I've been buying some inexpensive books recommended by a service called Book Bub--it sends me a daily list of "bargins." Some of these have been really good reads, others I abandon. This particular title is somewhere in between. There were many flaws in the book, which made me a little agitated as I read, but overall I think Pirog is a promising author. I finished the book in spite of the occasional lapses. This is a "detective fiction" book with murder investigation as the primary plot. It is set primarily in the Northwest United States.
Pirog needs a good (and ruthless) editor. The main character should be a relatively mature adult, certainly the life experiences that he has had would season someone of his intelligence and background. However, he consistently behaves and thinks as a "semi-adult"--more like someone in their early twenties that the more early 40s that would be suggested by the book. There are numerous technical errors in the book which should have been resolved through better research and editing. One research lapse that I found particularly offensive was the extremely casual research about the wolf reintroduction programs in the Northwest and the habits of wolf packs. I have a middle stand on wolf reintroduction, however this hot topic is not aided by inaccurate representations of the dangers of wolves. Other irrelevant sub-plots should have been eliminated including the girl-friend at the beginning of the book and "Harold's story."
Still, the book shows that Pirog is a promising young author. I have plenty of other options and still I was willing to keep reading. I see from Internet searches that he has several other books out. I think perhaps I'll give another one a try and see if he has worked on his author's craft since his first book.
Showing posts with label adult novel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adult novel. Show all posts
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Sunday, October 28, 2012
A Long Way Down, by Nick Hornby
Penguin Books, 2005
Suicide--well, at least an attempt. The four narrative voices in this novel meet on New Years Eeve as each had planned suicide from the roof of a building. They don't manage suicide that night. Instead all four leave together. The rest of the book tells their stories and the strange relationships that develop over the next few months.
The tale is told with Hornby's usual wry humor and realistic crafting of personalities. Technically, I have to admire his tale and the ability to twine the four stories together. There are a few things anchored in British popular culture and language that went over my head.
However, it's not a book that I ended up enjoying. It's too close to home. I've had suicides in my family and among close friends and colleagues. It's hard for me to read about. I've had the same response to Jonathan Franzen's book, Freedom. I don't enjoy reading about my own life. (At least I'm not a main character from this book--rather one of the family members/associates.) Others may find this sort of book enlightening or confirming. I'd rather read something that adds to my knowledge base. It does have its humorous moments. But, they did not bring the overall reading experience up out of despair of my own experiences.
Suicide--well, at least an attempt. The four narrative voices in this novel meet on New Years Eeve as each had planned suicide from the roof of a building. They don't manage suicide that night. Instead all four leave together. The rest of the book tells their stories and the strange relationships that develop over the next few months.
The tale is told with Hornby's usual wry humor and realistic crafting of personalities. Technically, I have to admire his tale and the ability to twine the four stories together. There are a few things anchored in British popular culture and language that went over my head.
However, it's not a book that I ended up enjoying. It's too close to home. I've had suicides in my family and among close friends and colleagues. It's hard for me to read about. I've had the same response to Jonathan Franzen's book, Freedom. I don't enjoy reading about my own life. (At least I'm not a main character from this book--rather one of the family members/associates.) Others may find this sort of book enlightening or confirming. I'd rather read something that adds to my knowledge base. It does have its humorous moments. But, they did not bring the overall reading experience up out of despair of my own experiences.
A Sunless Seam, by Anne Perry
Random House: 2012
This latest addition to the William Monk series is equal to any of Perry's other works. Those of you unfamiliar with Anne Perry's work, she sets most of her books in Victorian England. Thus, in addition to a gripping detective story, you also gain an appreciation of the Victorian era. The book continues the theme from Perry's most recent Monk novel, but she provides adequate details so that readers who have not completed, Acceptable Loss, will not find following the plot difficult.
This book explores the opium trade and the opium wars that marred this period of British history. Her portrayal but seems realistic that I have no expertise to be able to evaluate the accuracy of her research. I find it extremely believable and detailed enough that but I am willing to take it at face value.
Thea plot and characterizations are among Perry's best. I appreciate the way that she actually develops characters over the series and rejoice in William Monk's change of relationship with his former antagonist Runicorn.
I had the opportunity to travel to London this summer. Doing so has changed my reading experience. Although the docks are no longer the dangerous and dirty territory portrayed in this novel, having been there and on the Thames, I have a much greater sense of place. Envisioning Perry's books while I visited enrich my time in the city as well. I found myself wanting to purchase copies of them so I could work through the details. Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to really walk through either Anne Perry's books or Sherlock Holmes adventures. In my next trip, I will plan more time so that I can complete these literary explorations.
This latest addition to the William Monk series is equal to any of Perry's other works. Those of you unfamiliar with Anne Perry's work, she sets most of her books in Victorian England. Thus, in addition to a gripping detective story, you also gain an appreciation of the Victorian era. The book continues the theme from Perry's most recent Monk novel, but she provides adequate details so that readers who have not completed, Acceptable Loss, will not find following the plot difficult.
This book explores the opium trade and the opium wars that marred this period of British history. Her portrayal but seems realistic that I have no expertise to be able to evaluate the accuracy of her research. I find it extremely believable and detailed enough that but I am willing to take it at face value.
Thea plot and characterizations are among Perry's best. I appreciate the way that she actually develops characters over the series and rejoice in William Monk's change of relationship with his former antagonist Runicorn.
I had the opportunity to travel to London this summer. Doing so has changed my reading experience. Although the docks are no longer the dangerous and dirty territory portrayed in this novel, having been there and on the Thames, I have a much greater sense of place. Envisioning Perry's books while I visited enrich my time in the city as well. I found myself wanting to purchase copies of them so I could work through the details. Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to really walk through either Anne Perry's books or Sherlock Holmes adventures. In my next trip, I will plan more time so that I can complete these literary explorations.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Still Alice, by Lisa Genova
Genova is an expert in Alzheimer's disease. She has a Ph.D. In neuroscience from Harvard. In this book she tells the story of a Harvard professor afflicted by Alzheimer's. This is a strong story and a relatively easy read focused on both the patient's and family's experiences as the disease progresses.
I cannot be an unbiased reviewer on this topic. My mother suffered from Alzheimer's and I have moved to this story. I think Genova does an excellent job of capturing the experience. I particularly appreciate her inclusion of the patients point of view. Thinking back to my family's journey I wish we had asked my mother more directly what her experiences were like.
Every instance of Alzheimer's is somewhat unique. I will never know for certain, but I believe that my mother still recognized me even near the very end of her life. It's very hard to tell what the patient knows and what she doesn't know as the disease progresses.
This is a book that I will recommend to all I meet who have to contend with Alzheimer's in their family or social circle. It is also one that my brothers, children and I will need to discuss. I had always thought that if I were to be diagnosed with this disease, that I would make arrangements to end my life at the time I chose rather than dragging my family to the bitter end. Genova includes a sequence of events that makes it clear this decision may be difficult to successfully complete. I will be a little more careful in my planning as a result. On the other hand there may be value in sticking it out. The main character is able to enjoy much of her family life even after the point at which she would have committed suicide.
I cannot be an unbiased reviewer on this topic. My mother suffered from Alzheimer's and I have moved to this story. I think Genova does an excellent job of capturing the experience. I particularly appreciate her inclusion of the patients point of view. Thinking back to my family's journey I wish we had asked my mother more directly what her experiences were like.
Every instance of Alzheimer's is somewhat unique. I will never know for certain, but I believe that my mother still recognized me even near the very end of her life. It's very hard to tell what the patient knows and what she doesn't know as the disease progresses.
This is a book that I will recommend to all I meet who have to contend with Alzheimer's in their family or social circle. It is also one that my brothers, children and I will need to discuss. I had always thought that if I were to be diagnosed with this disease, that I would make arrangements to end my life at the time I chose rather than dragging my family to the bitter end. Genova includes a sequence of events that makes it clear this decision may be difficult to successfully complete. I will be a little more careful in my planning as a result. On the other hand there may be value in sticking it out. The main character is able to enjoy much of her family life even after the point at which she would have committed suicide.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Grave Sight, by Charlaine Harris
I've reviewed this on my Good Reads site. Why I keep two different "reader" sites I don't know. My ED-TECH friends say that each venue (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) have their own group of devotees. So, I'll keep two different sites active. I discovered that for some reason I can't copy my Good Reads review and paste it here.
So--back to Grave Sight. Harris is the author of the Sookie Stackhouse series about the Southern bar maid who falls in love with a vampire. In the world created by Harris Vampires are legal. The HBO series True Blood is based on her series.
The new "Harper Connelly" series is about another Southern Belle. This time Harper was struck by lightening as a teen and now she is able to "find" the missing dead and relive their last moments on earth. The plot lines and characters are lighter that Iris Johansen's books. I'm not running out to pick up the next book in the series. But, if it appeared on my bookshelf or kitchen counter I'd pick it up to read. Good beach or pool side reading.
Three stars
So--back to Grave Sight. Harris is the author of the Sookie Stackhouse series about the Southern bar maid who falls in love with a vampire. In the world created by Harris Vampires are legal. The HBO series True Blood is based on her series.
The new "Harper Connelly" series is about another Southern Belle. This time Harper was struck by lightening as a teen and now she is able to "find" the missing dead and relive their last moments on earth. The plot lines and characters are lighter that Iris Johansen's books. I'm not running out to pick up the next book in the series. But, if it appeared on my bookshelf or kitchen counter I'd pick it up to read. Good beach or pool side reading.
Three stars
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Rain Gods, by James Lee Burke (2009)
I am a reader of the collected works of James Lee Burke. This title is not a "Dave Robicheau" book, rather one set in Texas. Burke began expanding his cast of characters to Billy Bob Holland and this book features Billy Bob's cousin "Hackberry Holland." For some Burke fans the Texas books weren't terribly satisfying, but I have enjoyed them. This book, Rain Gods, is one that I am giving my strongest recommendation. Burke's descriptions of the physical and meteorological settings are wonderful. The plot and resolution (which I won't spoil) are compelling.
Hackberry with an anonomyous phone tip, finds a mass grave filled with Asian women. In bringing the parties responsible to justice Holland moves through a cast of characters and situations that keeps the reader going and ultimately is completely satisfying.
Four Stars!
Hackberry with an anonomyous phone tip, finds a mass grave filled with Asian women. In bringing the parties responsible to justice Holland moves through a cast of characters and situations that keeps the reader going and ultimately is completely satisfying.
Four Stars!
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