Booking Through Thursday: Quirky

This week’s question is suggested by (blogless) JMutford:

Sometimes I find eccentric characters quirky and fun, other times I find them too unbelievable and annoying. What are some of the more outrageous characters you’ve read, and how do you feel about them?

Some might call me eccentric. I am, after all, the book lady. I am the queen of non sequiturs, and I like to eat my individual pizza with a fork, starting in the middle of the circle and work my way outward. Eccentric characters are often quirky, sometimes funny, and almost always interesting. Whether a background character or the main character, the eccentric character is often hard to forget.

This past year I came across several eccentric characters who particularly caught my attention. There was the wealthy Margaret Hughes from Stephanie Kallos' Broken For You. In the beginning of the novel, she is living alone in a mansion, surrounded by her collection of valuable antiques. She decides to open her door to a complete stranger, which in turn leads to her taking in a full house of interesting characters.

A book that is full of eccentricities of just about every kind is Joseph Heller's Catch-22 . I do not think one character escapes the label in Heller's novel. The lead character, Yossarian, will do anything to avoid fighting and believes that everyone is out to kill him. My favorite character in the novel, however, is Orr, stuffing apples into his cheeks and always crash landing into the sea.

Then there is Roger Mifflin, reader and bookseller extraordinaire, whose relentless passion for books makes him unforgettable in The Haunted Bookshop by Christopher Morley. And what about Grandma Mazur of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum fame? Her penchant for peering into the coffins of the dead, even at closed coffin funeral services, lands her in trouble constantly.

Each of these characters caused me to shake my head in wonder, laugh out loud on occasion, and make room for them in my heart. In some ways, I could relate to them, whether through their eccentricities or their experiences. Rarely do I find an eccentric character annoying, unless that character is ill-fitted for the story being told. Nor do I always especially like every eccentric character I come across. An eccentric villain will most likely not make my best friends in literature list. And yet, I am able to appreciate the eccentricities and the quirks of such characters more often than not. They are an integral part of the story they inhabit, and the book would not be the same without them.

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Going along with the theme of eccentricities, Heather of A Creative Journal tagged me for the 7 Oddball Things About Me Meme and I thought this would be the perfect time to play along.

1. I tend to keep my emotions close to my vest. Most people cannot read how I am feeling in any given situation just by looking at me. Just the same, I tear up easily when it comes to movies, books, songs, and TV.
2. I dream frequently and vividly.
3. I am a pessimist just as often as I am an optimist. Most often I like to think I am a realist.
4. I prefer directions be written down word for word rather than be given a map when traveling somewhere to which I am unfamiliar.
5. I am afraid of getting lost, and so I sometimes like to visit an unfamiliar place before I actually have to be there just to be sure I know where I am going.
6. I have been a dog person longer than I have considered myself both a cat and dog person.
7. I am allergic to cats, but I don't care.

Care to share something a little eccentric about yourself? If so, consider yourself tagged!

Patriot Acts by Greg Rucka

Patriot Acts by Greg Rucka
Bantam, 2007
Suspense/Thriller; 338 pgs

Started: 01/14/2008
Completed: 01/15/2008
Rating: (Good +)

First Sentence: I have never wanted to kill anyone as much as I wanted to kill the son of a bitch in front of me right now.

Reason for Reading: This is a Curled Up With A Good Book selection. I actually requested this one quite a while ago, not realizing it was part of the Atticus Kodiak series. Because the books tie so closely together, with one exception, I decided it might be a good idea to start from the beginning and work my way through the series.

Comments: Author Greg Rucka has come a long way since he first wrote and published Keeper, the first novel in the Atticus Kodiak series. Atticus Kodiak is a bodyguard who hires out his protection services, often taking on cases that put his life and those of his team in great peril. No matter the circumstances, Atticus is dedicated to his job and protecting his principal, the person who hired his services. He would put his own life on the line in order to keep his principal alive. Patriot Acts is the sixth novel in the series, a series that is best read in order, each book building on the one before it.

Patriot Acts begins where the fifth novel in the series, Critical Space, left off, with the death of one of the world's most feared assassins. Already wanted for a murder he did not commit, Atticus' only recourse is to go on the run to sort everything out. The safe house where Atticus, his team and the person he had been protecting have been hiding is compromised and no one is safe as the bullets begin to fly.

Having lost all of his friends in one way or another, Atticus only has Alena Cizkova, known to the authorities as Drama, to turn to. She is a cold-blooded killer and is being targeted by the same people who are after him. In order to clear Atticus' name and save both of their lives, the two must put their heads together and plan; but first, they need to uncover the identity of the person that is out to get them. The more Atticus learns, the more he realizes just how high the stakes are and the more dangerous the chase becomes. From the East Coast to Eastern Europe and from the West Coast into the heart of America, Patriot Acts takes the reader all over the map.

Atticus Kodiak, named after a character from Lee Harper’s To Kill a Mockingbird, has the skills of an assassin and the heart of a protector, but when those closest to him are threatened no rules apply. Atticus knows that he may have to step over the line of killing to save a life to murdering someone in cold blood, and this weighs on his conscience.

Alena, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to lead a quiet life and to retire from being a killer-for-hire. She thought her heart cold, but as time passes, she learns that she is more human than she realized. She worries about losing that as the race for her life accelerates, and she is suddenly thrust back into her old role again. The author captures all of this as the story unfolds at break neck speed, adding a vulnerability to the characters who might otherwise seem too hard and tough.

Greg Rucka spins a wild tale that is not only captivating, but is emotionally charged as well. Intense and action packed from the very first page, Patriot Acts takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of suspense and intrigue. Originally published on Curled Up With a Good Book. © Wendy Runyon, 2008

Three Reviews: Atticus Kodiak Series

My husband first tuned me into Greg Rucka's Atticus Kodiak series. I admit to being skeptical. A series about a bodyguard was not really up my alley, but if my husband said I would like it, why not give it a try? Although I enjoyed the first book in the series, Keeper, it left something to be desired, and I had my doubts that this series was for me. I was determined to keep reading, however, and am so glad I did.

Finder by Greg Rucka
Bantam Books, 1997
Suspense/Thriller; 320 pgs

Started: 12/30/2007
Completed: 12/31/2007
Rating: (Good)

After his last assignment, bodyguard Atticus Kodiak has lost his way. Barely scraping by, he’s working as a bouncer as an S&M club in New York. One night he happens to see a former charge of his being approached by a dangerous looking man. The club is no place for a 15 year old and Atticus quickly steps in to intervene. He suddenly finds himself embroiled in a bitter custody battle, blackmail scheme and up against some of the most elite former British military officers around. Atticus will do anything to protect Erika Wyatt, even if it costs him his life.

Finder was a much more enjoyable thriller than it’s predecessor, Keeper. It seemed more polished and the story was much more exciting. Atticus proves yet again he is not a man who can be easily kept down, although I do have to wonder how he keeps up his stamina even after taking so many physical blows.

Smoker by Greg Rucka
Ballatine Books, 2006
Crime Fiction S/T; 395 pgs

Started: 01/11/2008
Completed: 01/12/2008
Rating: (Good)

Atticus Kodiak does not want charity from the father of the woman he has been seeing, but when the principal requests that he take the job, Atticus reluctantly says yes. It starts out as a simple baby-sitting gig: Atticus and a team of Sentinel Guards are to protect a wealthy man from the family of his former girlfriend. Everything is not what it seems, however, and Atticus quickly discovers that he has not only been played, but he is also drawn into something much more sinister and dangerous. One of the most dangerous assassins is targeting Atticus’ latest assignment.

The third installment in the series is the best yet. There is a part of me that is turned off by all the testosterone in the Atticus Kodiak series, but the books certainly do not lack in the suspense department. Smoker proved to be an entertaining and fun reading experience. Atticus continues to try and build up his reputation, blaming himself for past mistakes even though in truth, he had little control over what had gone wrong. As the series progresses, he is a much more human and real character and less of an action figure, although there is still plenty of that to go around. Readers see more of Natalie Trent, one of the strong female protagonists of the series that you do not want to mess with, in this novel.

Critical Space by Greg Rucka
Bantam Book, 2001
Crime Fiction S/T; 490 pgs*

Started: 01/13/2008
Completed: 01/14/2008
Rating: (Good)

In Critical Space, business could not be better for Kodiak Atticus and his team of Protective Service Agents, otherwise known as bodyguards. After a successful and well publicized save of an important principal, the team has attracted the attention of the rich and famous, and babysitting movie stars and the like seem to be the order of the day. Suddenly, however, Atticus’ world is turned upside down when he is drawn into the web of one of the most dangerous assassins, one he tangled with before and nearly lost his life to. This time, the assassin needs his help for the assassin’s life is on the line and the killer-for-hire knows there is no one more loyal and skilled at his job than Atticus.

Atticus has more of an edge towards the end of this novel, having gone through quite a bit. While at the core he maintains the same values and ideals, he has changed and is not quite the man he once was. He’s more of a threat to those who step in his way. A part of me likes this new side of Atticus, but I also worry at the direction he is going.

Critical Space is fast-paced and at times chilling. Greg Rucka puts his characters in the frying pan and no one is safe. The series takes a serious turn in this novel and is no longer just a suspense thriller series about a bodyguard protecting his principal. Critical Space takes it up a notch introducing government espionage and conspiracy.

*First Chunkster Challenge 2008 Selection

The Skin Gods by Richard Montanari

Skin Gods by Richard Montanari
Ballatine Books, 2006
Crime Fiction S/T; 395 pgs

Started: 01/02/2008
Completed: 01/09/2008
Rating: (Very Good)

First Sentence: “What I really want to do is direct.”

Reason for Reading: Richard Montanari caught my attention with The Rosary Girls three years ago, and I was eager to read another one of his books. This seemed like good bedtime reading in between War and Peace and Breathless in Bombay.

Comments: There comes a moment in every crime novel when everything falls into place and I know. Sometimes is happens sooner than at other times, but it is rare when a book takes me by complete surprise. I do not intentionally set out to solve the crime on my own, however, it is the direction my mind automatically takes as soon as I begin reading a crime fiction novel. Of course, there are occasions where the author introduces the killer or villain right off the bat and his or her identity is not a mystery. The motive and the chase then become the mystery. I will let you decide which category this particular book falls into.

Detective Kevin Byrne is recovering from a near fatal head injury and is not sure he wants to return to the force. However, when he learns that the killer who almost took his life is out pending an appeal, he figures the best place for him to be is back in the trenches of the Philadelphia Police Department’s homicide unit. His timing could not be more perfect.

Detective Byrne, his partner Detective Jessica Balzano, and FBI agent Terry Cahill are assigned to discover whether or not they have a new murder to investigate. A popular horror movie had been spliced and what appeared to be a real life murder scene inserted at a crucial point in the film. With little to go on, the two detectives have their work cut out for them. One murder leads to another, each proving to be more gruesome than the one before. The detectives are determined to find the common thread between the murders in order to stop the killer in his tracks. The investigation takes the police into the underbelly of pornography and the glitzy world of a Hollywood movie.

Like with The Rosary Girls, Robert Montanari has swept me off his feet with this thrilling novel full of suspense and intrigue. Jessica Balzano has grown up a lot since she first joined the homicide team and it shows in The Skin Gods. She is competent and strong and not afraid to kick ass when necessary. She is loyal to her partner and dedicated to her job. Her partner, Kevin Byrne, is a little worse for wear. He has been through a lot and it shows. He is a papa bear who will protect those who he loves at any cost, including risking his own good name and possibly his life.

The Skin Gods had me on the edge of my seat with my hand over my mouth right up until the end. I am looking forward to reading the author's next book, Merciless.

Visit Richard Montanari's official website for more information about the author and his books.

Sunday Salon: More Bookish Chatter

11:34 a.m. I am putting the finishing touches on my review of Merciless by Richard Montanari. I finished the novel just after midnight last night and jotted down my thoughts this morning. I like to write my reviews soon after finishing a book, preferably before I start reading the next one. I find it brings me a sense of closure, where I can think about my overall reading experience, the book itself and how I am feeling once all is said and done. It has become such a natural part of my reading process that it no longer feels like the chore it once did when I first became keeping a journal of all the books I read. I actually feel unsettled and unsatisfied if I do not get the chance to at least jot down my thoughts in a notebook before moving on.

3:00 p.m. After enjoying a leisurely lunch and movie, I am ready to settle in for the afternoon and start on Tokyo Year Zero. I had hoped to get to it earlier in the week, but my reading time was next to nil most of the week. Too much other stuff going on, I am afraid. Note to self: make more reading time during the week.

Before I go, I thought I would share a little bookish office chat with you.

• Talk in the office turned again to installing a television set in the breakroom. Someone was quick to point out, "Oh no! Wendy and Candy like to read in there!" Out of an office with over 50 people, it is nice to know that two of us can have such an influence. I actually have nothing against having a television set up in the breakroom, although it would be distracting if something I wanted to watch was on. And if it got too loud and the weather was cooperating (meaning not too hot out), I could always go sit in my car during my lunch break and read.
• The backseat of my car is actually quite comfortable for lunch time reading.
• A half hour lunch break is not very much time to settle into a book. When given the choice though of a longer lunch or leave early, I choose to leave early.
  
• One of the most common questions I am asked during my lunch break at the office is, "What are you reading?" I always have to consider who is asking me that question before answering. Some people really do not care and are just trying to be polite, but those who show a genuine interest may spark off an interesting discussion, and you know how much I enjoy talking about books.
  
• I have this bad habit of mentioning that the book was better when my workmates are discussing movies they have recently seen (if in fact I have read the book and seen the movie in question). Most of the time, they had no idea that the movie in question was based on a book nor do they particularly care. It is one of my annoying tics.
• I especially take pleasure in doing the above with one particular coworker of mine who hates to read. He believes reading is a waste of time, not to mention mind numbing. Truth be told, I think he would benefit greatly from reading. Especially when it comes to the work he's supposed to be reviewing as part of his job.
  
• I am the go to person in the office for book recommendations and knowing what might be age appropriate for younger reading audiences. It is not so much that I've read or know about every book out there, but thanks to all of you, I often can offer up a suggestion in most book related conversations.
• My boss is a reader. You may remember that she is the one who loaned me a copy of Alice Sebold's Almost Moon but refused to tell me whether she liked it or not, afraid it would influence my own opinion of the book. I loaned her a copy of Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock a couple of months ago, which she recently returned. She loved it just as I knew she would.
  
• My boss sometimes will ask me if I want to borrow a book and then will pause and say, "Oh, you have too much to read already, don't you? Never mind." If only she knew just how much.
  
• I like it when people return books I've loaned out to them. I wish though that people were more careful about the condition they return the book in. Me & Emma was brand new when I handed it over. It definitely looked used upon its return. Wear and tear on a book is expected, I know, but just after one reading? And a book that doesn't belong to you? I know. I have high expectations.
• There are some coworkers who are on my black list and will never read another book I own. They can buy their own copy or steal someone else's.
• Two women I work with, however, can borrow any book they like from me.
  
• Candy is an avid reader herself and we often exchange books. She has good taste.
  
• The other is Debra. When I first loaned her Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild, she warned me that she is a slow reader. I told her not to worry, that I was in no hurry to get the book back. She has had the book since before the holidays and just about every time she seems me, she gives me an update, apologizes for taking so long (which really isn't necessary, but still thoughtful), and promises she'll get it back to me just as soon as she is done.
• Debra also told me that the book will be just like new when it is returned to me because she knows how much she hates it when things she loans out are returned in worse condition than they went out in.
  
• Reading was not always so popular in my office. I have been able to watch the planted seed bloom into beautiful blossoms over the last three years. People who never would have thought to read for pleasure are now doing so. I love it! (For the record, it had nothing to do with me.)
  

I have prattled on long enough, I think. It is time to curl up with Tokyo Year Zero and see where David Peace will take me. You will be happy to know that the rain finally came my way last night and has kept me company off and on all day. What better soundtrack while reading, than the fall of rain outside?

Happy reading!