Are Seconds Ever Enough? (2nds Challenge Wrap Up)

Often in my literary travels I come across a new author I know I will want to revisit again one day. However, it sometimes seems as if it is a long time in coming with all the other books I stop and visit along the way. Thoughts of Joy had an idea to solve that problem. Why not have a challenge that gives the reader the perfect excuse to take in a new story by a familiar author? The 2nds Challenge was born.

Participants were to read at least 3 books by authors that they have only read one other book by. I have a long list of authors who fall into this category, but I decided to read the following three:

Secondhand Smoke by Karen E. Olson - I read Sacred Cows this past summer and immediately was smitten with Karen E. Olson's mystery series. The sassy and intelligent protagonist, Annie Seymour won me over from the beginning. I could not wait to jump back into the series and visit Annie and friends again. Secondhand Smoke did not disappointment. It was a bit softer than the first book, but offered a quite a few more laughs. I found myself laughing out loud and thinking, move over Stephanie Plum. The Annie Seymour series is smart and funny all rolled into one.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson - As a young girl, I had read Jacob, Have I Loved, a book that sits on my shelf still today. After hearing so much talk about the novel, Bridge to Terabithia, I thought I would give it a try. Bridge to Terabithia is such a real and human novel. It reaches out to the heart and holds on long after the last sentence is read.

The Mysteries by Lisa Tuttle - It was by a lark I read Silver Bough first. I was given the opportunity to review the author's most recent book and, because of a deadline I had to meet, The Mysteries got relegated to the back burner. I did not want to put off reading The Mysteries any longer, however, and this was the perfect opportunity to do so. The Mysteries took me into another world, one full of magic and the supernatural. It was an alluring world full of mystery and wonder. I hated to leave.

While second helpings of food may be more than enough, can there ever be too much of a good author's work? I hope to revisit each of these three authors again in the future.

Many thanks to Thoughts of Joy for hosting the 2nds Challenge.

The Mysteries by Lisa Tuttle

The Mysteries by Lisa Tuttle
Bantam, 2005
Fantasy, 321 pgs

Completed: 12/26/2007
Rating: (Good +)

First Sentence: The strangest memory of my childhood concerns my father’s disappearance.

Reason for Reading: This is my final selection for the TBR Challenge and the 2nds Challenge.

From the Publisher: Ever since his father disappeared when he was nine years old, Ian Kennedy has had a penchant for stories about missing people–and a knack for finding them. Now he’s a private investigator with an impressive track record. But when a woman enters his London office and asks him to find her lost daughter, Ian faces a case he fears he cannot solve–and one he knows he must.

Laura Lensky’s stunning twenty-one-year-old daughter, Peri, has been missing for over two years–a lifetime, under the circumstances. But when Ian learns the details of her disappearance, he discovers eerie parallels to an obscure Celtic myth–and to the haunting case that launched his career, an early success he’s never fully been able to explain. Though Ian suspects Peri may have chosen to vanish, his curiosity leads him to take on the search. Soon he finds himself drawing not only from the mysteries that have preoccupied his adulthood, but from the fables and folklore that pervaded his youth. What follows is a journey that takes Ian and those who care for Peri into the Highlands of Scotland, as the unknowns of the past and present merge in the case–and in their lives.

Comments: I first came across this book in a publisher’s newsletter two years ago and was intrigued by the premise and so scooped up a copy of the book quickly. But as often happens with my books, it sat on the shelf awhile, until the right moment came to give it a whirl. I actually ended up reading another of the author’s books first, Silver Bough, earlier this year.

As with Silver Bough, Lisa Tuttle eases the reader into the more fantastical elements of The Mysteries slowly. She weaves Celtic myth into her tale seamlessly, creating an intriguing and eerie story. The Mysteries is a fantasy novel and a mystery all rolled into one. Bit by bit, the author brings the pieces of the puzzle together, never failing to leave the reader in wonder and sometimes even in awe.

The characterizations seemed somehow murky at times with even the protagonist not being quite fully fleshed out. And yet, it seemed sort of fitting given the story. The fairies and their kin always seemed to lurk just beyond the mist or in the dark, and the author, even in when writing about the “real” world, was able to capture that sort of atmosphere, as if the two were not all that different, and yet still worlds apart.

I know so little about Celtic folklore, and yet Lisa Tuttle’s novels never fail to entice me and make me wish I knew more. The Mysteries did not captivate me quite as much as Silver Bough did; however, I definitely plan to read more by this author.

Favorite Parts: I especially enjoyed going back in time with Ian as he remembered his first visit to Scotland and his search for Amy. I took a liking to the character of Fred, and wanted to know more about her.

My second favorite part of the novel was when Laura and Ian are on their own, searching for Peri. Laura’s bag begins to move and what emerges was unexpected and yet so fitting. Everything that happened in the novel had a reason, even if the reason was not always clear.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Harper Entertainment, 1977
Fiction (Children's); 191 pgs

Completed: 11/12/2007
Rating: (Very Good)

First Sentence: Ba-room, ba-room, ba-room, baripity, baripity, baripity, baripity—Good.

Reason for Reading: Kris' and Booklogged's reviews of this book spurred me on to finally pick this one up. My husband’s assurance that I would like it was the added encouragement I needed. This is my final selection for the Book to Movie Challenge, my second for the 2nds Challenge, and my fourth for the Saturday Review of Books Challenge.

Comments: It has been many years since I last cracked open a book by Katherine Paterson. Jacob, Have I Loved was one of my favorites growing up (I still have my copy sitting on the shelf today). I had heard of Bridge to Terabithia later in my life but never realized it was by the same author as that childhood favorite until recently.

Ten-year-old Jesse Aarons spent the summer before his 5th grade year practicing running. He is determined to be the fastest runner, not only in his class but of the entire lower grades. He wants to be known as more than just the boy who likes to draw, something most of the people in his life, including many of the grown ups do not take seriously. He comes from a somewhat poor family, one that struggles and survives as best they can. He is the only boy among many sisters and often feels that he carries the brunt of the household responsibilities as a result.

One day while he is out running, he meets the new girl in town, Leslie Burke. Her family moved to the country from the suburbs, seeking out a more simple life. The fact that Leslie’s family has money as well as Leslie’s manner and dress mark her as an instant outsider. The two inevitably become friends, each finding in the other something that they had been longing for. One fall day, the two friends venture into the woods and invent a magical kingdom they call Terabithia, letting their imaginations soar. It is a place where they can escape the real world and do just about anything they set their imaginations to.

When tragedy strikes, I could not stop the tears from falling. The story, while sad, still remains hopeful. It is a simple story, uncomplicated, and very much one for children. I can see why so many, young and old, love this book. It is a story of friendship and love, of imagination and stepping outside of oneself and taking risks. The magic of this book can be found in the hearts of the characters.

Favorite Parts: My favorite part was when Jess stood up to Gary the first day of the races. Although his intentions may not have been pure, his inclusion of Leslie was a shining moment, and the beginning of a friendship.

I was also very proud of Jess and the way he worked out his gift giving priorities that year for the Christmas holiday. He only had a dollar to spend, but his gift choices were perfect and he made two deserving girls very happy.

Swing by the author's website for more information about her and her books.

Secondhand Smoke by Karen E. Olson

Secondhand Smoke by Karen E. Olson
Mysterious Press, 2006
Mystery; 259 pgs

Completed: 10/21/2007
Rating: (Very Good)

First Sentence: I smelled smoke.

Reason for Reading: I enjoyed the first book the series and was in the mood to revisit Annie and her friends. This is my second selection for the 2nds Challenge.

Comments: It was with that first hint of smoke in the air that I finished reading Secondhand Smoke, the Santa Ana winds provoking and spreading a brush fire a few miles away. My husband opened the back door to let the dog out and the smell of smoke wafted in through the door. It somehow seemed fitting, especially given the opening sentence of the novel.

Annie Seymour, veteran crime reporter, could not have anticipated that she would be covering a story so close to home in Karen E. Olson’s latest novel. She is awakened by the smell of smoke and soon discovers that a popular Italian restaurant, Prego, was on fire. She immediately steps into her role as reporter and heads outside to get the story.

As the firefighters struggle to put out the fire and the police begin to look into the matter, a body is discovered in burnt out restaurant. Could it be the body of Sal, the restaurant’s owner? What would he be doing at the restaurant on Thanksgiving Day, when the restaurant should be closed? As Annie begins to unravel the clues, she finds much more than she anticipated. This time things are getting personal. Her father’s return to New Haven raises new questions, and Sal’s wife hiring Vinny DeLucia could prove to be a double edged sword of the personal variety. As the body count rises, the mystery of the chickens continues, the FBI and mob in town, and as threats for Annie to back off intensify, Annie is determined to get to the truth. Her own life could depend on it.

All of the old favorite characters are back: the sultry private investigator, the sexy police detective, Annie’s eccentric neighbors, and the cub reporter who will not take no for an answer. Readers get to see a softer side to Annie in Secondhand Smoke, although she is still one tough cookie. I love her dry sense of humor. She has a way of finding trouble—or trouble finds her—but she knows how to handle herself in a tough spot.

New Haven is the perfect setting for the series, a city with a small town feel to it. It has personality and, in a way, is very much a character in and of itself. I felt like I was right there on the streets, whether she was unlocking the door to her building, crossing through the park, snooping around, or picking up something to eat.

Karen E. Olson does it again. The mystery is entertaining and the characters quite intriguing. She has written a witty and compelling novel that leaves me eager for more.

Favorite Parts: Besides the very end of the book (which of course I can’t tell you about)? I enjoyed getting to know Annie’s father. He’s an interesting character who has that great mysterious vibe going for him.

I think my second favorite scene is Annie and Vinny’s visit to Dominic Gaudio. Like Annie, I found myself liking Dom quite a bit. He’s an intriguing character I wouldn’t mind running into again someday.

As my first favorite scene, it’s hard to describe without reading it in context, I’m afraid. It’s the second paragraph of the book. It struck me as quite funny and I earned a stare from a coworker who was in the break room when I laughed out loud. From then on, I had no doubt Secondhand Smoke would be fun reading.

Miscellaneous: Be sure and swing by tomorrow for Karen E. Olson's guest appearance!

(Read my review of the first book in the series, Sacred Cows.)

Anyone Care for Seconds?

Joy over at Thoughts of Joy is hosting the 2nds Challenge. Have you read one book by an author that you liked enough to want to read a second book by that same author? This is your chance! Running from October through to the end of December, the 2nds Challenge asks participants to read 3 books by authors that you have only read one other book by. It's as simple as that.

My 2nds Challenge List:

Secondhand Smoke by Karen E. Olson(I have read Sacred Cows, rated 4) [read]

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (I read Jacob, Have I Loved as a child) [read]

The Mysteries by Lisa Tuttle (I have read Silver Bough, rated: 3) [read]


Alternate:

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (I have read The Kite Runner)

Peony in Love by Lisa See (I have read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan)

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I have not yet had a chance to put much thought into my choices for Kathrin's Series Challenge, but I thought I would at least make public my intention of joining that challenge. It is set to begin on December 1st and to carry on for a six month period. The goal is to pick up where I've left off in any number of the series I have already started and get caught up with them. With as many series as I am in the middle of or at least have gotten a start on, I will not even pretend that I will catch up on them all in the set time frame, but I will make a good start of it!