A Little Bit of Everything: Where Is Your Bookmark?/Mouse's Corner

Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea hosts 

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where  

participants share the first paragraph (or a few) of a 

book they are reading or thinking about reading soon.

After reading A Study in Silks by Emma Jane Holloway and The Mysterious Case of Mr. Strangeway by Karina Cooper (reviews to come) recently, I was still in the mood for something of the steampunk variety.  My friend Sally from Books and Musings reminded me of Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series, one I have on my must read list.  My introduction today comes from Soulless by Gail Carriger, an urban fantasy/steampunk/mystery/historical romance novel:

miss Alexia Tarabotti was not enjoying her evening.  Private balls were never more than middling amusements for spinsters, and Miss Tarabotti was not the kind of spinster who could garner even that much pleasure from the event.  To put the pudding in the puff: she had retreated to the library, her favorite sanctuary in any house, only to happen upon an unexpected vampire.

Would you continue reading?

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As you can see from above, my reading recently has been more of the fantastical variety.  I did sneak in a nonfiction book, Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein, which is quite timely given the holiday season and my daughter's growing interest in none other than Cinderella (and Ariel).  It was an entertaining book, one I could relate to on many levels.

What are you reading right now?  Is it something you would recommend?

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For those of you who celebrated the Thanksgiving Holiday last week, I hope you had a wonderful time with family and friends.  It was a mostly quiet week for us.  My mother was in town visiting, and Anjin and I had to work the first three days of the week.  Normally business in my office is slow during a holiday week, even when short staffed, but that couldn't have been further from the truth this year.

Mouse was thrilled to have her grandmother here, waking up each morning to find Grandma waiting for her. We visited the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert, played at the park, took a walk in the rain, and went shopping among other things.  My husband and I took advantage of my mom's presence to go on a date, just the two of us.  It's a rare event, one we only get to do about once every three or four months.  Anjin and I enjoyed lunch out and followed it up with a movie.  Both of us were a little apprehensive about the new Thor movie, only partially liking the first. We ended up really liking the second movie, however.  My mom and I spent some quality time together as well, which was nice.  I'm sad we won't be seeing her for Christmas this year.  This year it is the in-laws' turn.  She'll be back in January though, so just a month away.

I have been debating whether Mouse is ready to take in a movie at the theater.  With Frozen coming out, I have been considering that one.  The PG rating gives me pause.  One of my mom's friends with a young child said it would be too scary for a 2 1/2 year old while others think Mouse would really like it.  I recently saw a trailer for an animated movie featuring the Coke bears that is rated G.  Maybe that would be better.  Or maybe we will decide to wait until she's older still.  I am pretty sure Mouse is at the point where she would be able to sit through an entire movie without too much trouble, but we won't know for sure until we try it.

At what age did you take your child to see his or her first movie in a theater?  Or have you?  And if you don't have children, do you remember the first movie you saw in a theater?  I was eight when I saw my  first theater movie.  It was the motion picture version of the musical Annie.  I remember being so impressed!  The second movie I ever saw in a theater was Tootsie, which I also really enjoyed. It was quite a year for movies in my little life.

I cannot believe it is December already.  This month is sure to fly by.  I hope you all are well and be sure and let me know what you are up to!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Feeding the ducks, geese and coots. 

 Painting a car at the Children's Discovery Museum.

Playing catch. 

 Walking in the rain with Grandma (& trading umbrellas).

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© 2013, 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.

Mini Bookish Thoughts: Spies, Murder & Secrets (with a Dash of Romance for Good Measure)

His Majesty's Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal 

(Bantam, 2013; 368 pgs)

Susan Elia MacNeal's Maggie Hope series has fast become a favorite.  From the very first book, I knew I would not be able to resist the draw: a mystery set during World War II involving a female spy.  Mr. Churchill's Secretary introduced readers to Maggie Hope and we got to know her better in Princess Elizabeth's Spy.  In His Majesty's Hope, Maggie is assigned her first out of country mission, going right into the heart of Berlin during World War II.  The assignment is more than it appears, both Maggie's handlers and Maggie have their own agenda in addition to the main goal.  For Maggie, the job is very personal.

For a series that has a somewhat "light" feel to it, there is also a lot of depth to it.  The author takes on serious issues.  It's hard not to given the setting, Nazi Germany.  The harsh realities of the Holocaust cannot be denied, and while many of the characters are fictitious, there is truth woven in to make the story more authentic.

As always it was good to revisit Maggie and her friends, especially David.  His own struggles on the home front are all too a reality even today, unfortunately.  And while, yes, there is a bit of a love triangle, I like the way the author is handling it.   It's not a case of two boys fawning over the same girl.  It's much more complicated than that, and MacNeal captures the emotions behind and surrounding it in a very realistic way.

This is not a series I recommend reading out of order, although I suppose one could.  His Majesty's Hope is a must read for fans of the series, and one I think many other readers will enjoy as well.  I know I sure did!

Rating:   (Very Good)

You can learn more about Susan Elia MacNeal and her books on the author's website.

Source: E-copy of the book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Darkness First by James Hayman

(Witness Impulse, 2013; 306 pgs)

Darkness First is the third in the McCabe and Savage series, featuring Maggie Savage and Michael McCabe.  When a good friend of Detective Savage's is found murdered with stolen drugs, along with the body of another woman, Maggie finds a way to get herself on the case. It becomes even more personal when evidence is found in her brother's home.

This was my first introduction to Maggie and McCabe.  Darkness First got off to a somewhat slow start, but it picked up speed and had quite a few tense moments.  I really grew to like Maggie and McCabe, although admit my amiable feelings toward them did falter at one point. I saw the ending coming a mile away, despite the red herrings thrown my way.  Still, I quite enjoyed the novel, especially the setting.  I have never been to Maine, and so can't attest for accuracy, but I really felt Hayman's descriptions added to the story.  This novel has a real sense of place that I liked.  Overall, I enjoyed Darkness First, and plan to read more by this author in the future.

Rating:  (Good +)

You can learn more about James Hayman and his books on the author's website.

Source: E-copy of the book provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.

The Murder Wall by Mari Hannah

(Witness Impulse, 2013; 465 pgs)

I really enjoyed this mystery.  Mari Hannah is new to the American scene, but she's not a newly published author.  The Murder Wall is the first in her series featuring Detective Chief Inspector Kate Daniels. Given charge for the first time of her own murder investigation, Kate arrives on the scene to investigate the murder of a man, a man she happens to know.  She holds onto that little secret, however, and, as the story continues, the reader learns not only why, but what his connection to Kate is.  Meanwhile, Kate has come to the attention of a psychopath tied to a case she'd been on previously that remains unsolved.  With a boss who is breathing down her neck on the new case and telling her to forget the old one, plus carrying around her secrets, Kate begins to feel overwhelmed and wonder if she can maintain control of not only her work, but her personal life as well.

Kate is a complicated character from the get go, and the more I got to know her, the more I admired her strength and tenacity.  She's worked hard to get to where she is in her career, a woman in a man's world, and not without having to make sacrifices.  I didn't always agree with the decisions she made, but I could understand where she was coming from, and I always came out rooting for her.  I also felt for Kate's boss, who seemed to be between a rock and a hard place.  He wasn't my favorite person in the book, but he seemed like a good guy with too many pressures on him.

There is quite a bit going on in this book, from the investigation to the more personal.  I could feel the tension building and the characters' frustrations as the story progressed.  The Murder Wall was both entertaining and intense.  I definitely plan to read more by Mari Hannah in the future.

Rating:   (Very Good)

You can learn more about Mari Hannah and her books on the author's website.

Source: E-copy of the book provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.

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© 2013, 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.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Christmas tree went up yesterday, along with the indoor decorations. Usually we wait until after Thanksgiving Day (this coming Thursday); but since we decided on a do-it-yourself approach for the family Christmas pictures this year, well, it made sense to do it now so I could put in my order for my holiday cards. Although Mouse has actively helped decorate for the holidays in the past, this is the first real year she has an awareness of what Christmas is. It made for a much more fun experience--minus the hiding in the corner to pout and a couple frustrated-feet-stomping moments. 

Gracie has already decided the tree is a jungle gym. It is her first Christmas, and while in the years before Mouse we might have skipped the tree for kitty safety reasons, we can't get away with it this year, not with a two and a half year old in the house. 

Speaking of the two and a half year old, I asked her what she wanted for Christmas a few weeks ago, and the most I could get out of her was "Santa toys. One big Santa toy and one little Santa toy." Oh, and snow. So, we may have to plan a trip to the mountains to see the snow at some point.  While out shopping for her Christmas dress about a week ago, she saw a Princess Ariel baby doll that she just has to have. She didn't get it, of course, but now all she talks about is how she wants that particular doll for Christmas. It's the first time she's actually remembered she's wanted something for longer than a hot minute!  A milestone!  Although, not one I am overly excited about.  Haha!

What I want most for Christmas is a healthy household. My darling cat, Parker, became ill quite suddenly last week. He stopped eating and drinking and was in a great deal of pain. The veterinarian ran blood work and completed an ultrasound on him. The results showed he had an inflamed pancreas, liver, stomach and intestines. Parker had to stay in the hospital for a few days to get the inflammation down, and settle his digestive tract enough to where he can hold down food. He came home this past Saturday, armed with medication. He eats here and there, but is not eating much. And he spends most of his time in hiding.  He is still extremely subdued.  When I called the veterinarian this morning to give her an update, she asked that I bring him in this afternoon (thank goodness my boss is so understanding, especially since we're short staffed this week).  The overall prognosis is good (although guarded) once we get over this hump, which hopefully we will. He goes back to the doctor's on Saturday, when my husband and I will learn how to give him B12 shots. All this worry about Parker has taken its toll, especially given what we've already been through this year with our other animals.  The cost of his medical care is weighing heavily on us as well; although, to be honest, I'd rather spend the money on getting him healthy than on Christmas presents and what have you.  Still, it's a stressful time for us.  

My husband and I both are working this week, and my mother is in town visiting, which is nice.  We will be having a laid back Thanksgiving, I think.  Admittedly, it is not my favorite holiday, and I am looking forward to seeing its backside.  However, in the spirit of the holiday, there are many things I am grateful for this year, and my friendship with many of you are included on that list.  Thank you for your constant support and kindness.  

This will be my only post this week.  For my American friends, I hope you and your family and friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  For everyone else, have a great week!  I will see you all next week . . . 

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© 2013, 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.

Cat Thursday: Attack!

Welcome to the weekly meme hosted by The True Book Addict that celebrates cats; their foibles and humorousness and the joy they bring. You can join in by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you made or came across, cat art or share with us pics of your own felines, then post your link up at The True Book Addict.

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© 2013, 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.

Bookish Thoughts: We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

November 8, 2000

Dear Franklin, 

I'm unsure why one trifling incident this afternoon has moved me to write to you.  But since we've been separated, I may most miss coming home to deliver the narrative curiosities of my day, the way a cat might lay mice at your feet: the small, humbling offerings that couples proffer after foraging in separate backyards.  Were you still installed in my kitchen, slathering crunchy peanut butter on Branola though it was almost time for dinner, I'd no sooner have to put down the bags, one leaking a clear viscous drool, than this little story would come tumbling out, even before I chided that we're having pasta tonight so would you please not eat that whole sandwich.

~ Opening of We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver (narrated by Coleen Marlo)

Harper Audio, 2011

Fiction; 16 hours, 9 minutes

From the Publisher:

Eva never really wanted to be a mother - and certainly not the mother of a boy who ends up murdering seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker, and a much-adored teacher who tried to befriend him, all two days before his 16th birthday. Now, two years later, it is time for her to come to terms with marriage, career, family, parenthood, and Kevin's horrific rampage, in a series of startlingly direct correspondences with her estranged husband, Franklin. Uneasy with the sacrifices and social demotion of motherhood from the start, Eva fears that her alarming dislike for her own son may be responsible for driving him so nihilistically off the rails.

After listening to William Landy's Defending Jacob  and reading Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes, I hoped I would get to Lionel Shriver's We Need to Talk About Kevin before the end of the year.  When a couple of ladies in one of my online reading groups mentioned doing a group read of the book, I jumped at the opportunity.  Unfortunately, it didn't turn out to be much of a group read. Only one other person read the book, and she read it much quicker than I did.  By the time I finished, she had moved on to other things.

We Need to Talk About Kevin is not only a well written book that makes one think, it is also a book that draws the reader in affects him or her (at least me) on a more visceral level.  This is a book that is an experience rather than just another book to be read.  

Because of all the emotions and thoughts the book was dredging up, I thought it would be interesting to keep a journal as I read.  Although I have tried to keep this as spoiler free as possible, it may be that some have slipped in.  Please read with caution.  These are some of my initial thoughts:

When reading a book, it isn't unusual for me to draw comparisons between my life and that of the characters I am reading about.  I not only ask what I would do in a similar or the same situation, but I also think of how similar or dissimilar I think or behave from the characters I am reading about.  It's not something I put much effort into; rather, it's just the type of reader I am.  Call it reflection, internalization, personalization or what have you.  It's both a blessing and a curse.  Especially when I read a book like this. Being still newish to parenting and one who recently suffered from Postpartum Depression, I'm most susceptible to anything related to parenting and parenting issues. 

Anyway, listening to We Need to Talk About Kevin, particularly the very early letters, I found myself wondering about my own reasons to have a child.  My own ambiguity about having a child before my husband and I decided we wanted a child.  Eva and I were in totally different places when we got pregnant though.  Her situation just makes me sad. Not wanting a child, but having one because she thinks it will make her husband happy. 

and about half way through:

I feel sorry for Eva mostly.  I think she did what she could with what she knew.  She tried.  But I also am getting the distinct impression that she never really wanted Kevin even after he was born.  He was a very difficult child.  Colicky, perhaps?  How much of Eva's observations of Kevin as a young child are to be believed?  Is she a reliable narrator? What I see is the lack of attachment between a child and his mother--and even the father.  As much as Eva says Franklin is on Kevin's side, Franklin was always absent early on and his denial and belief that his son was an ideal and not the reality, did not help.

I am not blaming Eva or Franklin for what Kevin did, but I do think, from a clinical standpoint, something didn't click for Kevin during those early, vital formative years.  Maybe even before that really.  I believe a baby, even from the womb, can sense certain things.  So I tend to think his mother and father's detachment were contributing factors.  But I think he was already "off" somehow when he was born.

and finally,

I really liked the book.  I can't say I was surprised by how things unfolded as I had a strong sense how everything would play out from the beginning.  Still, I loved the author's writing and the way she really brought out the characters, especially Eva. Reading her story brought to mind William Landay's Defending Jacob.  It's from a father's perspective of a son who is accused of murdering a classmate.  It's less "in the head" as compared to Shriver's book--more a thriller, I think, than Shriver's book, which I see more as literary fiction.

The book was much easier for me to read after the first half, I'll admit.  Once I was able to get out of my own head and just focus on Eva's situation.  

This book is certainly thought provoking.  The idea of nurture versus nature comes to mind.  And I especially like the fact that it is written from the perspective of a parent.  All too often we, as a society, are quick to blame the parents when a child acts out like Kevin did.  I think it's a natural process in our attempt to understand the "why" of it.  Eva wasn't a character I particularly liked, and I doubt we ever would have been friends had she been real and we met in real life, but I felt for her as a parent and as a woman.  I understand Eva's feelings of guilt.  I think in her shoes, I would feel the same way. It's easy to look back and think of all that should have been done, the interventions that might have helped prevent such a horrible act from occurring.  And it's easy to think--or say--we would do things differently in the same situation.   I came away from this book shaking my head. I really don't know.  It's a book that makes me sad mostly.  Sad for Eva. Sad for all those families who lost loved ones.  As for Kevin, I have no sympathy for him.  Maybe for that little boy he once was, but what he did was plain evil.

Coleen Marlo narrated the audio production of the book and I have to say I have a hard time separating her from the story, given how much her voice became and was Eva for me.  She did an amazing job.  Thanks to her and the author, We Need to Talk About Kevin is a book I won't soon forget.

Rating:  (Outstanding)

You can learn more about Lionel Shriver and her books on the author's Facebook Page. 
For more information about the narrator, Coleen Marlo, visit her blog.

Source: I bought an audio copy of this book for my own listening pleasure.

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© 2013, 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.