February Reads

16. The Mephisto Club (Gerritsen)

* Deep Gap (Rash)

17. A Rule Against Murder (Penny)

18. Sweetsmoke (Fuller)

19. The Plain Janes (Castellucci)

20. No Time For Goodbye (Barclay)

* Pemberton's Bride (Rash)

21. Skeleton Creek (Carman)

* Speckled Trout (Rash)

22. Chemistry and Other Stories (Rash)

* In the Gray (Potter)

23. The Wednesday Sisters (Clayton)

24. The Hunger Games (Collins)

25. Still Alice (Genova)

26. Free Fall (Crais)

* Blessing or Curse? (Potter)

*Short Story (not counted)

BOLD titles made my Best Reads List

Clicking on a title will link you to "Thoughts of Joy...".

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Monthly - Yearly Genre Stats:

Fiction: 3 - 8

Mystery: 2 - 5

Non-Fiction Graphic Novel: 0 - 1

Short Story Collection: 1 - 1

Thriller: 2 - 3

YA Classic: 0 - 1

YA Fiction: 0 - 1

YA Graphic Novel: 1 - 1

YA Non-Fiction: 0 - 1

YA Science Fiction: 1 - 1

Children's Thriller: 1 - 1

Short Stories: 5 - 10

Audiobooks: 6 - 16

Books: 5 - 10

Total: 11 - 26

Best Reads: 4 - 7

Series: 6 - 12

DNF: 1 - 1

BLESSING OR CURSE? (2 of 6)

Author: William R. Potter

Genre: Short Story/Novella, Collection

Published: Lighting the Dark Side, 2008

Personal Rating: 3.75/5

(ss) Yearly Count: 10

A man wins the lottery. He is generous with his fortune amongst his family and friends, but some people become a little too aggressive - putting his family and friends in great danger.

I was absorbed in this story right from the get-go, but my circumstances required that I put it down for a while. I couldn't wait to get back to it. It had great and exciting scenes, but at the end I expected a twist or turn or something more than what was delivered. Virtually, this was a short story thriller with an ending that just didn't support the build up.

I'm looking forward to the longer works in this collection. I see great potential.

FREE FALL

Author:  Robert Crais

Genre:  PI Mystery, Series #4

Published:  1993

Personal Rating:  4/5

Yearly Count:  26

An engaged, young woman enters the office of Elvis Cole, PI asking if he would find out what is causing her fiance to act out-of-character over the last couple of months.  The fiance is a good looking policeman, so Elvis thinks this may be an easy case (another woman) - until he digs a little deeper and discovers there is some illegal activity going on.

This book is much more like what I know of Crais's later books in this series.  Elvis radiates with personality, which deepens his character and makes for an enjoyable read.  Sometimes his quips were repeated, but they were fun and made me smile.  The mystery, in and of itself, was pretty good as well.  Only two more to go to fill in the missing books of this series and I'm anticipating some good reads!   

STILL ALICE

Author: Lisa Genova

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4.75/5

Yearly Count: 25

Alice Howland is a psychology professor at Harvard, wife and mother. Alice starts to experience episodes of forgetfulness and finally makes an appointment to see a doctor. Eventually, Alice is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. The narrator is Alice, herself.

Whoa. What a powerful novel. Alice is real. Real as any of us could be. Even though, this is not a memoir, it is based on detailed research and feels like the real deal. For me it was not a tear-jerker (however, I did have a few tears), but a heartbreaking story of a disease that strips away the real you.

Lisa Genova gives Alice an authentic, sincere voice and one that kept me glued to the pages as I experienced Alice's decline with her. I hope this is the closest I ever get to this disease, because I was painstakingly close.

Side Note: This book was originally self-published.

THE HUNGER GAMES

Author: Suzanne Collins

Genre: YA Science Fiction, Trilogy #1

Published: 2008

Personal Rating: 4.5/5

Yearly Count: 24

In a post-apocalyptic timeframe, the Capitol requires two children's names to be randomly drawn from each of the 12 Districts. They have been chosen to fight in the yearly Hunger Games, which serves as a reminder of the past. The sole winner lives a life of luxury, while the losers - well, they all die.

What an exciting YA book! I saw this when it first came out and didn't give it a second glance when I discovered it was science fiction (I am so not a fan), but then I started seeing it getting very popular on Amazon and decided to give it another look-see. I'm so happy I did because I was always eager to learn what was going to happen next. There were several little twists and turns that I was grateful for, especially when I thought I knew what was coming. I thoroughly enjoyed Book 1 in this trilogy and have a newfound like for this type of science fiction. I think I may even explore the genre a little more now. Woo!

Oh, yes. I wanted to add that this book reminded me of a cross between The Giver (Lowry) and The Goose Girl (Hale).

THE WEDNESDAY SISTERS

Author:  Meg Waite Clayton

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2008

Personal Rating:  3.25/5

Yearly Count:  23

A group of 5 women gather at a local park in the late 60's.  Their friendship begins with their love of books, then progresses to writing.  Throughout the years they learn and grow from each other.

If you love women's fiction regarding friendship and the sharing of life's ups and downs, this book is for you.  The story line is true to life, even with the following of 5 different women/families.  My rating is indicative of my lack of caring for the genre, in general, not the writing.  There have been books in this genre that I have truly loved, but this one did not hit the spot.  What I really liked, though, was the time period and watching all the changes take place as they moved into the 70's.  According to all the reviews I have scanned, it is well-loved.  I believe reading this with a group of women would have been beneficial; unfortunately, I did not.  

IN THE GRAY ( 1 of 6)

Author: William R. Potter

Genre: Short Story/Novella, Collection

Published: Lighting the Dark Side, 2008

Personal Rating: 4/5

(ss) Yearly Count: 9

A phone conversation between a mother and her adult son easily conveys the family dynamics, relationships, and personalities.

This was my first short story by Potter and I must say it was very good. There was a great flow to the conversation and I enjoyed the unspoken comments by the son.

CHEMISTRY AND OTHER STORIES

Author:  Ron Rash

Genre:  Short Story Collection

Published:  2007

Personal Rating:  4.5/5

Yearly Count:  22

This collection contains 13 short stories with 1 being longer than the others.  They all contain fantastic characters in a multitude of different situations, which are all settled in the South.  Ron Rash has a very distinctive style and one that captivated me every time.  Even though my personal ratings of the individual stories do not average a 4.5 (chalking that up to my lack of experience in reading and rating short stories), I think this collection on a whole is terrific and it deserves a place on my Best Reads of 2009 list.  

Here are the titles (linked to my thoughts) of the 13 short stories:

Their Ancient, Glittering Eyes

Chemistry

Last Rite

Blackberries in June

Not Waving But Drowning

Overtime

Cold Harbor

Honesty

Dangerous Love

The Projectionist's Wife

Deep Gap

Pemberton's Bride

Speckled Trout

SPECKLED TROUT

Author: Ron Rash

Genre: Short Story, Collection

Published: Chemistry and Other Stories, 2007

Personal Rating: 4.5/5

(ss) Yearly Count: 8

With a 6-month old license in his wallet, Lanny has finally had a few opportunities to use his dad's truck.  Unfortunately, he chooses to travel the road to trouble.

This was the last short story in this collection and it was great.  There was a Publisher's Note prior to the story stating that Speckled Trout won an award in 2005, and in 2006, it was expanded to become the novel, The World Made Straight (which I have!).

This one felt familiar - more like the rest of the collection (other than Pemberton's Bride).  It contained a suspense throughout and characters that I could see.  I liked the thought-provoking feeling I was left with in the end.

SKELETON CREEK

Author: Patrick Carman

Genre: Children's (9-12) Thriller, Series #1

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4.5/5

Yearly Count: 21

Ryan and Sarah live in Skeleton Creek and they believe something to be amiss in the town. While searching for clues, Ryan has an accident which ultimately requires him to be housebound. Sarah can't give up the hunt, so she continues on. Unfortunately the two have been separated by both sets of parents, so they come up with a unique way to communicate. Ryan is a writer, he records all his thoughts in a journal and Sarah loves to make movies, she takes footage of her findings. Together, through the internet, they are able to move forward in their investigation.

I loved this (except for the few moral issues I don't like to promote in children's books)! Ryan's journal is where we read the story and Sarah's video clips are literally on the internet and we see what she has discovered (passwords are given in the journal). The story flows from journal to clip, journal to clip, etc. It keeps you on your toes and maintains interest throughout. I suggest reading it in one sitting by a computer. You won't want to stop.

The reading level age states 9 - 12. It does not read like a children's book and is perfect for the reluctant reader; however, I can see why it can attract 9 - 12 year olds, but it can certainly be enjoyed by teens and adults. I was fascinated. It was both creative and fresh, and for me, it didn't come across as immature or foolish. This just came out yesterday, so I have a long wait for Book 2.

*Recommended By: Maw Books Blog

PEMBERTON'S BRIDE

Author: Ron Rash

Genre: Short Story, Collection

Published: Chemistry and Other Stories, 2007

Personal Rating: 3.75/5

(ss) Yearly Count: 7

This is a longer, short story (46 pages) about a man that owns a lumber mill company and brings home a bride who has a mind of her own - a strong, dark mind.

I have mixed feelings about this one.  The story line was very good, but it felt like the story was lengthened instead of taking the pages to deepen the characters.  I was engrossed in this rather dark story, but it didn't have the background or depth I wanted/needed.  

I wondered if this short story was the seed to Serena, Rash's latest novel.  (The wife's name was Serena.  I'm quick like that.  *grin*)  I have now discovered that, yes indeed, it is.  Hooray!

THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN

Author: Garth Stein

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2008

Personal Rating: DNF #1

The dog is the narrator. Enough said.

NO TIME FOR GOODBYE

Author:  Linwood Barclay

Genre:  Thriller, Standalone

Published:  2007

Personal Rating:  4/5

Yearly Count:  20

The three of them - they were just gone.  Cynthia Bigge was just 14-years-old when her parents and older brother vanished without a trace and were never to be seen again.  Now, as a married parent herself, Cynthia continues to struggle with their disappearance, so she appears on a television show with the hopes of spurring memories.  Soon after, strange things begin to happen, like an odd phone call and an unexpected token left in their home.  Cynthia wonders if her family could possibly still be alive.

Hooray!  I believe I have found another author to follow.  While this book had its share of coincidences and just right fits, the characters (mainly Terry, Cynthia's husband) kept me from doing too many eye rolls.  He had a slight sense of humor and seemed the most realistic of the bunch.  The story line did have some twists that were unexpected and ultimately - I thought it was a very good book.

THE PLAIN JANES

Author: Cecil Castellucci

Genre: YA Graphic Novel, Series #1

Published: 2007

Personal Rating: 2.5/5

Yearly Count: 19

After a catastrophe in the city, Jane and her family move to the suburbs. Jane has a difficult time with this and struggles with fitting in at her new school. Once she adjusts a bit, she gets an idea for a club and it takes off.

This short graphic novel didn't quite interest me. I felt it was choppy and while I believe there were times it was supposed to be poignant - it fell short. Many other readers loved this, but it just wasn't my thing.

SWEETSMOKE

Author:  David Fuller

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2008

Personal Rating:  3.5/5

Yearly Count:  18

Sweetsmoke, a Virginia tobacco plantation, is the home of Cassius and many other slaves during the Civil War.  Emoline, the woman who rescued and nursed Cassius back to health after a devastating event in his life, has been murdered.  The devotion Cassius has for Emoline has driven him to find the killer - no matter what the cost.

This didn't live up to my expectations.  The characters were okay, the setting was okay, but the mystery story line did not seem plausible to me.  (Yes, I know it's fiction.)  There were, also, many dry spots, and on occasion I didn't even care to pick it up.  So, for whatever reason it didn't grab me.  The good news is that there were a few minor surprises or twists, and it ended on a good note.  :)

A RULE AGAINST MURDER

Author: Louise Penny

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Series #4

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4.25/5

Yearly Count: 17

Vacationing in Quebec at Manoir Bellechasse, chief inspector Armand Gamache and his wife become acquainted with the members of a family who are gathered for a reunion and the installation of a statue in honor of their deceased father. Unfortunately, a member of that family is crushed to death by the statue and Gamache finds himself no longer on vacation.

As much as I love Three Pines, I thoroughly enjoyed this vacationing location, but more importantly, I loved how Penny weaved the lovely village into the story line. The mystery of how the death occurred contained a plethera of complex and dysfunctional suspects, creating a unique cast of characters.

I like Gamache. He is a smart, compassionate man. The simple truths he speaks make me pause a moment, and then, there are the more profound statements that I consider bits of wisdom and like to ponder. He's a great character.

DEEP GAP

Author: Ron Rash

Genre: Short Story, Collection

Published: Chemistry and Other Stories, 2007

Personal Rating: 4/5

(ss) Yearly Count: 6

Deep Gap is a look into a father's love for his wayward son.

As usual, this is another compelling Southern story.  The setting, the emotions, the pictures in my mind were clear as a bell.  And, to top it off - there was suspense!

 

THE MEPHISTO CLUB

Author:  Tess Gerritsen

Genre:  Medical Thriller, Series #6

Published:  2006

Personal Rating:  2.5/5

Yearly Count:  16

Grisly murders that include satanic rituals and messages keep detective, Jane Rizzoli, and medical examiner, Maura Isles, occupied sorting out the meaning.  They become familiar with a group of individuals that are well-versed in the historical evil doings of the human race and have to discern whether or not this group is on the up and up or are they as evil as the murderer(s).

There were several things I did not like about this book.  One being the basic story line, and two, the side stories.  I had no interest in the satanic component - the root of the story and the side stories had a Stephanie Plum feel to them, which resulted in losing some sophistication that Gerritsen's writing generally contains.  I was not pleased.  

What I did like was the manner in which the story was told.  There was one continuing flashback scenario and two present day scenarios.  The flashback and one present day were fairly good - they are what kept my interest.  I hope #7 in this series steps it up.