Musings of a Bookish Kitty

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Bookish Thoughts: Paranoia by Joseph Finder

Paranoia by Joseph Finder (narrated by Scott Brick)

Macmillan Audio, 2004

Crime Fiction; 12 hours 56 minutes

Years ago I had purchased a print copy of Paranoia and it sat on my shelf unread. When I moved a couple years ago, it was one of the many books that I ended up donating to my office. I hadn't been sure when or if I would ever get to it--and my interest in it just wasn't there anymore. Then, a couple of months ago, I saw a teaser for the movie version of the book and thought maybe listening to the audiobook was the way to go.

The novel is narrated by Scott Brick, who evidently has a very good reputation as a reader. And sure enough, I was caught in his spell. Paranoia is written in first person, and Scott Brick takes on the role of the protagonist, Adam Cassidy, a man who doesn't have much ambition other than figuring out how to coast without having to work too hard. He doesn't have a good relationship with his father, a bitter man who was been burned by the system. It doesn't help matters that his father's attitude has created so many problems with keeping nurses and health aides at his side.

Adam gets caught stealing money from the company he works for, a prank really, and suddenly his life takes an entirely different turn. His boss won't press criminal charges on the condition Adam goes undercover at a rival company and steals their latest plans for a new project they have been working on. Adam sees no alternative and accepts the deal.

I admit I expected a more fast paced thriller. Paranoia wasn't that. It takes time for Adam to insinuate himself into the company and I never quite felt the tension I would have expected with a novel like this. That isn't to say I didn't enjoy the novel. I did very much. Perhaps it didn't help that my listening time was divided up in 20-25 minute increments over the course of two weeks.

I really came to like Adam, even despite his behavior. His character grew over the course of the book, and I think that really made a difference. I could relate in some respects with Adam and his relationship with his father. His father was a difficult man whom Adam could never seem to please. I was drawn to Goddard, the CEO of Trion, in much the same way Adam was. I think my favorite character though was Antoine, the aide Adam finally hired for his father. I kind of wish he would have played more of a role in the novel, but just because I liked him so much. Wyatt, on the other hand, the CEO of the company Adam was spying for, I couldn't stand. He was everything I despise in a person: dishonest, cocky, greedy, and just plain slimy.

The author, Joseph Finder, really knows now to spin a tale, drawing the reader in and getting them attached to the characters. His characters are well fleshed out. The last hour of the book was seat of your pants type listening as everything came to a head. I was quite impressed with the twists and turns in this novel, expecting some but definitely not others. As with most thrillers, suspension of disbelief is required, and I had no problem setting aside my disbelief for the sake of this novel. It's corporate espionage at its finest.

Scott Brick captured the voice of Adam quite while, I thought, really making the story come to life for me. I will definitely look for more books narrated by him. And I imagine I will be reading more by Joseph Finder as well.

I was really curious how the book would be translated into a film, pretty sure changes would be made to make it more of an action thriller than the book was and I was right. The movie definitely had a more intense feel to it. As can be expected when a book is translated into a movie, the movie was different in several respects. Certain aspects of the story were changed; characters were combined, similar in name only, or completely left out; and the endings are very different from one another.

The movie has gotten poor reviews, and, to some degree, I can see why. The movie stars quite a few big names, including Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman and Liam Hemsworth. They all put on decent performances, but they weren't great. Liam Hemsworth was nice to look, but his character in the movie didn't stand out. None of the characters did, really.

I thought the movie's story had its strong points, but it was weak in other areas. In today's day and age, given the technological advances and the high stakes involved, everything fell into place a little too easily. At least in the book, the author was able to make me believe the story he created could happen while I was reading it.

It is impossible for me not to make comparisons between the book and movie. Adam's father in the movie was played by Richard Dreyfuss, a wise and fatherly figure who is not only supportive of his son but an all around nice guy. He was nothing like Adam's father in the book. Adam's father in the novel was difficult to say the least. He was extremely critical of Adam. He went through nurses and home aides like they were potato chips. Adam's relationship with his father plays a big part in the Adam's motivations in the book, and that alone makes the two versions of Paranoia very different from one another.

I actually appreciate the book much more after having seen the movie. Not because the movie compliments the book, but rather because I can better see nuances of plot and characterization I overlooked while listening to the book. Joseph Finder was subtle in his approach as he weaved together his story. And by the end, I was surprised by some of the twists I hadn't seen coming. Which makes me glad I didn't see the movie first. The movie trailer itself gives away some of the book's surprises, unfortunately.

As for the different endings . . . I actually liked both. The movie ending fit the movie and the book's ending was fitting for the book. I don't think I would change either.

Rating:

(Good +)

You can learn more about Joseph Finder and his books on the author's website.
For more information about the narrator, Scott Brick, and his work, visit his website.

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

© 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.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Where is Your Bookmark? (09/10/2013)

I know it's more of a Sunday Salon thing, but I don't think there's actually a rule book . . .

Time: 9:00 p.m. Monday night. Mouse is playing in the bath (her dad is supervising) and I am sneaking in a few rare minutes on the computer before we turn in for the night.

Eating and Drinking: Nothing at the moment. We did have a little birthday cake earlier in the evening. Yum. I enjoyed some ice cold water on the side--my drink of choice most of the time.

How I Spent My Birthday: My daughter was sick over the weekend, and so we kept the festivities to a minimum. Not that we had any big parties planned. I took the day off from work Monday in hopes I could curl up with a book and enjoy my special day. Suffice it to say, I spent the day cleaning out Mouse's drawers and closet. We transformed her room from a baby's room to a toddler's room this weekend, and I wanted to finish the job. We're almost done. I would really like to get a couple of carousel type pictures to put on her walls, but haven't had the best of luck finding ones I like. Anyway, I filled three big garbage bags with stuff to donate.

Presents!: I don't generally like to talk about gifts I receive for Christmas or my birthday, but I can't help but share the bookish gifts. My mom got me J.A. Jance's latest novel, Second Watch, a series I am woefully behind in. My in-laws and team at work went the gift card route, and now I'm armed with gift cards to Amazon. My awesome husband caught my hints and pre-ordered the new Kindle Paperwhite coming out at the end of this month. I am so excited! It was definitely a bookish birthday this year.

Currently Reading: The Litter of the Law by Rita Mae Brown. It was a random pick. One of those where I could not decide what to read next, and so I played the eeny, meeny, miny, moe game. I am not a huge fan of anthropomorphism in my mysteries, which this book has in spades. We'll see how it goes . . .

Listening to: The Killing Floor by Lee Child, narrated by Dick Hill. I read a later book in the series a about three years ago and wasn't as smitten as some of my favorite mystery fan bloggers were, and decided maybe I would give the books a try in audio form. It's going much better this time around.

What I am Thankful For: Silly moments and off the wall comments. This has to be the best age ever. Not my age. My daughter's. Just as I hit a milestone birthday of which we will not mention, my daughter turned 2 1/2 yesterday. I am thankful for each and every one of those silly moments with her.

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

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.

I seem to be sharing more from my recent audiobook listens than from my actual print reads. Oh well. Here's a taste of the opening of Lee Child's The Killing Floor, first in the Jack Reacher series.

I was arrested in Eno's Diner, at Twelve o'clock. I was eating eggs and drinking coffee. A late breakfast, not lunch. I was wet and tired after a long walk in heavy rain. All the way from the highway to the edge of town.

Would you continue reading?

Monday, September 09, 2013

Mouse's Corner

What better way to celebrate my birthday than by introducing a new feature on my blog? Welcome to Mouse's Corner where I share tidbits about Mouse and talk about what we are reading. I got the idea from two fellow bloggers I adore: Stacy of Stacy's Books, who writes Weekends with Gage, and Julie from Booking Mama who hosts the Kid Konnection meme. I will be keeping it a rather informal affair. Some days I may share a conversation between Mouse and myself and other days I may give a brief review of a book we recently read. Occasionally you may find a guest post (volunteers welcome!) in which guests talk about their favorite childhood memory or book or perhaps a bookish story involving a child in their lives.

To kick off Mouse's Corner, I thought I would share a photo of Mouse's actual reading corner. Or rather, reading corners. To be honest, we read just about everywhere in the house. We even have a few children's books in the bathroom.

Downstairs:

Upstairs:

Do you have a designated reading corner for your children? Or did you have one as a child?

Thursday, September 05, 2013

Bookish Thoughts: Highlanders and Romance

Stepping outside my comfort zone and into the literary world of romance seems to be this year's mission. This summer I decided on a little Highlander action. I began with an author who I was familiar with and liked her writing style, moving on to one recommended by a fellow blogger. Admittedly, I haven't much to say about any of them--I read them during a dark spot in my life and they provided the comfort I needed at the time. I should also state up front that Highlander history is not one I am well versed in nor do I have a particular interest in it. That did not stop me from enjoying the books, however.

Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning (Dell, 1999; 416 pgs) ~ This is a series I plan to continue. I fell in love with Moning's writing when I read Darkfever last year. And so I felt safe venturing into her more romantic Highlander series. After serving his king for so many years, Hawk finally has a chance for freedom, only to find he's to be wed to a woman he is loathe to marry. Only, all is not as it seems. The woman he takes as his wife is not who everyone thinks she is. She is Adrienne de Simone of Seattle, Washington--transported from the future to the past as revenge by the fae. The two couldn't be more ill-suited for each other--or rather, the perfect match. I enjoyed the interplay between Hawk and Adrienne, the push and the pull, and the way the story unfolded. I was drawn into the novel immediately and loved every minute of it, from the magic to the intrigue to the romance.

You can learn more about Karen Marie Moning and her books on the author's website.

Source: I bought an e-copy of this book for my own reading pleasure.

Monica McCarty's MacLeod Trilogy ~ After reading Moning's Highlander book, I thought I would give Monica McCarty a try. Her historical romances came at the recommendation of fellow blogger, Trisha from Tripping Over My Tongue. Highlander Untamed is much more straight historical fiction than Moning's book, and I appreciated that the author ends her books with a note about the historical accuracy of each story and the liberties she takes to create a more entertaining story.

In the case of Highlander Untamed by Monica McCarty (Ballantine, 2007; 416 pgs), Rory MacLeod is the Laird of his clan. As a way to stay in the king's good graces, he agrees to handfast a woman from a rival clan. Isabel MacDonald has her own agenda when coming to stay with the MacLeod's for the year long handfast to Rory. Sent as a spy, she is determined to prove her worth to her family. Rory and Isabel are both determined not to fall for each other despite their apparent attraction to one another.

Highlander Unmasked by Monica McCarty (Ballantine, 2007; 432 pgs) ~ Alex MacLeod is the brother to Rory MacLeod from the first book in the trilogy. He has a big presence in the first book, but it isn't until this book that the reader really gets a good look inside Alex's mind and a more complete understanding of what motivates him. He is haunted by his past and out to prove himself. As a result, he has been working undercover to gain information about an upcoming attack on the MacLeod's of Lewis. The Seton and King want nothing more than to bring the Highlanders down a peg or two, breaking up their stronghold on the Highlands and going after Lewis is the way to do it. While trying to gain information at court, Alex meets Meg Mackinnon, a woman he saved not to far from his home while in disguise as a mercenary. Only, Meg knows her hero that day is him and she is determined to find out what Alex is up to and why he doesn't want anyone to know what he'd done.

Highlander Unchained by Monica McCarty (Ballantine, 2007; 384 pgs) ~ Flora MacLeod does not want her mother's life. She will not be forced into marriage by her half brothers or anyone else. It will be her choice, and her choice alone. All that is threatened, however, when she is abducted by Lachlan Maclean. Maclean must marry Flora--and have her agree to it of her own free will--only, he knows she will refuse him when she discovers the reason behind it. He only wants to save his people and lands; he never meant to fall for the beautiful woman who has so much disdain for the Highland life he has to offer. And she never anticipated falling for the very man who kidnapped her.

I enjoyed all three of the McCarty novels, although probably should not have read them in quick succession of each other. The women were intelligent and self-sufficient and the men were attentive and thoughtful, even if all brawn and gorgeous. The characters were complex, with chinks in their armor. There were your expected moments of too much protest, but it rarely felt over done (except in Highlander Unchained). The books shared a similar formula in terms of plot twists and climax, and, by the second book, I found myself taking more and more breaks in between chapters to read other things.

I liked how the author wove history into her stories--it was just the right blend for a romance novel. Not too heavy and yet just enough to give the reader a good feel for the life and politics of the times. I also really liked that there was intrigue mixed in with the romance. It's what kept me interested to be sure.

I most liked Rory from Highlander Untamed as a hero. His character had a good mix of intelligence, strength and vulnerability. Even as I write this though, I can't help but think of Alex from Highlander Unmasked. He was the more charming of the three heroes and the most complex. While Rory may have won me over as my favorite male protagonist in the series, interestingly, it wasn't his female counterpart that I most identified with and enjoyed getting to know. Meg Mackinnon from Highlander Unmasked most won me over in the female protagonist department. She was ever practical and most often thought with her mind rather than her heart. And although I liked Flora from the third book most of the time, I found myself getting annoyed with her and with Lachlan who I just wished would hurry up and be honest. By the time I got to the second half of the book, I was ready to strangle them both. So much could have been resolved sooner if only he'd been upfront with her sooner. Still, I enjoyed the book and found the ending satisfying.

I am very much ready for a break from the Highlanders for awhile. I do want to continue with Karen Marie Moning's series, but think maybe I have had my fill of the genre for the moment. And while I enjoyed reading Monica McCarty's books, I have not yet decided whether I will read more of her Highlander books.

You can learn more about Monica McCarty and her books on the author's website.

Source: I bought e-copies of each book in this trilogy for my own reading pleasure.

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Where is Your Bookmark? (09/03/2013)

We braved the heat this past weekend and attended the Los Angeles County Fair. I think we all took in too much sun the day we were there, but we still managed to have fun. When asked what her favorite part of the fair was, Mouse immediately said seeing the zebras. I think riding the carousel is up at the top of her list too. Both Anjin and I had Monday off for the Labor Day Holiday, and we, along with Mouse, spent a good chunk of the day at the park where we fed the ducks, played on the jungle gym and cooled off in the water play area. It was a good way to round off the long weekend.

I managed to get a little reading in this weekend, although not much listening. I am reading a crime fiction novel called Lineup by Liad Shoham for an upcoming book tour. The setting (Israel) is what first drew me to the novel. So far I am enjoying it. I hope to finish listening to Ready Player One this week. I am not sure it is a book I would enjoy actually reading in print, but listening to Wil Wheaton narrate the story has me hooked. If I could, I would sit straight through and listen to the remaining four hours. Alas, that is not an option.

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

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.

The audiobook, Ready Player One, had me sitting on pins and needles all weekend, wanting to listen but not being able to. I even woke up a little early this morning so I could get back to it . . .

Everyone my age remembers remembers where they were and what they were doing when they first heard about the contest. I was sitting in my hideout watching cartoons when the news bulletin broke in on my video feed, announcing that James Halliday had died during the night.

I'd heard of Halliday, of course. Everyone had. He was the videogame designer responsible for creating the OASIS, a massively multiplayer on-line game that had gradually evolved into the globally networked virtual reality most of humanity now used on a daily basis. The unprecedented success of the OASIS had made Halliday one of the wealthiest people in the world.

At first, I couldn't understand why the media was making such a big deal of the billionaire's death. After all, the people of Planet Earth had other concerns. The ongoing energy crisis. Catastrophic climate change. Widespread famine, poverty, and disease. Half a dozen wars. You know: "dogs and cats living together . . . mass hysteria!" Normally, the news-feeds didn't interrupt everyone's interactive sitcoms and soap operas unless something really major happened. Like the outbreak of some new killer virus, or another major city vanishing in a mushroom cloud. Big stuff like that. As famous as he was, Halliday's death should have warranted only a brief segment on the evening news, so the unwashed masses could shake their heads in envy when the newscasters announced the obscenely large amount of money that would be doled out to the rich man's heirs.