These are the blogs you’re looking for…
Every Tuesday over at the The Broke and Bookish we all get to look at a particular topic for discussion and use various (or more to the point ten) examples to demonstrate that particular topic. The topic this week is:
‘Ten Bookish People You Should Follow On…’
Far be it from me to tell you who to follow but I figured I would use the force anyway and compel you all! Here are ten blogs that, for different reasons, may capture your attention:
- The Classics Club – I know that I don’t need to explain this one – get thee over there and read some Dickens (or Austen). Culture darling. Culture!
- Rinnreads – who runs a sci fi event every year that is great fun and helps me to read more sci fi which is slightly out of my comfort zone. Who doesn’t want to be uncomfortable (ahem, challenged!)
- Over the Effing Rainbow – because – the Lovely Lisa (it’s an official title) is always organising lots of readalongs that are great to get involved in and they’re all easy to follow on Goodreads so simple to get involved with. Easy peasy.
- Fantasy Faction– because, all the interesting and cool things.
- SF Signal – because, ditto the above!
- Little Red Reviewer – like the Jedi Master of finding books for me to want to read. Managed to avoid the dark side (just). ‘These are the books you’re looking for!’ Plus Vintage Sci fi : so the whole getting out of your comfort zone again.
- Books by Proxy – Friday Face Off. If you love book covers this gives a great opportunity to focus on some covers. Book tart over here!
- Breaking the Spine – Waiting on Wednesday – great weekly meme where we all get to rave about the books we’re looking forward to. And. I. Do. Mean. Rave. Let loose people. Let loose.
- The Speculative Herald – yes, this is a great new blog with all the latest and most uptodate book news (and the fact that I occasionally contribute has got nothing to do with my mentioning it here, no sirree, no self-serving nonsense, not from me, nope…okay, you got me, maybe a tad)
- Leaving this blank for you all to fill in! Suggestions??
And, because this is a very sort of dry, in terms of colour and pics, TTT I thought we should have a silly picture (which reflects all of us and what good buds we are) so:
Eleanor by Jason Gurley
Well, I’ve just finished reading Eleanor and can safely say that in terms of pulling on the heartstrings this book is in a masterclass of it’s own. Let me be clear, this is a story with heartbreak, mental illness, depression and grieving over a loved one and whilst that may sound like I’m trying to put you off from reading Eleanor that’s the furthest thing from the truth. Yes, this book undoubtedly deals with a lot of emotional issues but it’s so well written and so powerful. I want to call it beautiful but I’m not sure it’s really the right way to go, maybe evocative. It’s certainly a book that I would highly recommend and I know for a fact that I will continue to think about this for days to come.
The premise of the story. Well we start off with a young mother named Eleanor. Eleanor clearly has issues in terms of depression particularly revolving around her own feelings of lost identify, missed opportunity and an overwhelming feeling of being trapped (possibly she’s suffering from post natal depression?) Unfortunately Eleanor’s own mental state of mind result in her leaving her home early one morning and striding into the sea never to be seen again. Fast forward now to Agnes. Agnes is Eleanor’s daughter and now with twins of her own named Eleanor and Esmerelda. Again, tragedy strikes the family with a terrible car accident in which Esmerelda dies. Now jump forward again to a teenage Eleanor (the surviving twin). Eleanor’s life has been devastated by the loss of her twin sister. The guilt, blame, anger and reprisals have completely wrecked what was formerly a happy home. Divorced, Agnes now witnesses the world through the bottom of a bottle, her husband has retreated into his barely there existence and Eleanor is left trying to pick up the pieces. Then out of the blue Eleanor walks through a doorway in school to find herself going through a portal into a totally strange realm.
I just found this story fascinating, compelling and overwhelming. The writing is excellent and will punch you in the gut! Sorry, but it will. Lassie and Dobbie didn’t make me cry but this book came close! I started off thinking this would be a coming of age type of novel. Eleanor was about the right age and when she started having her strange experiences I thought these were going to be more akin to episodes that she was perhaps conjuring herself or even flights of fancy but in that respect I was completely wrong. What happens to Eleanor impacts on those closest to her in terms of her disappearing and then reappearing at a later stage, usually with various injuries which don’t really cast the other members of her family or friends in a good light. In fact, although Eleanor suffers trauma during these episodes, so do those surrounding her as she goes through these strange ordeals than nobody can understand or explain.
In terms of criticisms for the book. Well, I thought that the fantasy elements maybe got a little bit more fantastical than I liked, particularly given the very ‘real’ feel of everything else going on in the story. I was expecting a fantasy element but maybe something a bit more gentle somehow. Eleanor enters a sort of dream world – I’m going to be honest and say that dreams and dream worlds are not my favourite element of fantasy. That being said I think the author does a good job but I just felt it became a little bit too heavy for me personally at certain points. Not a major criticism and probably just my own personal whim.
On the whole though, I thought this was a really good story. The author can certainly pull the heartstrings and far from being a coming of age tale this is a story told by three generations of women. Mothers and daughters and their relationships and the impact this has on the family. It’s also a book that really looks at grief and the different way that can affect a family. On top of this, just to sweeten the deal, this is a book of hope. I seriously hope that I haven’t made this sound grim. There is tragedy and sadness but this is so much more than a grim read.
I received a copy of this courtesy of the publisher through netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Classics Club: revised list suggestions please!!
3 April 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Suggestions for classic reads?, The Classics Club
Well, I was about to say a couple of years ago but that would have been a fib so I’ll come clean, three years ago I joined in with the Classics Club. This is a great site that encourages you to pick up some old favourites and share with others. I used to read a lot of classics but this was mainly because I read what was available around me and those being my dad’s books the majority were classics.
Obviously I moved on from there to my own books and tastes but I still like to include the odd classic into my reading These days my tastes run more to speculative fiction with a little murder/mystery/horror/historical thrown into the mix for good measure. Truthfully, I’m not doing as well as I’d hoped so I’ve decided to revise my list and I’m looking for some suggestions. I’m not going to try and go through all the classic books I’ve read because it would be silly! But, for example, I recently read The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde – which was great. I would definitely like to read more along those lines. I like books with a magical fairytale feel and also was thinking of Agatha Christie or other similar murder/mystery books – also, anything a little bit creepy would be good. If you have any suggestions please let me know. Obviously any fantasy classics that you can think of feel free to chuck in here too.
Thanks!
Kushiel’s Justice by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week No.3
3 April 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Justice, Readalong week 3
Today is week 3 of our readalong of Kushiel’s Justice by Jacqueline Carey. The schedule and participants are below. All welcome to join in or to simply jump in with the comments. This week we cover chapters 8-14, and this week I am the host. Without further ado, to the questions with the customary warning of spoilers!
I thought it was curious that Phedre and Joscelin joined the party to Alba – any theories. Are they about to become involved in something do you think?
It felt a little in the previous book that Phedre and Joscelin had been left behind and Imriel was finally going to take centre stage. It feels a little bit odd having them both back along – not in a bad way because I love these two characters – but almost like Carey wanted to continue to include them. I can appreciate that. At the same time I can’t help wondering if there is a hidden meaning as to why they’re being included – maybe Phedre’s relationship either to Melisande or Hyacinthe is going to be pivotal – or maybe I’m just reading into things too much which is quite possible!
I’m pleased and also curious about the mention of Hyacinthe in these chapters. What sort of role do you see him playing in the rest of this story, if any??
It seems to me that Hyacinthe may play a pivotal role here but almost like he’s reluctant to do so? I’m not sure why. Perhaps he doesn’t feel like he should play a central role. There’s definitely something going on with this aspect of the story but I’m not sure what at the moment.
I’m puzzled with Phedre in these chapters and her sort of inner calm? She seems to take everything in her stride. Any thoughts on this?
This question simply came about when the party had made camp and were alerted to strangers riding in. Everybody jumped to arms and drew swords and Phedre just sat calmly by the fire. Does she have an inner sense of things now that she knows the name of God? I am curious if that’s what everyone else was thinking or whether I’m over reading the situation.
And we have a name ‘Morwen’ what does this bring to mind if anything? Any more thoughts on the stories around the ‘Old Ones’ and the new characters that we have met?
The name Morwen feels familiar but I really don’t know why. Perhaps it’s just very similar sounding to another name from a story from the past but it somehow feels familiar. The ‘Old Ones’ sort of remind me of the fae. The way they used to be mentioned in stories, the fact that they disappeared, their shape shifting and other abilities. Probably a foolish notion but I can’t help it popping into my head. The other thing that springs to mind of course is Merlin and that whole mythology.
What do you make of Imriel and Dorelei’s relationship and how it’s developing. Do you see a future for them – one with perhaps a child in it? And if so, would this change Imriels plans about only spending a year in Alba and then returning to Sidonie?
Well, I don’t think Imriel dislikes Dorelei – at the same time I don’t think he maybe appreciates that the birth control methods of women in Alba may not be quite as stringent as those in his homeland where ‘love as thou wilt’ is the common motto. I think it’s highly likely that Dorelei will become pregnant and at this moment I have no idea just how that will muddy the waters. I still think Imriel will want to return to Sidonie.
This curse – what do you make of it. The protections that are now placed on Imriel – how do you see this affecting his relationship with Dorelei?
I think for the moment it will make him feel gloriously free of his previous attractions. yes, he will be at ease to fall for Dorelei but I wonder how true those feelings will be once the protections are removed. It feels like the protection will almost be not much better than the curse – which feels a little like voodoo. It makes me a bit sad for Dorelei really because Imriel may develop feelings for her whilst these protections are in place but I’m not sure how real that feeling will be when they are removed.
The Tiberians and the Maghuin Dhon – we learn a little more about them and their history. What did you make of it and the Tiberians?
I think we saw a different side to the Maghuin Dhon and their troubles with the Tiberians. I’m assuming the Tiberians are the Romans? They come and conquer but then they also leave if things are proving not as easy as they expected.
Finally, the Lady Grainne has given her terms to Lord Ferghus – what do you predict the outcome to be?
This felt a little bit sad to be honest, like something that Grainne was saying in order to conform to rules about guests in her home. I can see why she felt the need to say these things but it felt a little like trying to swat a brick with a feather somehow. Almost like there was a balance -but it was only a semblance of a balance? I doubt that her terms will have much effect but I hope I’m wrong.
Here is the schedule:
Week 1: Chpts. 1-7, Mar 20 – Hosted by Dab of Darkness
Week 2: Chpts. 8-14, Mar 27 – Hosted by Emma Wolf
Week 3: Chpts. 15-22, Apr 3 – Hosted by Lynn’s Book Blog
Week 4: Chpts. 23-29, Apr 10 – Hosted by Tethyan Books
Week 5: Chpts. 30-37, Apr 17 – Hosted by Dab of Darkness
Week 6: Chpts. 38-46, Apr 24 – Hosted by Emma Wolf
Week 7: Chpts. 47-56, May 1 – Hosted by Lynn’s Book Blog
Week 8: Chpts. 57-65, May 8 – Hosted by Tethyan Books
Week 9: Chpts. 66-END, May 15 – Hosted by Dab of Darkness
And here is the current list of participators:
Allie at Tethyan Books
Lynn at Lynn’s Book Blog
Emily at Emma Wolf
Susan at Dab of Darkness
Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow
Quiet Neighbors by Catriona McPherson
Quiet Neighbours is one of my March books that I’m only just reviewing. I actually quite enjoyed this although it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. I would say this was something of a mystery story, it has a sort of twee feel to it – and I don’t mean to be negative by saying that – well, just read the review! I think picking this up I thought it might have had a bit of a supernatural element or been a dark and creepy read – if you’re looking at the cover and thinking the same and don’t fancy dark and creepy then fear not. This could be right up your street. As it was this felt like one of those books that you can pick up and spend a few hours whiling away the time. Entertaining and easy to read.
Jude first visited the village of Wigtown with her husband on vacation and when she found herself in need of a place to run and hide it was the first place she thought of. Far removed from the busy streets of London Wigtown is a tiny village with a few quaint shops, one of which is a dusty old book store run by a disorganised and rather eccentric chap called Lowell. Wigtown is one of those tiny places that you could almost blink and miss. Charming, remote and with more than it’s share of curtain twitchers. It also seems to have something of a history – one that’s about to be uncovered in the most unlikely fashion and more secrets than you can shake a stick hat. Unfortunately there are still those living in Wigtown who want those secrets to remain as such and digging them up could be dangerous to the health of the diggers!
At the start of the story we don’t know what Jude is running from but slowly and surely McPherson begins to drop clues. Then, on top of this another unlikely character enters the scene and before we know it the once lonely book store owner finds himself with a much busier house.
So, to the twee – well, a woman runs away from London, we don’t know why, she could be a raving maniac with a hatchet hidden in her handbag and yet 5 minutes and a bucketload of tears after arriving in Wigtown she has a job, a home and a fistful of money. Then another stray appears on the scene with an unlikely story and is also taken under the fluffy wing of Lowell. Yeah, things work out very easy but then if these pieces hadn’t dropped into place this would be a different story and I sort of decided to just go with it – after all, Lowell is lonely and does need help at his shop. Suspend your nitpicking and just dive in!
What I liked about this. It has that feeling of a book where you can just sink in and happily read along as the story unfolds. You pretty much know that things will all come together and you’ll be granted some semblance of a happy ending even if you can’t quite figure out how as all the strands become more and more tangled. It has this lovely old comedy of errors, farce-like mystery feel. Everyone jumping at clues and coming up with more and more weird suppositions and on top of that set in a bookstore with random quotes and snippets from books that add to the charm. I wanted to step into that shop, I really did! I was itching to find that perfect find.
Criticisms. The way everything just comes together – part of what makes the book enjoyable and easy to read but also sometimes slightly irritating too! There is the development of a romance thread which I really didn’t think was necessary and in fact I couldn’t see it at all. Amongst all the other tomfoolery that element just didn’t work for me. Lowell was written as a bit of a doddery character. The sort of character who searches the house for his reading specs which are perched on top of his head all the while, or walks around in a smelly robe that hasn’t been washed since it saw the light of day. And dear me – if he actually uttered the words ‘dear me’ one more time – I was going to open up a can, dear me, yes I really was! One more dear me, just one – and I would have actually punched Lowell in the face! And I don’t have violent tendencies usually. Dear me no.
But, fairly minor criticisms to be honest. And, to be clear, I didn’t dislike Lowell (dear me, how could I – I jest, I couldn’t help it, this ‘dear me’ing’ is actually quite addictive once you start!) No, I liked the characters, they’re nice people after all!
This is a fun and entertaining mystery, not spooky or dark at all, that can be enjoyed in a couple of days snuggled up in an armchair all cosy like.
If that appeals to you then give it a go. I had fun reading and in fact even had fun writing this review. Not the type of book that I read predominantly so if you’re expecting any fantasy elements then walk away now. There isn’t a ghost in sight! No bumps in the night, no apparitions and a downright unforgivable shortage of dragons and elves.
I received a copy courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Books and travelling with Lynn 