Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Dueling Monsters & A Lil' Bumblebee (Wordless Wednesday)



I managed to read 15% of American Psycho before deciding I couldn't take anymore. I hadn't reached any of the more dramatic violent scenes or gotten a feel for just how misogynistic Patrick Bateman could be. I was just plain bored and found myself turning to other books or avoiding reading all together. Always a sign I should move on to something else. Maybe I should have persevered. It just wasn't in me.

 As a result, I'm not able to say who the better villain is. Both Hannibal Lector and Patrick Bateman are evil in their own rights, and men I would never want to encounter in real life. Hannibal frightens me a bit more because of his intelligence, when it comes right down to it. He's not someone I would ever win against in a challenge of wits. He's much too cunning and charming. I never got to know Bateman well enough to know where he stands in that department. It's been ages since I last saw the movie version of American Psycho, and unfortunately, it's not one I can revisit any time soon (not exactly toddler viewing material).

Despite my inability to spend much time with monsters of the serial killing variety, I have spent much of October with supernatural beings: werewolves, the fae, vangels and everything else imaginable.  And between my favorite Chicago based Wizard Harry Dresden (Jim Butcher) and Celia and Marco (from Erin Morgenstern's Night Circus), it's been a good month for magic.

Was your reading in line with the spirit of the month?  What have you been reading lately?



Hosted by Wordless Wednesday


© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. 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.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Bookish Thoughts: Coveted by Shawntelle Madison

Coveted by Shawntelle Madison
Ballantine Books, 2012
Fantasy; 304 pgs

I was in the mood for a little urban fantasy, and thought I'd give Shawntelle Madison's series a try. A werewolf in therapy sounded too good to pass up.

Natalya Stravinsky isn't your typical urban fantasy heroine. Nat has an anxiety disorder and is obsessive compulsive; not only does she require everything in her home to be extra clean, but she also keeps her vast holiday collection neat and tidy--even as it threatens to take over the house. Nat needs to rejoin the local werewolf pack or else risk being targeted by the Long Island pack trying to take over the territory. Unfortunately for Nat, her old pack refuses to take her back--her mental health issues marking her as too weak--and she is left to fend for herself. And if that wasn't enough, it appears the Long Island pack wants her dead at all cost.  In an effort to get her life back on track, Nat re-enters therapy and joins a therapy group. She even asks a coworker on a date--although she probably should have heeded her friend Abby's warnings about dating a necromancer . . . . Oh, and Nat's ex-boyfriend (their break-up being the reason she turned to Christmas ornaments as a salve), Thorn, is back and there are still definite sparks between them.  Only, as the alpha's son, he's promised to another woman.

The author has created an interesting world full of just as interesting supernatural characters, including a mermaid afraid of water and a muse with her own issues. They make for an entertaining bunch. And let me just say for the record I'm rooting for the wizard. He's not only available, but he and Nat are in positions to hold each other accountable in their effort to resolve their problems--not to mention he has a certain charm about him that is hard to resist. Chances are though, Thorn will get the woman in the end given the heat between them and their shared past. I am curious to see how it plays out in future books.

Nat is very attached to her family even if most of them aren't too fond of her given her pack status (or lack there of). They are all she has, however, and she will do anything she can to hold onto them and the life she's created in South Toms River, New Jersey. Nat is a likable character. She has her issues, sure, but that makes her all the more "human" and relatable.  As the story progressed, it is clear Nat has some hidden talents that haven't yet been fully explored.  Between her and her motley crew of supernatural friends, there is nothing they can't do.

I enjoyed the book overall but didn't love it. It's hard to put my finger on why exactly. There were a couple of plot points I wish had been explored further, but they were relatively minor issues. There are funny moments to be sure, and some sexy ones as well. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Rating: * (Good +)


You can learn more about Shawntelle Madison and her books on the author's website.

Source: I purchased an e-copy of this book for my own personal pleasure.

© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. 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.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Bookish Thoughts: Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Storm Front by Jim Butcher, 
Narrated by James Marsters
Buzzy Multimedia Publishing, 1997 (Unabridged)
Fantasy; 8hrs 1min

For about a year now, I have made an effort to listen to audio books. A more serious one, anyway. I began by listening to two conversational type memoirs (both of which I adored) and then tried one made up of a collection of essays (big flop), deciding I was finally ready to try an actual novel--a familiar one at that. I am a huge Jim Butcher fan with a literary crush on the great Harry Dresden, wizard private eye extraordinaire. I had heard wonderful things about James Marsters narration of the Dresden Files' books and figured Storm Front, the first in the series, would be a good place to start.

Once I got over the initial giggles over Marsters's constant breathy-ness, I settled in for the auditory ride. I actually think Marsters does a great job capturing the main character's attitude and style--at least how I imagine it: dry sense of humor, modest, and more or less matter of fact. Marsters is Dresden. At least it felt like that as I listened.  (It's too bad though that Harry isn't British.  I would have loved to hear Marsters use his English accent.  I sure do miss Spike).

The story itself was as fun and intense as I remember it. Well, maybe not quite as intense. I kind of knew what was going to happen next given I'd read the book before. But that was way back in July of 2004, so my memory was fuzzy enough to make sure there were some surprises.

For those not lucky enough to have met Harry Dresden yet, he is just your regular guy. Except he's a wizard, the only private investigating wizard in Chicago. He is a bit reluctant to take on a missing persons case when approached by the wife of the missing man, wondering if she would better be served by the police or a regular private investigator. He quickly discovers, however, that the case isn't quite what it seems on the surface, and maybe his particular skill set is just what it will take to find the man. As if that isn't enough to keep Harry busy, he is called in by the police to consult on a rather bizarre murder--one that clearly reeks of dark magic. 

The book has a little bit of everything. There is magic--lots of it--faeries, vampires, a big cat, a talking skull, and plenty of action and a spoonful of romance. I let out a squeal when my most favorite Harry Dresden scene ever began, so well narrated by Marsters.

Re-visiting the first book in the series after having read 9 of the 13 books (so far published) was an interesting experience. So much has happened in between then and now in the series. I was reminded of the complicated friendship between Harry and Detective Karen Murphy, and hearing about it Harry's voice added a slightly different nuance to it than I remember from my reading of the book--or perhaps that is just the erosion of time on my memory. There was also mention of Harry's past, his struggle with the White Council, and hints of turmoil to come between certain characters.  I couldn't help but think of how little rest Harry will get in the next few years, as the series progresses.  When does that man get to sleep?!

Whoever said that listening to books I'd read and enjoyed before was a good way to ease into listening to audio books knew what she was talking about. I can't wait to listen to the second book in the series. If I ever catch up, I wonder which way I'll prefer to enjoy the books in the future . . .

Rating:  * (Very Good)


You can learn more about Jim Butcher and his books on the author's website.  And for more information about James Marsters, check out his website on his website.

Source: I purchased an audio copy of this book for my own personal pleasure.


© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. 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.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Bookish Thoughts: The Hollow Man by Oliver Harris

The Hollow Man by Oliver Harris
Bourbon Street, 2012
Crime Fiction; 480 pgs

Detective Constable Nick Belsey is down on his luck and rather disgruntled. Having met with financial ruin, homeless, and on the brink of losing his job, he sees an opportunity open up when a wealthy Russian oligarch goes missing in what appears to be a suicide. How easy would it be for someone like Nick to step into the man's shoes for just a little while? Just enough time to get some cash and flee the country and start a new life . . . or that's the plan anyway. Only, Nick is more than a little good at his job as a detective and can't let a mystery go unsolved. It would seem the man whose life he has stepped into has a few enemies, not to mention has come under the scrutiny of Scotland Yard.

This is not a fast paced thriller, but once it got its hooks in me (which was pretty much from page one), I didn't want to stop reading. The writing is beautiful, capturing the mood and tone of the London setting and story perfectly: a bit dark and brooding while at the same time intelligent. There are subtle nuances to the story and characters that I think could be overlooked if not read more carefully. And yet, if missed, probably wouldn't hurt one's enjoyment of the story--it just wouldn't be as fulfilling.

I wasn't sure what to make of the protagonist, Nick Belsey, at first. He begins the novel in a bad place, having just crashed a stolen police car while drunk. It becomes clear soon enough that he has a problem with gambling and doesn't mind bending the rules, sometimes outright breaking them. He's a man who has lost his direction in life and wants only to escape. His behavior, particularly his criminal activity, doesn't exactly lend itself to making him a well liked man, but as the story unfolds, I found myself rooting for him--and yes, even liking him. I can't say I ever felt sorry for him though. His vices are kind of hard to overlook.  I got the impression though, that despite his best intentions to jump onto dark side, he has a strong sense of justice, however convoluted that may be.

The Hollow Man takes readers into the world of identity theft, corporate greed and corrupt power. The story, as are the characters, is multi-layered and complex--my favorite type of crime fiction novel. I thoroughly enjoyed Oliver Harris's novel.

Rating: * (Very Good +)

To learn more about Oliver Harris and his books, please visit the author's website.

I hope you will check out what others had to say about The Hollow Man on the TLC Book Tours route!


Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. Copy of The Hollow Man provided by publisher.




© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. 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.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Bookish Thoughts: Princess Elizabeth's Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal

Princess Elizabeth's Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal
Bantam, 2012
Crime Fiction; 384 pgs

Warning: As much as I try to avoid major spoilers in any review I write, including series books, sometimes it cannot be avoided.  This is one of those instances.  If you have not yet read the first book in the series, Mr. Churchill's Secretary, you may want to proceed with caution.  No major spoilers are offered as to Princess Elizabeth's Spy.

Maggie Hope had been hired as a typist for Prime Minister Churchill in Mr. Churchill's Secretary and unwittingly stumbles into a wasps nest of espionage and murder.  Her actions and intellect land her a position with MI-5, Great Britain's domestic intelligence agency, and her first assignment is to protect and possibly uncover any plot that may involve the life and safety of Princess Elizabeth, the heiress to the throne.  Maggie goes undercover as the princess's math tutor. 

Princess Elizabeth's Spy isn't quite as intense as I found the first book in the series to be, but it was no less enjoyable.  These books are on the lighter side despite the serious subject matter involved.  There is an air of unbelievability the reader has to set aside, but isn't that often the case with these types of novels?

The author is very respectful of the royal family and I enjoyed getting glimpse of what castle life might have been like for the young princesses during World War II.  I admit I particularly enjoyed getting to know Princess Elizabeth and hearing about her budding romance with her future husband.
I especially like the author's attention to detail, particularly in terms of the setting and time period she is writing about.  She throws in little historical tidbits as well as time period details, which add a more authentic flare to the novel.  MacNeal does take liberties with history for the sake of the story, but given the nature of the book, it's understandable.

Like in the last book, there is murder and espionage. Maggie has her hands full and not a lot of clues to go off of initially. In the previous book, much of what happened occurred to or around Maggie. In this book, Maggie is much more directly involved in the investigation. It was good to see her in a more active role.

Maggie is headstrong and stubborn like many heroines in mystery novels today.  One aspect I liked about the role Maggie played in Princess Elizabeth's Spy was her imperfectness.  She was on her first assignment for MI-5 and it showed.  She is vulnerable to outside influences, such as personal issues going on at the same time, and had to be reminded to stay on task.

This second book in the series was more straightforward in terms of plot, with fewer side stories taking place in the background.  There are still plenty of twists, some predictable and some not so much.  Maggie's own past--and that of her parents--is an ongoing story line that threads its way through the series and will be even more prominent in the upcoming third book from the sounds of it.  I admit to being more than curious to see what direction Susan Elia MacNeal will take us.

Rating: * (Good +)


To learn more about Susan Elia MacNeal and her books, please visit the author's website.

I hope you will check out what others had to say about Princess Elizabeth's Spy on the TLC Book Tours route!


Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. Copy of Princess Elizabeth's Spy provided by publisher.



© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. 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.

Thursday, October 04, 2012

Bookish Thoughts: Blankets by Craig Thompson

Blankets by Craig Thompson
Top Shelf Productions, 2003
Nonfiction (Graphic Novel); 592 pgs

In 2006, a library patron challenged the presence of the graphic novel, Blankets, by Craig Thompson in the Marshall, Missouri Public Library, for pornographic content.  At the same hearing in which Blankets fate was in question, the library board of trustees was also considering whether or not to keep Fun Home by Alison Bechdel on the shelves. There was a large turnout of support for the books. Fortunately, for both books, the board of trustees voted to keep the books on the shelves.  

In a letter dated October 6, 2006 to the Marshall Public Library Board of Trustees, Svetlana Mintcheva, Director of the Arts Program with the National Coalition Against Censorship, wrote: 
Clearly, when they were ordered, the books met the criteria that form the basis for the library’s collection development policy. Removing the books because of sexual content not only entirely fails to consider the indisputable value of books as a whole, but also ignores the library’s obligation to serve all kinds of readers.
I read and reviewed Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic a few years ago and was moved the story.  In honor of Banned Book Week this year, I cracked open my husband’s rather large copy of Blankets.  I nearly read the book a couple of years ago, but was distracted by other books that called a bit louder from my shelves.  
From the Publisher:

At 592 pages, Blankets may well be the single largest graphic novel ever published without being serialized first. Wrapped in the landscape of a blustery Wisconsin winter, Blankets explores the sibling rivalry of two brothers growing up in the isolated country, and the budding romance of two coming-of-age lovers. A tale of security and discovery, of playfulness and tragedy, of a fall from grace and the origins of faith. A profound and utterly beautiful work from Craig Thompson.


Blankets is a memoir, the story of Craig Thompson’s early life.  His mother was extremely religious and his father was an intimidating man.  Craig was an outsider at school, often picked on and made fun of.  Religion was a big part of his childhood and Craig struggled to understand what that meant in his life—and where he fit in.  He battled insecurity and self-doubt.  No one really seemed to understand. 

The most haunting scene in the book is when Craig comes back from being told a “joke” by the babysitter, and then his brother is led away by the babysitter, into another room.  It was never outright said what was happening, but the meaning was clear.  My heart ached for the boys. 

My favorite part, however, was when Craig met Raina and the story of their romance. I especially loved the artwork in this part of the book, the way Craig Thompson captured the emotions and thoughts in each panel.  I couldn’t help but think back to my husband’s and my early days of romance.  Raina was dealing with her own family issues at the time, most of which came to light during Craig’s visit to Raina in Michigan.  Her parents were on the verge of divorce and Raina was playing go between for her parents and taking care of her younger siblings.  Even though Craig was so caught up in Raina during that time, he got across the tension and pain of Raina’s parents and siblings so well.


Blankets is really Craig’s coming of age story.  It carries with it a wide range of emotions, at times being heartbreaking while at other times making me smile.  I felt like I really got to know Craig and understand him.  His artwork is beautiful, detailed and thoughtful.  I loved his use of imagery.  Blankets is one of those books that is hard to describe.  It is well worth taking the time to read if you get the chance.

Rating:  * (Very Good)

You can learn more about Craig Thompson and his books on the author's website.

Source: I borrowed my husband's copy of the book to read.

See what others are reading or have to say about Banned Book Week this week! 



© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. 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.

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Bookish Thoughts: Ironskin by Tina Connolly

The moor was grey, battlefield grey. It had been five years since the last fey was seen, but out here Jane could almost imagine the Great War still raged on. Grey mist drifted through the blackened trees, recalling the smoke from the crematory kilns. That was a constant smell in the last months of the war. [opening of Ironskin]


Ironskin by Tina Connolly
Tor, 2012 (ISBN: 978-0765330598)
Fantasy; 304 pgs

I went into Tina Connolly’s Ironskin completely blind. I had no idea what it was about. I thought maybe pirates, but I’m pretty sure now I was confusing it with another book. There are no pirates in Ironskin. Instead, what I found as I began reading the novel was a mesmerizing world set in a time and place where the industrial revolution never happened. Where humans had once relied on the fey for magic and technology, only to have gone to war with them, seemingly having driven them out and were now rebuilding and resuming as much a normal life as possible.

Jane Eliot is a governess, scarred by battle in the Great War. She carries a fey curse with her and must wear an iron mask on half of her face to keep the curse in. The curse is anger which seeps out and affects everyone around her if left unchecked. Jane can’t seem to hold onto jobs long, but sees promise in an ad for a governess at Silver Birch Hall in which a young girl is in a “delicate situation”. Jane is sure the girl has been cursed in a similar way as herself. The man of the house is Edward Rochart, whose comings and goings are rather mysterious.

Silver Birch Hall is old and in somewhat of a ruined state due to the Great War. It’s on the edge of a forest known to be home of the fey. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to explore that house and the surrounding grounds! It sounded beautiful and yet a bit frightening all at the same time.

If, by now, the story sounds a bit familiar, you would be right. Ironskin is a loose retelling of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. There are actually quite a few similarities between the two books. Jane Eyre is one of my all-time favorite novels, and so it’s a story I know well and love. When I realized how closely the two books were to each other in terms of the story, I got a little nervous. Tina Connolly, however, added her own touches, including the familiar yet very different setting, to Ironskin making it a very different book. Still, it was hard not to make comparisons as I read.

I really liked Jane. She is a strong heroine, steadfast in her desire to help her young charge, despite all the obstacles that came her way and the frustration she felt at times. Much of the novel is about Jane as she works with the young girl, sorts out her feelings for Edward and, most especially, comes to understand her own curse and situation better. And always there, off to the side, is the threat of the fey’s return and what that might mean.

I was quite taken with Ironskin for the first three fourths of the novel. It was romantic and enchanting with a good dose of suspense. The tension had been building, the mystery well woven, and I was anxious to find out what would happen next. And then suddenly it seemed as if I was reading a horror novel, which threw me for a bit of a loop. Clearly the author had been building toward something. Yet the twist seemed a bit off from the rest of the novel just the same. And then the main character did something I didn’t feel was in character. Upon reflection, it is probably just me, my own hopes and expectations for the character and the direction the book might go getting in the way—but it bothered me nonetheless.

Will I read the next book in the series? Absolutely. I like the world and characters Tina Connolly has created and hope she will take us back there.

Rating: * (Good +)


To learn more about Tina Connolly and her book, please visit the author's website.

I hope you will check out what others had to say about Ironskin on the TLC Book Tours route!


Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. E-copy of Ironskin provided by publisher.




© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. 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.

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Bookish Thoughts: The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian


 "If you speak and write in English, or Spanish, or Chinese, or any other language, then only a certain percentage of human beings will get your meaning. But when you draw a picture, everybody can understand it. If I draw a cartoon of a flower, then every man, woman, and child in the world can look at it and say, 'That's a flower.' So I draw because I want to talk to the world. And I want the world to pay attention to me." [excerpt from The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian]


The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Little Brown, 2007
Fiction (YA); 240 pgs


In 2010, The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian was banned from the school library by the Stockton Board in Missouri after a parent complained about objectionable content.  In recent years, other school districts banned or attempted to ban the book from curriculum for the author's use of foul, racist language and the descriptions of sexual acts.  By focusing on those issues, the people fail to recognize the insight this book has to offer--both for us as individuals but also as a society.  

The main character is a Native American, poor and with a family history of alcoholism.  Life on the reservation is far from ideal.  Junior was born with major health problems that followed him into childhood.  He is picked on and bullied by his classmates and other Native Americans in his tribe.  He knows all about prejudice and discrimination--so yes, you'll find talk about racism and such in the book.  

As for the sexual acts . . . He's a teenage boy.  He masturbates.  So what?  Don't most teenage boys masturbate?  Let's stop making our boys feel bad for doing something normal and pretending it doesn't happen.  Same goes for foul language.  Frankly, I don't recall a lot of that in the book, but then I tend to be immune to a small amount of cursing in books.

From the Publisher:
In his first book for young adults, bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by acclaimed artist Ellen Forney, that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.
Have you ever been reading and are so lost in a book that you forget you are reading?  That happened to me with Sherman Alexie’s book, The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian.  I got completely wrapped up in Junior’s narrative.  The writing is brilliant; the author capturing the voice of his teenage protagonist so well.  The book was both humorous and sad, touching on several very serious issues, including poverty, alcoholism, bullying, prejudice.  It was also a story about love, friendship, family, and self-discovery.

Ellen Forney’s artwork complemented the book perfectly, not only fitting in with the text but also drawing out the character of Junior more.   Alexie’s book is a book I think many people can identify with on some level.  His writing is frank and yet thoughtful. 

The portion of the book that stood out most for me was Junior’s struggle to fit in and the loneliness he felt.  These were issues I could identify with—issues I think most of us can identify with.  Junior had it particularly rough because he was straddling two different cultures, neither one fully willing to accept him initially.  Add to that the contrast between the two.   Even despite the cards Junior had been dealt in life, he had courage and strength. I don’t think he ever really realized that.   I thought he was a pretty amazing young man.

This really is a book you have to read yourself to get the full effect of. 

Rating: * (Very Good +)

You can learn more about Sherman Alexie and his books on the author's website.

Source: I purchased an e-copy of this book for my own personal pleasure. 

See what others are reading or have to say about Banned Book Week this week! 



© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty.  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.