tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28945338230906783292024-03-04T21:19:51.793-08:00Opinionated Book ReviewerOpinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-68526704601858826792013-10-29T19:22:00.000-07:002013-10-29T19:22:04.175-07:00Big Adventure!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRV5IJ7wgXIjEHvwbAocGoJwROskujbxjJiEdlvSokJmAo8y9_9UKscguLTVIEAqT5cOC3F1IeqRBy6gLFmhzI5rFuGMhfHIIRrGvMvg_2mRq7XabcBwxoaVUv9955lxVtx0rP8XrbGbM/s1600/slide0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRV5IJ7wgXIjEHvwbAocGoJwROskujbxjJiEdlvSokJmAo8y9_9UKscguLTVIEAqT5cOC3F1IeqRBy6gLFmhzI5rFuGMhfHIIRrGvMvg_2mRq7XabcBwxoaVUv9955lxVtx0rP8XrbGbM/s1600/slide0.jpg" height="169" width="320" /></a></div>
<!--StartFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This past month life has been crazy. Not
crazy bad, just busy. Lots of work commitments, a trip to the desert to see my
grandfather, taking up a new hobby (guitar) and getting ready for my big trip
to Nosara, Costa Rica for my pilates certification course. I leave this
weekend! When I return I will do one big book review highlighting everything I
enjoyed while traveling, relaxing and learning. Voy a escribir cuando
regrese. Adios</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">! </span></span><!--EndFragment-->
Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-90898618771369564372013-10-29T19:09:00.002-07:002013-10-29T19:09:32.701-07:00Hour of the Red God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtZqOT5WNy9O0DASbUhWik51CXx5bHId-jC9Kzhv8WLvN2xwAY5s5xKN4tTgoJ1M56LjeZWQeTEhRL_WGim95STFjBx-HAAec2gi-3rGswA0yrfcaoNcuvlwWEP8lNoPBt2n5ZsjRNBw/s1600/15793590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtZqOT5WNy9O0DASbUhWik51CXx5bHId-jC9Kzhv8WLvN2xwAY5s5xKN4tTgoJ1M56LjeZWQeTEhRL_WGim95STFjBx-HAAec2gi-3rGswA0yrfcaoNcuvlwWEP8lNoPBt2n5ZsjRNBw/s1600/15793590.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I
learned of </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hour of the Red God</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> from NPR. I was drawn to the location, Nairobi, Kenya and
the protagonist, a former Maasai warrior, Detective Mollel knowing both would
create an interesting, different type of mystery. Also having traveled to
Nairobi, I was curious how Richard Crompton would depict the city and its
people. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Crompton
uses descriptive prose to bring Nairobi alive. The city is more than a simple
setting for a brutal murder of a prostitute. It is a textured part of the
story line exposing the gritty yet modern Africa during the turbulent
elections of 2007. </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-59415705114375258742013-10-08T17:37:00.001-07:002013-10-08T17:37:46.566-07:00The Secret Keeper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIA6fabY9Y99BiO2aRw4BW-Hxl64ElIplYTZiolpZyXFXMc8tvm_MPxhLkjFeUOm9Iy8vyGKilY1zAxiY_DazaoUQkcevvjZk6A7mOedNmRqK3busmqqtbE1Fr2FiXlDWgvAZK6VKNWNY/s1600/13508607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIA6fabY9Y99BiO2aRw4BW-Hxl64ElIplYTZiolpZyXFXMc8tvm_MPxhLkjFeUOm9Iy8vyGKilY1zAxiY_DazaoUQkcevvjZk6A7mOedNmRqK3busmqqtbE1Fr2FiXlDWgvAZK6VKNWNY/s1600/13508607.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<!--StartFragment--><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Secret Keeper</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> significantly lacked what is expected from a Kate Morton mystery.
Morton's other books were magical exposing an intricate story line with
fascinating characters. This tale faltered. The primary character, Dolly is
unlikeable. Laurel is lukewarm. Vivien's situation with her husband is
extremely predictable. Jimmy and Vivien's disappearance is not well executed
and hence lacks intrigue to prompt the reader to consider alternative
scenarios. The book is far too long detailing aspects of characters lives that
do not contribute to the overall story line. I was truly taken with </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The
House at Riverton</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Distant Hours</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Forgotten Garden</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The
Secret Keeper</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> was not Morton's best work,
yet I will not disregard her as a talented author and will openly embrace her
next read. </span></span><!--EndFragment-->
Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-58566330068822161172013-09-28T17:17:00.000-07:002013-09-28T17:17:07.740-07:00The Twisted Thread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XAzPZ-0_DktH8tTbDSnWHr3BzE0v-NVyqKS7Q04SUEOIxtD4JlcUONY-Br8jZZWtPru7a2eEE_EjJcME6iSmFeLa9eilHlC1AOC2mW3RQRwBdAgMUZaSOAL9BIoK6kq0pI5AGXPweEM/s1600/9519064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XAzPZ-0_DktH8tTbDSnWHr3BzE0v-NVyqKS7Q04SUEOIxtD4JlcUONY-Br8jZZWtPru7a2eEE_EjJcME6iSmFeLa9eilHlC1AOC2mW3RQRwBdAgMUZaSOAL9BIoK6kq0pI5AGXPweEM/s1600/9519064.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<!--StartFragment--><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Twisted Thread by Charlotte Bacon took
me forever to finish. My mom gave me this so-called mystery. It fails to provide the excitement and suspense that most readers seek from this genre. Bacon
promises a mystery but really this book has an identity crisis without a true
direction. Is it a murder mystery, suspense, drama, romance, coming of age
story turned bad or young adult fiction? What an awful read. It lacked
intrigue, the characters were boring, there was very little time focused on the
solving the crime and there were too many subplots that had nothing to do with
the main story. Bacon's writing style is very juvenile. She was not able to
write dialogue that made sense for her male characters. The male characters
read like women. I had to keep reading as I wanted to know how the story was
resolved, but it was extremely painful and predictable. </span></span></span><!--EndFragment-->
Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-78366110804725647892013-09-16T18:55:00.001-07:002013-09-16T18:55:40.218-07:00The Hiding Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGy2Xk-si7pW4fFsyLFw0grhz8OTghreTrVGZmP5wRGDeYPTPD0oYO_XNq1okQtISOiG_BFoOuS4OqYd_O3NbjUYZEfhviOxKHuQn64q_FHZPU-yGGO_OaSFKuf_WgALjBzpZQB-HUQM/s1600/268016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGy2Xk-si7pW4fFsyLFw0grhz8OTghreTrVGZmP5wRGDeYPTPD0oYO_XNq1okQtISOiG_BFoOuS4OqYd_O3NbjUYZEfhviOxKHuQn64q_FHZPU-yGGO_OaSFKuf_WgALjBzpZQB-HUQM/s1600/268016.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
<!--StartFragment--><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Hiding Place </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is an extremely sad, dark novel. Trezza Azzopardi sets the scene in the
soon to be demolished Cardiff, Wales docklands. She develops a stark, scuzzy,
cold environment where the Gauci family struggles immensely. The main character
is Dolores. Her goal is to untangle memories, piece together stories and sort
through the gossip to learn the truth behind what tears her family apart.
"Someone must be to blame." Dolores eventually realizes that it’s
impossible to pinpoint who is to blame “as with all truth, there is another
version.” Azzopardi is absolutely brilliant with language. In the story, ghost pains plague
Dolores. These pains not only represent the real loss of her hand, but also the
loss of her family. She misses what she never had. She was so young when her
sisters were sent away, her dad left, her mother broke down or when she is
placed in care. She wants so desperately to be part of her family. A family
that is grossly dysfunctional. Azzopardi has created a disturbing, emotionally
powerful tale. </span></span><!--EndFragment-->
Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-14688323052904450882013-09-10T19:53:00.000-07:002013-09-10T19:53:21.105-07:00And the Mountains Echoed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHF54sIHfH2aR7hcEg6PbPIJCFkEvfyQqTkVVHf5JrXn2vTttoA01ZwXwxdiIvUx_tPWzmpb_kzudAxMQO_ZsQJrD9GxN74yKUNE_geXmlzZIMMp4ApuW0ouXefLaQC0JVZVlKseqQQQ/s1600/16115612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHF54sIHfH2aR7hcEg6PbPIJCFkEvfyQqTkVVHf5JrXn2vTttoA01ZwXwxdiIvUx_tPWzmpb_kzudAxMQO_ZsQJrD9GxN74yKUNE_geXmlzZIMMp4ApuW0ouXefLaQC0JVZVlKseqQQQ/s1600/16115612.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<!--StartFragment--><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And the Mountains Echoed</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is the best book I have read this year. Khaled Hosseini continues to
craft masterpieces. He is a beautiful writer and bewitching storyteller. His
technique is delicate, yet purposeful. He makes suggestive comments that
gradually reveal key plot lines. The narrative is appropriately complex.
Hosseini’s characters are rich. Not one of them lacked interest. Every
character (and there were many) had story lines for which I would have loved
further exploration. I was so drawn to the characters and invested in the story
that the last twenty pages had me bleary eyed with tears. I did not want the
book to conclude.</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><!--EndFragment-->
Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-50018187764468019512013-09-02T18:26:00.003-07:002013-09-02T18:26:58.293-07:00Beautiful Ruins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvhrwNtMIQqA23Q9nju3GyyaZ841d_QNn9oSV_GS3aBoUQoZjG7KNHf7ajOGfOkO-LBCNzr59k3kWZSfFsErtsDo4iPQ4IQU50WgllgPc0LcSanCpNH7deLrh2T-3lFAAc2FPQKK5tZo/s1600/11447921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvhrwNtMIQqA23Q9nju3GyyaZ841d_QNn9oSV_GS3aBoUQoZjG7KNHf7ajOGfOkO-LBCNzr59k3kWZSfFsErtsDo4iPQ4IQU50WgllgPc0LcSanCpNH7deLrh2T-3lFAAc2FPQKK5tZo/s1600/11447921.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
<!--StartFragment--><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Beautiful Ruins</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> was well written, but I did not enjoy it. I would have preferred a
story focusing solely on Pasquali, who is so endearing. Additionally, there are
too many meaningless side plots. I found the story to be a downer. It is a book about how
entertainment types are most often destructive and deceptive. What a nasty, heartless
industry. At least, Jess Walter’s skewers the industry.</span></span>Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-90733753992734014282013-08-31T17:11:00.000-07:002013-08-31T17:33:46.635-07:00The Garden of Evening Mists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7LMKiOEYh1t3aGqiAm9coasvFZkfzM1i2g39aTcVJRptiiHttfCYicOvpuyuF2JiaPmz3WybKti09Yh6RDBst-loKW7RJgU8rCGstnIz2U-vBPONuVRK1q5s7k2SULBSgf_-MqHXf90/s1600/9781602861800_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7LMKiOEYh1t3aGqiAm9coasvFZkfzM1i2g39aTcVJRptiiHttfCYicOvpuyuF2JiaPmz3WybKti09Yh6RDBst-loKW7RJgU8rCGstnIz2U-vBPONuVRK1q5s7k2SULBSgf_-MqHXf90/s1600/9781602861800_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The Garden of Evening Mists</i>
takes the reader on a beautiful, haunting, painful, turbulent journey. Tan Twan
Eng demands that the reader pay close attention, as instead of crudely
spelling everything out she slowly reveals importance aspects of the plot.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The book is filled with
intertwining themes. A central theme is the role of memory in human
existence. She connects memory with guilt, particularly survivor guilt.
Eng also focuses on the relationship between memory and forgetting. She
illustrates brilliantly how memories are tenuous. Often one's grasp of the past
is severely limited. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Art is shown as a powerful
medium. Art heals, soothes, frustrates, manipulates, excites, challenges. Eng
illustrates through her different characters varying attitudes towards
colonialism. Yun Ling downplays the importance of nationality. Tatsuji carries
post-colonial guilt. Magnus has strong memories of his home country under
British rule. Finally, war is analyzed. War creates inconceivable circumstances. In
a war there is no logic or reasoning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eng has carefully constructed her characters. This is a character driven novel. None of the characters are perfect. They have flaws and
vulnerabilities.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eng does not wrap up the story. Instead she leaves the reader with
unknowns thus enhancing the richness of the novel and its believability.</span></span><!--EndFragment-->
Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-60112025067061338222013-08-25T11:32:00.000-07:002013-08-25T11:32:41.688-07:00Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SUX4kfn9kxONPnq4pB_XmzPqKEmJ6Uk4VuDjel_piqEARgbYxMWWjm7CWS6_GEX3kX683Sbc8JEaaT6UrG_TaPIGG-mLmgAOQ8Ytpj2Uv1Sf5CCKdA95QLWUW3Jeh5nZ5iQiembOMHs/s1600/10335308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SUX4kfn9kxONPnq4pB_XmzPqKEmJ6Uk4VuDjel_piqEARgbYxMWWjm7CWS6_GEX3kX683Sbc8JEaaT6UrG_TaPIGG-mLmgAOQ8Ytpj2Uv1Sf5CCKdA95QLWUW3Jeh5nZ5iQiembOMHs/s1600/10335308.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? </i>is a very funny, girl read. Mindy Kaling had me laughing
aloud. The picture of Kaling and her brother in which she states, this is a
photo of me plotting to eat my brother is hysterical. I loved when Kaling
describes breaking her best friends nose. I related to the chapter, “</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Why Do Men Put on Their Shoes So Slowly?" In my
experience, most men are not as skilled at multi-tasking. The slow shoe analogy
is perfect. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This book</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is the ideal read for a day when you
need some light, distracting, hysterical entertainment. </span></span><!--EndFragment-->
Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-1894554171746390462013-08-20T20:35:00.001-07:002013-08-20T20:36:37.155-07:00The Boy in the Suitcase<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIf0FBTGK2lbzBsvzZFl8mCaxCnpQIMf6eGbSsRLZcU9WpgH7ikYgnRH-SyRncXpi_QSXEmSlOsRqnNpv6dR-77SjZzNlWsbwOJ4I8TXc_ATRUzjMuQurDp8Y-I0nW9SAIEkEaJtUEXmg/s1600/10776592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIf0FBTGK2lbzBsvzZFl8mCaxCnpQIMf6eGbSsRLZcU9WpgH7ikYgnRH-SyRncXpi_QSXEmSlOsRqnNpv6dR-77SjZzNlWsbwOJ4I8TXc_ATRUzjMuQurDp8Y-I0nW9SAIEkEaJtUEXmg/s1600/10776592.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<!--StartFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The Boy in the Suitcase</i> created by Lene
Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis is written in that uniquely Scandinavian style.
It is sparse, dark, uncomfortable and perplexing. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I
often wasn’t sure where the story was leading which is good indicator of a solid thriller.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> The writing was frequently choppy, perhaps due to
the translation. I seem to like to blame the translator. Kaaberbol translated
the book from Danish to English. (Sorry Lene.) The multiple perspectives made
the book a bit challenging to start. Stay with it
as the subject, characters and reveal make it worth the read. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Additionally,
the shifts in points of view create a suspenseful effect, as you questions how
will all these characters be brought together? One implausible element is Nina
Borg’s reason and hence decision not to go to the police with the strange, emotionally charged situation. Instead she goes it alone to try to manage the mystery. I guess we
wouldn’t have had as interesting of book without Nina and her not so wise choices. </span></span><!--EndFragment-->
Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-77776560572028667382013-08-14T20:17:00.002-07:002013-08-14T20:17:25.996-07:00Best Kept Secret<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00f3ocIoRm2ORQT5d01PTEqHT1iZmqdSV5iSqPEe6SJSeCwDnG6mf5JFjt_74fbeQlF2l5hbGAeC5GSX_LrWlAKSwqLoc4ucNVCbg67EgLjTrGKVM5KmBcx_AS1Vm_tESSqUeA6o59NI/s1600/15793074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00f3ocIoRm2ORQT5d01PTEqHT1iZmqdSV5iSqPEe6SJSeCwDnG6mf5JFjt_74fbeQlF2l5hbGAeC5GSX_LrWlAKSwqLoc4ucNVCbg67EgLjTrGKVM5KmBcx_AS1Vm_tESSqUeA6o59NI/s1600/15793074.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Best Kept
Secret</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> was another
disappointment. The struggles and achievements of the characters are not developed
and far too predictable. Harry needed to be on the New York Times Bestseller
List. A few pages later the goal is accomplished. Emma wants to locate her late
father’s child. Walla, it’s done. Now she wants to adopt her. Check. Sebastian
is having problems socially in school. An incident occurs and abracadabra he is
the hero. These examples are endless. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Characters unknown to me but probably
previously introduced in story lines created in book one are just now
resurfacing in book three. So annoying! The politics were boring. Who cares
about Giles, the election or the parties? There are far too many characters and
many of them are insubstantial. Again, Archer’s characters are unsophisticated,
unsurprising and lacking complexity. For example, an Archer villain is a
diabolical scoundrel with not one redeeming characteristic. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jeffrey Archer has
created a soap opera. The dead woman’s letter written in case the will is
contested is presented in the nick of time. One hundred pages to the books end
a ridiculous caper emerges. And of course, at the books completion, Archer leaves the reader with yet
another cliffhanger, which is notorious technique of a good soap opera. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Best
Kept Secret</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> is overly
dramatic, poorly constructed, unbelievable and sadly lacking depth.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I will not be continuing with the Harry Clifton Chronicles. </span></span></div>
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Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-52846980531246742672013-08-11T19:49:00.001-07:002013-08-11T19:49:41.467-07:00The Sins of the Father<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkaqeR969UOU_8FjkkHmvuGhJJv60BoJyEu3BcZSUd93Ke6XY_NYRjo3Xpi52tyF2LBWTRVYjt-wnKz-6RQ7gBc6k58s90F3CKlfJLtdtfh6OUwlMAKecdAn5CUBM4CYYM5hhKEZPGAQ/s1600/12160906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkaqeR969UOU_8FjkkHmvuGhJJv60BoJyEu3BcZSUd93Ke6XY_NYRjo3Xpi52tyF2LBWTRVYjt-wnKz-6RQ7gBc6k58s90F3CKlfJLtdtfh6OUwlMAKecdAn5CUBM4CYYM5hhKEZPGAQ/s1600/12160906.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Sins
of the Father </span></span></i></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is part of
the Harry Clifton Chronicles. I read the second story first. It really must be read in chronological
order, as Jeffrey Archer does not summarize the first book, </span></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Only Time Will Tell</span></span></i></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I was </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">handicapped by not knowing what occurred as well as who
was whom. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I started the
third book, but am contemplating continuing, as the writing in the second book
was full of faults. </span></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The
coincidences were preposterous. </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The characters are one-dimensional and </span></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">clichéd</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. (I could care less if Harry was Hugo’s son.)
Predictably </span></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Archer depicts
the good people as brave, resourceful and courageous whereas the bad ones are
class-conscious, vile, inept, arrogant jerks. </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">T</span></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he separate
stories were disjointed. </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overall
the story was boring.</span></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Archer has proclaimed he will create "at least" five books in this series. I can’t imagine
there will be many readers left by the fifth; especially since I am unconvinced
I should brave the third in the chronicles</span></span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 11.0pt;">.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-68896469498095177382013-08-08T19:26:00.001-07:002013-08-08T19:26:13.252-07:00Alone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkqpZXzT39dVfjGqg_6-gOKVccgk36KRyWv62j29eCH6kF6Ec_Vym8FsrtjQPCzg206kOa3e_NpGMogCSnfO2Qz5zbZfmELiKFUTxaX9ccOtqGuIUJ_CkLMynnhnY5Sl1cKUoPY9jGzM/s1600/32527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkqpZXzT39dVfjGqg_6-gOKVccgk36KRyWv62j29eCH6kF6Ec_Vym8FsrtjQPCzg206kOa3e_NpGMogCSnfO2Qz5zbZfmELiKFUTxaX9ccOtqGuIUJ_CkLMynnhnY5Sl1cKUoPY9jGzM/s1600/32527.jpg" height="320" width="194" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Alone </span></span></i></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">featured Bobby Dodge and
only</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">briefly
included D.D. Warren, the tough detective for which the series is based. This
is Lisa Gardner’s first book in the series. It is quite interesting that she
developed D.D. as her writing progressed versus concentrating on Bobby who was
the prominent character in this book. At first I was concerned I would not
connect to Bobby, but the story like all Gardner's was extremely absorbing. I
really related to Bobby and his families dysfunction, which he further unravels
in therapy. He struggles to accept just like I have struggled to accept a loved
one's inability or in Bobby’s case lack of desire to connect or rebuild. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #222222;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Alone </span></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">had some
missteps. The recap of the story while the deranged killer was on the loose in
the penthouse suite was ridiculous. Gardner timing of summarizing the story for
the reader was poorly executed and unbelievable considering what was suppose to
be occurring. Additionally the connection between a number of characters or how
characters deduced their next actions were convoluted.</span></span></span></span></div>
</span>Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-66801285626549507392013-08-08T19:18:00.000-07:002013-08-08T19:18:20.188-07:00Kindle Baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7NLeaByalpcUxZvpI7d1zF3dV38Zjl3IjhFoenmIptcePjdTk0k0iyD2Of7lv5l9zuZ5V7fNi3Bxon6r4DzG3V32V-x3mFOZy66lUsxEKrFUxtwaL-wZ7tHDsJz79g461JHMPbVki6o/s1600/KC-slate-03-lg._V400694812_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7NLeaByalpcUxZvpI7d1zF3dV38Zjl3IjhFoenmIptcePjdTk0k0iyD2Of7lv5l9zuZ5V7fNi3Bxon6r4DzG3V32V-x3mFOZy66lUsxEKrFUxtwaL-wZ7tHDsJz79g461JHMPbVki6o/s1600/KC-slate-03-lg._V400694812_.jpg" height="309" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
did it! I purchased the Kindle Paperwhite. Although I am in the middle of </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The
Sins of the Father</span></span></i></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I switched to a book via the e-reader. As you all know, I very
much enjoy Lisa Gardner's detective thrillers. I figured I should purchase one
of her books for my first Kindle reading experience as I know I would enjoy the
story and hence may get use to e-reading. If I hated the first book on my new
toy, my Kindle experience could have been tainted. I finished </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Alone </span></span></i></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">last night. Reading on the
Kindle isn't terrible. There are both pros and cons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I
prefer the feel of an old fashion book. I am not fond of reading from a
computerized screen. I like knowing exactly how much you have left to read by visually seeing and paging through rather than a percentage of the book completed. I enjoy going to a bookstore to browse versus reading about books on-line. However, the ease of purchasing books
from Amazon with a quick search and click is a luxury. I love the dictionary
feature, although this first read was not comprised of challenging, foreign words.
Finally for my upcoming travel adventure or possible jury duty in late August,
carrying one very light machine opposed to numerous books is extraordinarily
convenient. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-21999492480864543612013-07-30T17:06:00.000-07:002013-07-30T17:06:03.916-07:00Marrying the Mistress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NUmBoRL_olh9OnPiwN8odOcQgwAls68UxRrFsHUy3kfT2WThFjn5GipVJMyhq9SG-Qr63ooT_dCZAiKfzRPCwXyGVQJKrUUeHQdjHA91O4wSpQXApWXIN8hrE54xRggqRpy24gDZAXg/s1600/697605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NUmBoRL_olh9OnPiwN8odOcQgwAls68UxRrFsHUy3kfT2WThFjn5GipVJMyhq9SG-Qr63ooT_dCZAiKfzRPCwXyGVQJKrUUeHQdjHA91O4wSpQXApWXIN8hrE54xRggqRpy24gDZAXg/s1600/697605.jpg" height="320" width="203" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I reluctantly picked up </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Marrying the Mistress</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> from the
lending library at work. I quickly hid this trashy book in my bag. I figured it
would be a quick, fun weekend pool read. Yet,I did not want to
publicly promote this book pick.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">J</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">oanna Trollope
provides a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> glimpse into a family’s reaction
to divorce. She develops an authentic portrait of domestic friction.
Surprisingly it is full of realistic sibling relationships, generational
differences, midlife crises, nasty family dynamics and lightly woven subplots.
The story veered far from trashy. The title and cover were very
misrepresenting. Besides my extreme dislike that the characters used the
first names when referring to their parents rather then mom or dad, Trollope
creates an interesting novel. </span></span><!--EndFragment-->
Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-31120101538883953742013-07-24T18:40:00.001-07:002013-07-24T18:40:51.758-07:00The Divide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCNZvVNsqbT68SSHb4qJcphqgqNU2PrPoYie2OEbodTimfft2u4RjyJtgUWyZKwRg16CTJYONOehIwCL88c-qsQYrw125yxoAsrrsd_4Ag7Rq0yE9h4u6XoHzqeP_IJ4l8WpE8b-xDHk/s1600/114006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCNZvVNsqbT68SSHb4qJcphqgqNU2PrPoYie2OEbodTimfft2u4RjyJtgUWyZKwRg16CTJYONOehIwCL88c-qsQYrw125yxoAsrrsd_4Ag7Rq0yE9h4u6XoHzqeP_IJ4l8WpE8b-xDHk/s1600/114006.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The
Divide </i>was an enjoyable, easy read, yet far from groundbreaking. Nicholas Evans
use of many voices was a good technique providing a glimmer into each key
character's unique perspective and feelings. I'm at a bit of a loss on what
else to write about this book. The eco-terrorism angle was different. The
writing was mediocre. The characters were run of the mill. The book was nothing
spectacular.</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMS; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-27936779965963831132013-07-20T09:58:00.001-07:002013-07-20T09:58:25.686-07:00The Secret Scripture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzXMlIL2C-1o6QsYpX0v0cABwUSxijYyrQF5DB8vr5G8BxkyzVXa-U8ff51JQ1E9YqAu4VpdUQZNRXu35SS3wQIJ12ZtmDYWTj3_agaVcg2aZRUq2kOWrst5ADkawQ2SYuG14pGhyH44/s1600/3419808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzXMlIL2C-1o6QsYpX0v0cABwUSxijYyrQF5DB8vr5G8BxkyzVXa-U8ff51JQ1E9YqAu4VpdUQZNRXu35SS3wQIJ12ZtmDYWTj3_agaVcg2aZRUq2kOWrst5ADkawQ2SYuG14pGhyH44/s1600/3419808.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Secret Scriptures </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">focuses on Roseanne McNulty, a centenarian and
long-time resident of the Roscommon mental hospital. The institution, her home
is to close. Roseanne’s life spans a turbulent era in Ireland’s
history, from the Irish civil war to the German bombing of Belfast during World
War II. The destructive history shapes the experiences of this intriguing
protagonist. Roseanne relays here story taking on the task of writing her
personal narrative or the "secret scripture." Her voice is sad,
strange, strong and often confused. Her account interweaves with that of her
psychiatrist, Dr. Grene who is charged with assessing whether she can finally be
released. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sebastian Barry
writes about love, loss, broken promises, failed hopes, morality, religious
prejudice, archaic beliefs. Barry's style is poetic. He creates
beautiful prose out of the wreckage of horrendous circumstances, diving into
the complexity of human emotions while illustrating that destructive actions
are in our nature. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Barry faltered
tremendously with the twist at the very end. The twist was too coincidental,
unbelievable and completely unnecessary. Luckily this mishap did not diminish
the books overall quality. </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-54767364163425910842013-07-15T20:18:00.000-07:002013-07-15T20:18:23.222-07:00Deceptive Intentions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhljiaBYfcgIU723_nJzlPcLYJgZARYknj1abXj1QZsFrRQcB_uRhSnuJunzwq-j9jYHgd8cAVmhOvOBe1QQAWjF7ZBKq3AdjamyaPAPVr7m9JmvqtKpYxe0EjoWvwTigLT0dBSV0ve0/s1600/3358883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhljiaBYfcgIU723_nJzlPcLYJgZARYknj1abXj1QZsFrRQcB_uRhSnuJunzwq-j9jYHgd8cAVmhOvOBe1QQAWjF7ZBKq3AdjamyaPAPVr7m9JmvqtKpYxe0EjoWvwTigLT0dBSV0ve0/s1600/3358883.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Deceptive
Intentions </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is listed
under two different titles. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Heart of Deception</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is the other listed title. The prequel
also has two different names. I’m not entirely sure why M.L. Malcolm has taken
this approach. Any thoughts or known reasons please let me know.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am surprised
how much I enjoyed the genre. It’s my first spy novel, although this book can
also be characterized as a family saga, loosely historical and perhaps even a
coming of age story. I think I may like </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Secret Lies </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">or </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Heart of Lies</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> even better as one of the primary
characters Leo Hoffman’s early life as a spy is explored. In </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Deceptive
Intentions</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I wanted to
learn more of Leo’s clandestine identity. I was fascinated by the colorful,
foreign landscapes of Tangier and Egypt. Unfortunately the spy story line was
vague and underdeveloped in this book. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I did enjoy how Malcolm used historical figures to shape the narrative.
Sadly the author makes some glaring mistakes. The mob plot was rushed. The </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fifty</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shades of Grey</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> chapter was completely out of left
field. Taking this strange, disconnected approach confused the flow and style.
Even with the criticisms, I will embrace </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Heart of Lies,</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
as the characters were absorbing. I am invested in their origins. </span></span><!--EndFragment-->
Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-19384349151987833042013-07-08T20:13:00.002-07:002013-07-08T20:14:48.518-07:00The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2E12PGLmX4C0n_6PWx5LVm8sz6U_Q7ru9ZLLlGwHoz6KwaAPDkdtAjGqaiXINXCVT67dovWBb_jym6yAx2SfpoKxnJ-ZY4OhU7_fViTCiARgChKjxtvRdQuxgAu1eCF0iHK9pmLPHG0/s1600/17212239-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2E12PGLmX4C0n_6PWx5LVm8sz6U_Q7ru9ZLLlGwHoz6KwaAPDkdtAjGqaiXINXCVT67dovWBb_jym6yAx2SfpoKxnJ-ZY4OhU7_fViTCiARgChKjxtvRdQuxgAu1eCF0iHK9pmLPHG0/s1600/17212239-1.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is a
journey of insight, new friends, loss, love, growth and the ability to change.
I love how Rachel Joyce highlights that there are always opportunities for new
beginnings even when for so long things have been stuck. Joyce’s characters are
varied, intricate and very unique. The premise of walking across England with
no supplies, yachting shoes or truly clear intention is absolutely absurd.
Nevertheless our protagonist Harold moves forward emotionally, spiritually and
physically. Joyce has developed a character to emulate, as it is honorable, dedicated and exciting to take on a challenge and then succeed beyond
everyone’s, including your own, wildest expectations. Joyce does a great job of
creating a complicated, rich, sad yet happy tale.</span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-81215862039440923442013-07-06T15:55:00.002-07:002013-07-06T15:55:47.804-07:00Lunch in Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r4HVraRW81m9v4R_x5WPbeyUucHomDeSD4ff4JTXqN0CFzzOM8OUKHZEzjHSW6hUtU9UCzNjB-ds6_xoPxiWEau887djf7k2L-EudgtIgUshpr7p1t7LBpexI5DH7XXM6JC-vlwWr54/s1600/6422680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r4HVraRW81m9v4R_x5WPbeyUucHomDeSD4ff4JTXqN0CFzzOM8OUKHZEzjHSW6hUtU9UCzNjB-ds6_xoPxiWEau887djf7k2L-EudgtIgUshpr7p1t7LBpexI5DH7XXM6JC-vlwWr54/s1600/6422680.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lunch
in Paris </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is
a predictable, pretentious, uninteresting </span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">memoir of
an American woman who falls in love with a Frenchman and moves to Paris. The
author’s story is not at all gripping or poignant. Moving from the States to
another first world country is not brave or automatically interesting to compel
the creation of a memoir. Moving to Pakistan, Iraq or Ghana, well that’s a
different matter. Elizabeth Bard self-portrayal is obnoxious and bratty.
Additionally she takes a formulaic approach of comparing the States to France.
Americans are portrayed as uncultured and greedy while the French are
sophisticated, higher beings. This book’s saving grace was the recipes. To
start I want to try the quick and dirty chocolate soufflé cake, trout with
cherry tomatoes baked in foil and yogurt cake. There are many more recipes that
peaked my interest and did not appear super challenging to accomplish. The recipes were more interesting then Bard's story. </span></span></span></div>
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Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-51334628228846217432013-06-28T18:28:00.000-07:002013-06-28T18:28:49.037-07:00Live to Tell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRlTdd01zhBKqghFVv-GTRpSG22hfbtRiMFlO8pSaC8C_7RM34xDvF_KDGMJvlC5RIAqmxCYvXQIN513j6N-cpWZRHFeO8qE29zbiOq937aM4IThc-ButqLY1Ktg55MOITq0AaAtxLNU/s400/7180727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRlTdd01zhBKqghFVv-GTRpSG22hfbtRiMFlO8pSaC8C_7RM34xDvF_KDGMJvlC5RIAqmxCYvXQIN513j6N-cpWZRHFeO8qE29zbiOq937aM4IThc-ButqLY1Ktg55MOITq0AaAtxLNU/s400/7180727.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Live to
Tell </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is haunting. Lisa
Gardner combines children with severe mental health issues, a pediatric psyche
unit and alternative treatment practices that involve communicating with the
spirit world to create a seriously disturbing but engrossing suspense thriller.
Of all the Gardner books I have read thus far, (I’m at number three), </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Live
to Tell </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is the best but
creepiest. The psychotic children are the most extreme and unsettling element
to this story. I know I have written this before, but what in the world is
going on in Gardner’s head to create such horrendous plots? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’m taking a big trip to Costa Rica in winter. Traveling to my final destination
will include three separate plans rides and lots of lots of waiting which
results in a ton of time for reading. I have decided that my suitcase and
carry-on will be bulging with Gardner’s books as they are quick and easy while
keeping me fully engaged. Thus no more Gardener’s until winter!</span></span><!--EndFragment-->Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-66613917577921158892013-06-24T19:36:00.000-07:002013-06-24T19:36:09.070-07:00Life at the Marmont<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPzjqSSeBlDcjTzp_kzwX9iqfPuVzlb_-lD4pvPp8O8UkjxHxk8Rf2mZ17VGjhdtPJSpUjKgEtbpFb3xMof0zoI9aknNJvo1LVligoITDVGFJazBolYmeuNijTyF6Z9xtwuoamr8l2vA/s1600/16171301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPzjqSSeBlDcjTzp_kzwX9iqfPuVzlb_-lD4pvPp8O8UkjxHxk8Rf2mZ17VGjhdtPJSpUjKgEtbpFb3xMof0zoI9aknNJvo1LVligoITDVGFJazBolYmeuNijTyF6Z9xtwuoamr8l2vA/s1600/16171301.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<!--StartFragment--><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Life at the Marmont is</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
not my typical read. The book is comprised of short snippets about various
people who have worked, lived, or briefly visited the Chateau Marmont. Although
slow at times, probably because some of the starlets were unknown to me, I
really enjoyed this glimpse into old as well as new Hollywood. I particularly
liked reading how the Sunset Strip transformed. It began as absolutely nothing,
commonly referred to as “No Man’s Land.” Slowly development was sparked and
posh, glitzy nightclubs like the Brown Derby and restaurants such as the
Trocadero arose. In the 1960’s hippies claimed The Strip with scruffy,
unpolished appearances, protests and psychedelic music, bringing an unheard of
ruckus to the hotel. Maybe being an LA native and hence proud of my city or
because Hollywood is my backyard I gravitated to this little gem.<i> Life at the Marmont is a</i> piece of history not worth missing. </span></span><!--EndFragment-->
Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-508340979964800702013-06-17T18:56:00.006-07:002013-06-17T18:56:57.808-07:00The Wonder Bread Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdHS6J2zZl3URUa94Ex1M51vKeiR7hFrk5ozj_RSJg4vBTaRcAfJ8uPLoHPjMWh7YiycaQ6lRGV51P6xOTMsYHlVlxB5rGSs2iDqcILhXfripD7ZIvm-0xrVqcw_K2hyphenhyphenbj1U9vECKOS0/s1600/16248165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdHS6J2zZl3URUa94Ex1M51vKeiR7hFrk5ozj_RSJg4vBTaRcAfJ8uPLoHPjMWh7YiycaQ6lRGV51P6xOTMsYHlVlxB5rGSs2iDqcILhXfripD7ZIvm-0xrVqcw_K2hyphenhyphenbj1U9vECKOS0/s1600/16248165.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<!--StartFragment--><span style="color: #181818;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Wonder Bread Summer </span></span></i></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is a nonsensical adventure filled with bizarre, stupid, damaged
characters. The premise was extraordinarily unrealistic, yet Jessica Anya Blau created a strangely entertaining read
perfect for the beach or pool. Countless reviews promise that Blau would
have readers laughing aloud. Unfortunately, I failed to get the humor. Even
with the lack of humor this was a unique</span></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> story. </span></span></span><!--EndFragment-->
Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-53007158052285412892013-06-15T14:39:00.001-07:002013-06-15T14:39:48.630-07:00Broken Harbor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhgsO46ASqhvHmI4z8LnPov8WHyCOCS97MwsjTY-oJUh9r8oxbCu6xcxu58isdF6ZjcaZ10DN8gyj8WbbUQIc8R9FKns9rb_6B2eHD0eaWd4sdRFzlljrr6vieFcRdIQMh6gLX0_PsUk/s1600/16171207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhgsO46ASqhvHmI4z8LnPov8WHyCOCS97MwsjTY-oJUh9r8oxbCu6xcxu58isdF6ZjcaZ10DN8gyj8WbbUQIc8R9FKns9rb_6B2eHD0eaWd4sdRFzlljrr6vieFcRdIQMh6gLX0_PsUk/s1600/16171207.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Broken
Harbor </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">was such a slow
read. It has taken me half of June to complete and two days to write the
review. The first hundred and fifty pages take place in the murder victim’s
home with the detectives slowly, tediously reviewing the scene. I began to
wonder if the entire story was going to take place in the home. Sadly the story
continued to disappoint. The motive for the murders seemed unlikely. The
creature in the attic was the most interesting element. However, the obsession
with capturing it would never have been tolerated. The perspective of
Scorcher’s green partner was just ridiculous. I would have rather seen this
detective succeed and be an asset to Scorcher. Finally, the case sparks tragic
family memories, which impacts Scorcher and his sisters. This story line is
poorly executed. I adored Tana French’s first book, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Into the Woods. </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Unfortunately, her last two have not
thrilled me.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My next read is not my usual taste. I picked up </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wonder Bread
Summer</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, which promises to be a hilarious, yet heartbreaking
coming-of-age novel by Jessica Anya Blau. We’ll see. I am fifty pages in and it
is definitely a raunchy, wild, adventured full summer read.</span></span><!--EndFragment-->
Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894533823090678329.post-5883953462377913842013-05-30T20:36:00.001-07:002013-05-30T20:36:45.089-07:00Catch Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjncvlA3dV9uhCV9ds1nR10Xa4NG1EX_1Y5AA8auWtFSvsRKxWNFF3hOw__frWAKQCh6sEv9fPB-9WuGcj9pPCr5k1w7408-FX7QyXqwSmIazUPFYrVhh_qXwJXSQ4-M3XviAn5L7LdU/s1600/11720382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjncvlA3dV9uhCV9ds1nR10Xa4NG1EX_1Y5AA8auWtFSvsRKxWNFF3hOw__frWAKQCh6sEv9fPB-9WuGcj9pPCr5k1w7408-FX7QyXqwSmIazUPFYrVhh_qXwJXSQ4-M3XviAn5L7LdU/s1600/11720382.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lisa
Gardner creates addictive, satisfying crime thrillers. My eyes hurt from
hungrily devouring the pages. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Catch Me</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is my third Gardner read. Her stories unfold
well and she creates dynamic characters. Gardner often uses the prologue to
depict part of a murder or in </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Catch Me</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> exposing a critical interaction with
characters. The prologue influences the rest of the story. The reader can’t
help but refer back to this introductory passage to try to uncover the villain.
Gardner is not perfect. Many aspects of her books are too convenient or far-fetched.
Nevertheless the three books I have read have been very enjoyable. Gardner is
my go to for a solid mystery that will keep me entertained. For my next trip, I
plan to fill my suitcase with all the Gardner books I have not read. </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Opinionated, Dyslexic Reviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13700392402608896031noreply@blogger.com0