Thursday, July 16, 2009

Review: Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris (& Challenge Wrap Up)

"Caucasian vampires should never wear white," the television announcer intoned. [first sentence from Dead and Gone]


Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
ACE Fantasy, 2009
Fantasy; 312 pgs


There are times when I wish I could read people's minds. I imagine it would get tiresome after awhile--not to mention the headache! And would I be able to block out the voices and images that flood my mind? I am sure there are some thoughts I would rather not be privy to. No, I don't envy Sookie Stackhouse at all.

Dead and Gone is the 9th book in Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire mystery series, featuring Sookie Stackhouse, a Southerner in Bon Temps with the ability to read minds. It's a series filled with supernatural beings, a bit of magic, romance and mystery. Sookie and I have been through a lot together over the years. We have shared laughs, tears, and many frightening experiences. I was with her when she met her first vampire and discovered that the world around her was not the world she'd grown up believing it to be.

In this latest installment of the series, the were-people and shape shifters have decided it is time to announce their existence to the world. The vampires have been more of less integrated into society for quite a while, and the two-natured folk feel the time has come to step outside of the proverbial closet. Their coming out is met with a mixture of fascination, excitement, fear and anger. When the body of a woman, partially shifted into her animal form, is found hanging from a cross in the back of Merlotte's, the bar and grill where Sookie works, it's a sure sign of a hate crime. The real question though is whether the murder took place as a warning to other shape shifters or was it more personal?

As if that wasn't enough, a civil war is brewing between the fairies, and Sookie is right in thick of it. Add to that the inquisitive FBI agents who are breathing down her neck and a rather disturbing turn in her relationship with one of her vampire friends.

Trouble always seems to find Sookie and it does not waste time finding her again in Dead and Gone. She is joined by some of her usual crowd: her brother Jason, whose neck I wasn't quick to want to ring this time around; the ever sexy and confident vampire Eric; Sam, Sookie's charming boss; Amelia, Sookie's witch roommate; ex-boyfriend and vampire Bill Compton; and, of course, a special appearance by none other than the King Bubba himself. And that's just for starters.

I enjoyed Dead and Gone overall. I gobbled it up quite quickly as I often do Harris' books. That said, it left a little something to be desired. I liked the story well enough, but a couple of major scenes fell a little flat for me, especially towards the end. There were also side story lines and characters that I would like to have seen more fully developed. Still, it was a fun novel and a good escape from an otherwise stressful day.

It's been interesting to watch Sookie grow as a character. She isn't quite as innocent as she once was. The series has definitely taken a darker turn with each book. While Dead and Gone is not my favorite book of the series, it will tide me over until I can get my next Sookie fix.

In the meantime, let's get back to supernatural powers we wouldn't mind having. Now telekinesis . . . There's a gift I wouldn't mind having.

Rating: *** (Good)

Challenge Commitment Fulfilled: 2009 Pub Challenge & Buy One Book and Read It Challenge


Well, what do you know? I have completed my first challenge! Technically, I suppose, it's the second one I have completed, but since I have have yet to prepare a wrap up post for that particular one, it's fair to say this one will end up being tallied as number one. It also happens to be the most recent challenge I joined. What challenge is that, you ask? Why the Sookie Stackhouse Challenge!

When I signed up, I mentioned that it felt like cheating, considering I only had the one book to go. I am now officially caught up with the Southern Vampire mysteries.

The True Blood television show that is based on the series is one of my favorite shows on the air today. Whereas the books are light and somewhat humorous, the television show is edgy and dark. While the two are very different, they both are deliciously good.

Dead and Gone is the first novel in the series I have read since the start of the television series. It did make the reading experience different for me. The characters in the book blended a bit with the characters in the show. For some, it was important to keep them distinct, however, since their story lines vary so much from page to screen. I have to wonder if my warming to Bill a little in Dead and Gone has something to do with his television persona. I've never been a fan of his in the books before now.

I think my favorite books in the series fall somewhere in the middle. Dead to the World, book four, is at the top of that list. I have not been quite as impressed with the later books in the series, including Dead and Gone, however, I still find the novels entertaining. They're pure brain candy, and who does not need that once in awhile? I will continue to follow Sookie wherever she may go. I enjoy the world Charlaine Harris has created and look forward to seeing what new directions she will take Sookie and I next.

Many thanks to Beth Fish for hosting this fun challenge!


©2009 Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All rights reserved.
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Wordless Wednesday: Pitstop at the USAF Academy (Part 6)



(Cadet Chapel)
Air Force Academy, Colorado

Hosted by Wordless Wednesday


© Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty 2009
If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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Monday, July 13, 2009

A Page in the Life of Kristie from Kristie Loves Books

Please join me in welcoming Kristie from Kristie Loves Books to Musings of a Bookish Kitty! Kristie's blog is one of my favorite places to go for suspense and mystery recommendations. I like her review format; it's straightforward and helpful. With each review, she offers insight into what she'll be reading next. Kristie is one of the nicest bloggers I know.


Literary Feline: Welcome, Kristie! It is great to have you with us today. Inquiring minds want to know: how do you like to start off your morning?


Kristie: The start to my day varies. While I am working, I awake at the very last possible moment (I am so not a morning person), get ready for work and arrive there at least 15 minutes early to sneak in some reading time. During the summer, I awake without an alarm, drink my Diet Coke (a must for me), and read the blogs I follow. Then I run whatever errands I may have, and then settle at home, most of the time reading.


Literary Feline: Besides reading and books, what are some of your other interests, hobbies or passions?

Kristie: Besides reading, I love watching sports, especially my Detroit Red Wings and Tigers. I follow all sports, except for basketball, which is weird since that is one sport I played all through school. I also love working with kids, and watching crime tv shows. Reading has always been my main passion though.


Literary Feline: How did you get started blogging about books?

Kristie: I got started blogging about books after reading many blogs for about a year. At the time, I was keeping track of what books I was reading but not my feelings about them, so I decided to start a blog. It is very helpful to go back and read my thoughts about a book, particularly in a book in a series, when I go to read the next book by the author.


Literary Feline: Has blogging impacted your reading? If so, how?

Kristie: Blogging has definitely impacted my reading. I find so many suggestions from other bloggers and as soon as I read a good review or hear about a book that I may like, I go to my library's website and place a hold on it (right now I am on a no-buying books ban). I really need to keep better track of where I hear about the books though, as I love to go back and compare with how another blogger felt about the same book I read. Blogging has also allowed me to branch out into different genres, though I do tend to stick with what I love.


Literary Feline: What types of books do you like to read? And do you blog about every book that you do read?

Kristie: Most of the types of books I read have some aspect of mystery or suspense in them. I think if I hadn't become a teacher, I would have loved to go into law enforcement and be a detective. While I will read other types of books, like romance, I always enjoy when there is at least a bit of mystery involved. I do blog about every book I read, unless it is something for school. I normally blog about it as soon as I finish it, when everything is still fresh in my mind.


Literary Feline: Do you have any reading routines, rituals or habits?

Kristie: I really don't have any reading rituals. I always have a book with me, because I never know when I may be stuck in traffic, waiting for awhile somewhere, or just have a couple of minutes here or there to sneak a few pages in. I always arrive to work a few minutes early to read a bit before I start my day and also read each night when I blow dry my hair. Other than that, I don't have a spot where I read at home, or anything like that.


Literary Feline: How do you pull yourself out of a reading or blogging slump or what steps do you take to avoid that from happening?

Kristie: When I feel a reading slump coming on, I pull a book out by one of my favorite authors. I rarely go and reread books, so I try and save a couple of books for that reading slump. I haven't had a blogging slump, probably because I don't receive ARCs for review and I review a book as soon as I finish it so everything is still fresh in my mind and I am enthusiastic to talk about it. Blogging is supposed to be fun, as is reading, so I don't try to make it a job or something I feel obligated to do. It works for me most of the time!


Literary Feline: What are you reading right now? Do you have any book or author recommendations?

Kristie: Right now I am reading Dean Koontz's latest book, Relentless It is my first Koontz book and I am looking forward to reading it. Some wonderful authors that I really enjoy include Emily Listfield (a new one to me!), Wendy Corsi Staub, John Lutz, and Lisa Lutz. Again, most have a little mystery involved.

Thanks again for asking me to be part of this! I love talking books, and can go on and on so I will stop now before I ramble too much! If anyone has any great recommendations for me, please let me know!


Literary Feline: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Kristie!


Be sure to stop by and visit Kristie over at Kristie Loves Books!


© Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty 2009
If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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Sunday, July 12, 2009

Sunday Salon: Short Stories, Peer Pressure & My Wedding Anniversary

I wish I had more to say than I do. The week has had many ups and downs. But let's not go into that. I would rather talk about books.

I am enjoying my short story reading. I think even those who are not generally into short stories would appreciate many of Sana Krasikov's stories in the collection, One More Year. I have been reading the book in short spurts, usually during my lunch break at work throughout the week. For a brief moment I considered the idea of keeping a short story book at work and only reading that while there and then having a book at home that I am reading during my home time. Some of you do that now and find it works well. But then I realized that had I not had my short story book at home with me yesterday when I was in the mood to read a story or two, I would not have been very happy. I'll stick to my current method. The book(s) I am reading will travel with me. Why mess with a system that works well?

A friend of mine is pushing me to read Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris. Now. Not later. She read it soon after it was released and wants someone to discuss it with. I told her I would try and read it this weekend, but I haven't been able to fit it in like I had hoped. Okay, so I could have started it yesterday instead of continuing with Sana Krasikov's book. Sometimes, though, I have to go where my reading mood takes me, and unfortunately for my friend, Sookie Stackhouse had to wait.

That same friend is trying to pressure me into catching up with Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. She said she'd loan me the latest book. And the one before it if I need it. She doesn't like it when I get behind in the series we both follow, I've discovered. She is not above making threats. Soon she'll be caught up in Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series and be begging me to get with the program and catch up on that one too. Let's not mention that one to her though. Maybe it will escape her notice.

I have not made much headway in The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies, but it has nothing to do with lack of interest. It's not a title you would associate with a World War II era novel, is it? A prison camp is erected near a Welsh village and a high-up Nazi official is being held there. I have mostly been reading the book before falling asleep at night, and ,unfortunately, sometimes sleep comes sooner than I expect and I don't make much progress. My only excuse is that it's been a long week and it's taken a toll on me.

I will say goodbye for now. My husband and I are celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary today. I will not be getting around to visit you as I might like, and, for that, I apologize. I hope you all have a wonderful day and a great week. Happy Reading!


In Reading Mews:

Book reviews posted this past week:
The Missing Ink by Karen E. Olson (and a word from the author)
Short Story Saturday: "Asal" and "Better Half" by Sana Krasikov


Currently Reading:
The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies
Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris


New Additions to my TBR collection:
Coupon resistance is futile, I've discovered. Recent bookstore acquisitions:
Old Man's War by John Scalzi
What's So Funny? by Donald E. Westlake (I picked this one up for Anjin, but I hope to read it too.)
Florida Road Kill by Tim Dorsey (Another book for Anjin, but one I wouldn't mind reading myself.)
Burn This Book edited by Toni Morrison
Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

Books that came in the mail:
A Disobedient Girl by Ru Freeman (TLC Book Tour)
The Promised World by Lisa Tucker (TLC Book Tour)


Other Posts of Interest This Week:
Movie Mondays: Public Enemies & Subtitles
Wordless Wednesday: Riding the Highway (Part 5)
The Spoiler Odyssey (Well, Sort of)
TGIF: Friday Meme Fun

(Many thanks to Florinda of The 3 R's: Reading, 'Riting, and Randomness for allowing me to copy her status report idea. And an added thank you to Anya who helped my husband and I come up with the title of my status review report.)


© Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty 2009. All rights reserved.
If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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Saturday, July 11, 2009

Short Story Saturday: "Asal" & "Better Half" by Sana Krasikov


The last couple of weeks I have continued to read Sana Krasikov's collection of short stories, One More Year, catching snatches of reading time here and there. Each of the stories in the collection are immigrant stories--at least on the surface. The author captures some of the difficulties of leaving behind what is known and starting out again in a foreign land. Despite everything the characters are struggling with, there is still a sense of hope.

Sana Krasikov isn't just writing about the immigrant experience, however. She is also writing about the complexity of relationships. In the two stories, "Asal" and "Better Half" we see two women making an effort to strike out on their own. One will leave behind a lover who cannot make up his mind between her and his wife. The other is a woman who must decide whether or not to leave her abusive husband, a man she rushed into marriage in hopes of staying in the country. Both women are tied to the men they love. Both must make difficult choices.
Now that she had become invisible, her past had also started to slip away, to another orbit, almost beyond her reach. [excerpt from "Asal"]
"Asal" is a beautifully written story, one about love and compromise. Guila is in love with a married man. For all intents and purposes, she was his wife, however. They went through a spiritual ceremony, even if not a legal one. He lived with her and her daughter as if he is her husband, her daughter's father. His wife and mother to his children kept a separate house. Guila had thought he was no longer sleeping with his wife, but one day the wife shows up at the door with evidence that says otherwise. Guila decides to move on, at least physically. She leaves Rashid, but even as she goes on with her life, he still holds her heart and she his. A part of her still holds out hope he will choose her. How much should be compromised for the sake of love?
"You love me," he'd told her the second night they'd spent together. She thought he'd been kidding but then he'd said, "You do. If I died tomorrow, you'd come to my funeral and say you loved me." "Don't say things like that, she'd scolded, while a huge tear slide down her cheek. Maybe she really did love him that time. After all, who else was there to? [excerpt from "Better Half"]
In "Better Half", Anya and Ryan have been married only 10 months. Anya finds herself looking back, wondering how she reached the place where she is now. The man she thought she loved turned out to be a monster, jealous and controlling. But he is all she really knows in her new country.

Both Anya and Guila are at different points in their lives. Anya is young, a new immigrant, struggling to survive. She is desperate and in a vulnerable place. Guila is much more sure of herself, than Anya. She has so much going for her on the surface, but she does not have what she wants, what she most needs. The two women have suffered betrayals and are on a similar path, that of discovering what it is they most want and deciding if they are ready to move on.

Sana Krasikov has again demonstrated that she is a gifted short story writer. She gets into the hearts and minds of her characters, drawing me into their lives and experiences. Guila and Anya stayed with me long after I finished reading their stories.

Have you read a short story lately? I'd love to hear about it! Be sure and drop by Ready When You Are, C.B. for Short Story Sunday & The Book Mine Set for Short Story Monday, the hosts for this event.


© Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty 2009
If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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