of her go to authors haven't helped. How frustrating that must be.

I, on the other hand, seem to be on a reading high. Lately I have been reading some awesome books. The book I just finished yesterday I read in a day. I couldn't put it down. Poor Miss P probably felt neglected. Thank goodness for Peppa Pig compilations.

My fear now is that this high won't last and I will soon be in a slump! hopefully that won't happen, but you just never know.

Synopsis

Rose, a young American pilot, is caught by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbruck.

My Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While it is a companion/continuation of Code Name Verity, it could be its own stand alone book. You would not have to read Code Name Verity to understand the story.

I have read quite a lot about this time period and studied it in university. Yet, whenever I read a new book about this era it amazes me just how much more there was to WW II. It was all encompassing war and it seems that the Nazis were scattered in what they were trying to achieve. Instead of being focused on one way of achieving their goals they were spread all over the place trying tons of different things. I don't know if anyone could learn everything that went down back then in a life time. It overwhelms me.

Telling the story using "the rabbits" was an interesting angle. I know people know of the experimentation done in Auschwitz but I did not know about the experimentation in Ravensbruck. What horrible things to have happened to these women.

The cast of characters allowed for the portrayal of the various types of prisoners in the camps. Some of the situations or relationships were, perhaps, a bit contrived but it did allow for a broad overview of the camp and all the facets that went with it.  I would not call this the definitive work on Ravensbruck but it is definitely a great jumping off point to delve and gain an interest in this subject.

I like how this book was able to go beyond the war and showed the Nuremberg trials, and other tribunals, that went on to hold those people who did such gross things to humanity to account. That is one thing I think I would like to research more myself.

One character that I appreciated being included was Anna. She was a german prisoner who actually used to work at Ravensbruck and administered sedatives to the rabbits. Her character shows that there is a big grey area when it comes to the war. Some were all about inflicting pain and horror onto others. Some were merely trying to figure out how to survive themselves. Her character throws a wrench in the simplistic view of good and evil that is sometimes caste up on the German people when discussing this era of their history. It was not an all or nothing scenario.

Whenever I read stories like this, set in concentration camps, I always wonder to myself, what type of prisoner would I be? I would like to think I would be noble, and decent. But then, part of me things I might be like those prisoners who were kind of crazy and would grab food wherever they could and fight over a sock. For those who were able to keep part of their humanity I totally salute them.

This was a great and heart wrenching read. I think it was done very well. It was not over the top graphic, but it also didn't try to downplay the horrors. That is a balance that is hard to perfect, yet Wein did so. Definitely a must read.

The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow by Katherine Woodfine

from goodreads

5 stars

Summer is over and autumn has definitely settled in. I think autumn is one of my favourite seasons to read in. I obviously enjoy reading anytime of year, but there is something about autumn where you can curl up in your favourite chair with a cup of herbal tea and cozy socks that makes reading a pure joy.

My favourite place to read is in my love seat that is in front our big bay window. I get a lovely view of the tree lined street I live on and in the fall it is beautiful with brilliant oranges and yellows. So beautiful.

Synopsis

(I am stealing the synopsis from goodreads because it is just so good.)

You are cordially invited to attend the Grand Opening of Sinclair's department store!

Enter a world of bonbons, hats, perfumes and MYSTERIES around every corner. WONDER at the daring theft of the priceless CLOCKWORK SPARROW! TREMBLE as the most DASTARDLY criminals in London enact their wicked plans! GASP as our bold heroines, Miss Sophie Taylor and Miss Lilian Rose, CRACK CODES, DEVOUR ICED BUNS and vow to bring the villains to justice...

My Thoughts

This book was simply a delight. I was drawn to it because of its gorgeous cover. And this book had everything great heroes, horribly mean villains, deception, street urchins, kidnapping, treason and more.

The backdrop which is almost a character to itself is the Sinclair department store that is about to open. The store is the biggest and fanciest store in all of London. It is full of dark stair cases, opulent show rooms and more. I would love to go there and walk around.

I love the characters. Sophie, who is an orphan, who is used to living more comfortably but is determined to make it. Lilian, who is from a well off family but wants to be an actress. And then a great cast of supporting characters. While the characters were young, young teens, there actions were appropriate. Sometimes books or t.v. shows who have young characters are not realistic in what they have them do (I'm speaking to you Arthur). This book was completely believable, especially given the time the book was set in (pre world war one).

While there were times in the mystery that seemed rather obvious it was still a fun and I would say sophisticated mystery and story. For those who are a bit sensitive there is a drugging, a shooting and an intentional murder. Though it is not gory and doesn't go into detail, it still happens.

I think this is the perfect book for your budding detective. I would recommend it for 11 and up. This is the first book in what is to be a series. I am really looking forward to the next installment.

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

from goodreads

2 stars

I know that you can't judge a book by its cover. Though, it would make choosing books a lot easier. The prettier the cover the better the book and vice versa. Nothing is worse than getting a book that you think will be awesome and then having it totally tank. While I don't use the covers as my sole means of choosing my books I will say that sometimes they do play a substantial role. There have been quite a few books that I hadn't planned on reading this year but I picked up or put on hold purely because of the cover. For the most part I haven't been disappointed.

Covers play such an important role in the seduction of reading. The people who design covers truly are artists. Some covers are so beautiful and intricate it can truly take your breath away. Others not really. I guess as long as they engage the part of your brain that thinks "hey, I wonder what that book is about?" then it has done its job.

Synopsis

Nella comes to Amsterdam, the young bride of Johannes Brandt, a man quite a few years her senior and a very successful merchant trader. While the house looks like a typical wealthy household it is anything but and Nella has to piece its secrets together with the help of the mysterious miniaturist.

My Thoughts

This book had so much potential. The elements were all there. Yet, it managed to fall flat and I was left wondering why I bothered to read it. I probably wouldn't have kept going if it wasn't a book club pick.

I found some of the prose to be repetitive. Because of this repetition it really hindered the story from progressing. And I found that the story pace was slooow. The characters never really developed into full people. This made it hard to really like any of them, or feel sorry for them or find compassion for them. I did like that near the end Nella finally seemed to get a backbone and took charge of her life, but by that point it really didn't matter.

I really don't know what the point of the character of the miniaturist was. And it was never explained whether the miniaturist was really a seer or the other people were just crazy and seeing things. And what was the point of the bird? I don't know.

I found the atmosphere of the story to be cold and grey. There is nothing wrong with that type of atmosphere, but I found it rather distracting and that is bad. The book took place in the winter and the author describes how cold and icy the house could get. It seemed weird to me, and I found myself getting distracted trying to figure out how these people didn't get frostbite or loose some toes, especially if it really was as cold as the author seemed to be describing. Like was it really cold, like Canadian cold, or was it more European cold that is usually around the freezing mark? There is a difference.

For a first book it wasn't too bad, and I would probably give the author another chance. This was just not my favourite.

The Alphabet House by Jussi Adler-Olsen

from goodreads

2 stars

There are a few authors I know if a new book of theirs comes out I will be reading it. Most of them are Nordic crime writers. I love their series, but there are a few others.

Sometimes these authors branch out and do a stand alone book or a book in a different series or even a completely different genre. I am always excited to read those because really its a crap shoot. You never know what you are going to get.

Sometimes it is interesting to see a different thought or side of that author. You are so used to them writing one way that you marvel at their brilliance when they write a different way. Or the flipside happens and you think to yourself, stick to what your good at, which is not this.

I must be difficult for writers, especially those with a huge following to branch out and take a chance. I think they have the furthest to fall and the harshest critics. No wonder J.K. Rowling used a nom de plume for some of her books. Or perhaps, once someone is so well established, they don't worry about it and write for the writing's sake. All I know is, I will keep reading.

Synopsis

Two british pilots are shot down over Germany while on a reconnaissance mission. To evade capture they jump a train. This train happens to be full of wounded SS officiers, some wounds more in the head then anything.

They have to pretend to be sick and a bit crazy at the hospital, but are they the only ones?

My Thoughts

I do love Jussi Adler-Olsen's Department Q series. I did not like this book as much. The idea was quite interesting. What toll would happen to you if you weren't crazy but were living in an insane assylum. Would you eventually go crazy? Also, you would have to try to figure out if others crazy or are they acting too.

The execution of this story was good, but the pace was slow. Nothing much happened except lying in bed, or trying to figure out how to escape, or steeling yourself up to pretend.

When the story went thirty years in the future it was interesting but weird, and by that point I didn't care what happened. I kept reading anyway. It was sort of weird that James' character didn't do more to try to get out, he seemed more the leader in the beginning and then that died.

Anyway this book was okay, but I probably shouldn't have spent as much time reading it as I did. I will continue to read Adler-Olsen's books, but this one was definitely not my favourite.

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

from goodreads

4 stars

While I do not consider myself to be a "Trekkie" I do really enjoy the Star Trek franchise of shows. I love how it can deal with social issues such as racism, sexuality and identity without it being in our face. Because it is dealing with alien races and cultures those topics seem to be less taboo then if it were on other shows.

I particularly enjoyed how TNG dealt with the character of Data. He was an android that was very human like and wanted nothing more than to be fully integrated into human life. Many times during the series the talked about questioning what was human and what wasn't. Did Data have humanity? Did he have a conscience? Were his emotions any less valid than that of a flesh and blood human? These kind of questions can be posed in various ways in the non Star Trek world too, but the concept of what makes us human is a very interesting topic to explore. Are we as human as we really think we are?

Synopsis

It is near the turn of the twentieth century. Chava is a Golem, a woman made of clay, whose soul purpose in life is to serve her master. When her master dies shortly after she is awoken, Chava finds herself in New York City. A city full of people's desires that she feels drawn and overcome to fulfill.

Ahmad is a Jinni who was set free by a tinsmith and has to come to grips with being bound to human form and not be as free as he is used to.

Both creatures have to figure out how they will fit into this new world they are in. When they meet they learn things from each other that help them find their path.

My Thoughts

This was a really interesting book. I really enjoyed the question of humanity. Does the golem have a conscience. Can she be empathetic and can she think for herself despite the limitations and drawbacks that being a golem has. It was interesting to see the struggle the rabbi had when he was helping her and trying to figure out what he should do about her. I really loved the character of Chava. My heart went out to her and I was hoping that she would be able to find her way and find happiness at the same time.

The book also discussed the topics of free will, thinking for yourself and things that are pre-destined or inherited. It also discussed the concept of "just because you can doesn't mean you should." How we need to overcome our selfish desires and look outside ourselves to help with our own contentment.

The book itself was sort of a mishmash of a lot of things. It was a fantasy type book with characters like the golem and the jinni. But it also seemed to be part historical novel as the setting of New York at this time was almost a character unto itself. It was obvious that a lot of research went into New York at the turn of the century and I learned a lot more about it then I thought I would ever know. Because of these many differences in genres at play there were times when the story sort of lagged a bit. Other parts seemed to speed ahead. I am glad that I persevered to the end. It was definitely worth it.

There were jumps between timelines. When it first happened it was a bit awkward because I didn't know what was happening and if other parts were connected or what. Everything made sense in the end but some of the transitions were a bit awkward. And some of the things in the desert kind of went on and on. I'm glad that I got some background knowledge on the jinni but some of it could have been a bit better edited to make the story a bit tighter.

There were also a few characters that I wasn't sure what the point of them was. They could have been out of the story and it would have flowed just fine. They didn't detract from the story, but their impact on either of the two main characters didn't enhance the story very much and the plot could have been changed to go around their absence. But that was really a minor thing.

All and all I did enjoy this book. I enjoyed the main story more than the fringes that it sometimes went off on. I found the character of Chava to be quite lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed her development. Ahmad was a bit harder to like but by the end you love him and find him actually quite admirable. When I started this book I really didn't know what to expect but what I got was great. Definitely worth the read.

Somewhere in France by Jennifer Robson

from goodreads

5 stars

Well school started. Miss G was a bit nervous. She started grade one today and was worried that she would only get to play at recess. I told her that she would be singing songs and playing games to help learn things especially the french language, as she is in french immersion. When I left her this morning she was holding hands with one of her friends and gave me a big smile to let me know everything was going to be okay. I can't wait for her to tell me about her day.

It still feels like summer here so this review is for you if you are looking for a late summer read.

Synopsis

Lilly, aka Lady Elizabeth Neville-Ashford feels fenced in her life. She would love to travel, gain skills, learn science and shocker, perhaps go to university. But her mother has different plans which involves finding an eligible match, marriage and children.

With the outbreak of WWI and the meeting of one of her brother's friends, Robert, a scottish doctor from humble beginnings, Lilly find the strength she needs to break from her mothers hold and go on her own adventure, perhaps finding love along the way.

My Thoughts

I loved this book. I totally met it at the right time and just loved it. It has the perfect blend of history, adventure and romance. Seriously what more could you ask for in a book. If you are looking for a great summer read this is it. It is not too heavy but there is enough happening to keep your interest. I stayed up till one in the morning reading it (which any busy mom knows is really dumb). I could not put it down.

I liked that the story didn't concentrate on the horrors of the trenches but dealt with the wounded and medics. It was great way to talk about what was happening in the war to these men without having to go through graphic battle scenes.

I liked that the characters showed a bit of restraint for most of the book. And when they finally got together, though it was a bit longish of a sex scene, it seemed sweet and lovely. It showed kindness and true intimacy. Lilly was completely naive to the sexual side of relationships and I loved how Robbie took his time and explained things to her so that she didn't feel dumb or confused. It felt that they were truly in a relationship where both partners were equal and looked out for each other. We need more examples of that I think.

The ending was a bit abrupt and left me with a few questions. Like did Edward and Charlotte have some sort of a past? There are other questions but they would give some of the book away and I wouldn't want to do that.

So to sum up, while this is essential a romance novel it is not your standard chick lit, shirtless guy with rock hard abs kind of story. It is a war story, with great historical details, a romance that is so nice to see unfolding  and just a great story to fall into. It was the kind of book I needed this summer, maybe you do too.

City of Thieves by David Benioff

from goodreads

4 stars

Well here is my last post for the week. My to post review list has gotten smaller. Unfortunately my reading pile has gotten bigger and I fear my to post review list will get big once again. Oh well, I'm sure that isn't the worst problem to have.

While my husband sometimes think I have a reading addiction, and perhaps I do, it is more than just some mindless need to read. I read because there are stories out there that need to be read and not forgotten. There are stories out there that will help change my life for the better and make me a better more thoughtful person. There are stories out there that will challenge my thoughts and beliefs so I can be more secure in who I am and what I think. There are stories out there that I need to amuse me when I am feeling blue. There are stories out there to help me get lost in a beautiful world of enchantment and wonder. There are stories... and we need stories.

Why do you like to read?

Synopsis

Lev and Koyla are spared execution in Leningrad (during the WWII seige) to go on a quest to find a dozen eggs for the Colonel's daughter's wedding.

My Thoughts

I loved this story. For a WWII book set in Russia this was a fun entertaining and at times light read. Through the ridiculous you get to see the darker side of being in a city and area that is cut off and feeling desperate.

In this book you get a deeper appreciation for life. How it can be good and yet fleeting. There are always haves and have nots. There are different kinds of power at work. During tough times everyone has different ways of coping. All these concepts were brought out in a way that didn't make you have to go too deep. It was nice.

Some of the banter between Lev and Koyla got a bit grating at times. I think it might have been because I really didn't care about Koyla's sexcipades. It just isn't my thing. If it is your thing than you probably would love it.

This story had a sort of Forrest Gump quality in the sense that if it was happening in and around Leningrad at the time they managed to find their way into it. I liked that we were able to see all these aspects of the war, but it was a bit hokey how everything happened to happen when they were there.

All in all I really loved this story. I liked the characters. I liked the whole premise of having to find eggs. I just really really liked this book. It is definitely a must read.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

from goodreads

5 stars

There are some books that quite frankly I am embarrassed I haven't read yet. Many are books from my tween years that never seemed to have made it onto my stacks. Number the Stars is one of those books. I can't believe it has taken me over two decades to finally read it. I love The Giver and have read the rest of the books in that series, but for some reason I never made this one a priority.

When I made my books-I-want-to-read list for the year I made sure I put it on. I was not about to go through another year without reading it. What books do you have on your list that is like this. Are there any other books that you feel guilty or embarrassed about not reading yet?

Synopsis

Annemarie lives in Denmark. When her best friend's family need to hide she and her family need to be brave to help save them from the Nazis.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick yet powerful read.

This is a great book to use as an introduction to the Holocaust and WWII. Much of the writings about WWII are either about France or Russia or Poland and the occupations that happened there. It always intrigues me and makes me want to do more research when I read a book that is set in a different/less popular occupied country such as Denmark. It is interesting to learn about how each of the occupied countries had different ways in which they dealt with the occupation. None of them are better or worse just different. Each country seemed to be dealt different cards and had to figure out what to do with them.

While it doesn't go in depth you still feel the stress of the situation, the confusion of the situation and the hope that things will get better and work out.

If you haven't read this in a while or haven't read it yet I encourage you to do so. It is always good to reflect. This book would be good for kids 10 and up.

The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy

from goodreads

5 stars

Do you ever find yourself in a reading theme. Like all the books you pick out seem to be in a similar setting or other parallels? That happened to me a few weeks ago when I took out books from the library. Little did I really realize at the time but all three were set in WWII. My book club and I have a little joke about books written in WWII because it seemed that one year about a third to half of our books were set in that time period. We were a little tired of it by the end and so the next year we did our best to limit WWII period books. (There is nothing wrong with historical fictions based in that time period. It is a great diverse period to be able to write about. I just don't want to be reading about it all the time.)

It is funny how sometimes you get hooked into a reading theme. That is what I like about doing the blog. I feel like I need to provide a diverse amount of books so it really stretches my reading and almost forces me to diversify. And I'm so glad. I have been reading some really great books lately because of that and I am very grateful.

Synopsis

It is Poland 1943. After being given German sounding names by their step-mother Hansel and Gretel are left in the woods to find people to help them, while the step-mother and their father flee from the Nazis. In the woods they meet Magda, who is known by some of the villagers as "the witch". This is a book with a beautiful cast of characters that make this story alive and rich.

My Thoughts

What a beautiful tale. While it doesn't shy away from the horrors of occupied Poland or the holocaust, it shows how normal people did what they could to get through the war. It was not acts of bravery or colluding with the enemy. It was doing their best to stay true to themselves that helped them get through this dark time.

This was definitely an ensemble cast piece. While Hansel and Gretel are the titular characters, they were not the sole focus. Their story was equally interwoven with the other villagers, the partisans and the Nazi occupiers.

Murphy tells sides of the war and the Nazi world vision that is not always discussed, but is worth being mentioned It is amazing/horrifying how thoroughly thought out the Nazi world vision was and how this world vision gave so many different facets to WWII. No wonder this time period gives us such diverse books. She does a great job of not being sensationalist. She is real and tells of some of the hard things or horrible things not to shock us but because to do justice to the story it is necessary.

I loved Nelka and Telek's story. It was so lovely and heart wrenching.

I liked how she showed us the step-mother's and father's side of it. It was interesting to see what they were doing at the same time as Hansel and Gretel.

There was only two things that made the story be a bit off to me, but not so much so for me not to give it a full five stars. It was what happened to Gretel and what happened when they first got to the city. I get why its there, it just felt a bit weird to me. I don't really know how to explain it.

This is definitely a must read. Especially if you like WWII historical fiction.

Girl Runner by Carrie Snyder

from goodreads

3 stars

I have a girl runner. My little two year old, Miss P, runs and runs and runs. I always wait for her to trip and fall and come to her rescue but some how her little feet and legs move in such an awkward precision that she manages to keep upright. (Thank goodness). She rarely walks. She usually only walks if we are late for school! She runs to pick flowers. She runs to the dinner table she runs to get into the car. She runs to get away from mommy. (I must say that I am getting pretty good at sprinting because of her, but, I would prefer she not like running away from me so much.) For such a little thing, she is like in the 3rd percentile for weight, she sure can move with a locomotive type intensity. I wonder where this running will take her. Will she be an olympic champion or the next Forrest Gump? Who knows?! It will be fun to see.

Synopsis

This is a story about Aganetha Smart a former olympian now a centurian. Her story is told through a series of flashbacks as she is taken to her family's farm one last time. We see her as a farm girl in rural Ontario, a working girl in the Toronto of the '20s and as an Olympic gold medalist from the 1928 games.

My Thoughts

Despite what any of my other thoughts may be on this book, the history that made up this story was interesting. There are not many books about women athletes from this period and it was interesting to see how women's sport was back then and how these women helped evolve the idea of women as athletes. It was this history and the "want" to like it that made me keep reading.

That being said, I found the book to be rather predictable and, in a way, rather Canadian. While there are many great Canadian authors writing very dynamic things, this book seemed quintessentially Canadian. The main character was a farm girl whose mother was a midwife who knew how to deal with unwanted pregnancies, there was the aloof father and the rather creepy step-brother. It almost seemed a marriage of The Cure for Death by Lightning and The Birth House with some running thrown in. (I read The Birth House years ago and really enjoyed it.) I know not all Canadian literature is set in rural communities, but so many are.

The characters weren't the most likable. I felt that with some we were only getting mere shadows of who they were. We got glimpses but were left to our own devices to really understand who they were and what was going on with them. I was left with the feeling of wasted lives. Aganetha and some of the other characters just didn't live and that is sad.

This was one of those stories that will not going to stick with me. It will not shape me or define me or cause me to reflect on anything. Perhaps if I was a runner or more of an athlete I would have appreciated it a bit more. But I'm not. So, there you go.