rahniREADS (August '09)

When people ask me what I like to read, I usually shrug and say, simply, "Everything." But I've come to realize that that is not true. I feel no attraction towards books of many genres. Jack Kerouac, Ken Kesey, Laurel K. Hamilton, Thomas Hardy? Not My Style. I'm-Just-Calling-You-Names Current Affairs books, Self Help, New Age, True Crime, most Themed Mysteries (culinary, quilting, etc.), Breathless Bodice Rippers? Not Interested. If you can't express yourself except through prolific clusters of obscenities, I will be skipping your book. I love biographies, but I have no interest in reading about the people who are all, "Look at me and how screwed up I am and how I never try to redeem or improve myself or even think about others, and listen to my dramatic list of all the wrongs done to me and how badly I've been treated in life and each drunken/stoned escapade of my life that I remember, I'm so distracted by staring at my own bellybutton and trying to figure out just what an enigma I am, blah, blah, blah." Forget it. Sometimes I don't realize it's Not To My Taste until too late. I'm already immersed, and can't, can't, can't--CANNOT--abandon yet another book midway through.


Gateway - Frederik Pohl*
~Space angst dissected by computer shrink~
The NPR Commentator and "famous" Seattle librarian, Nancy Pearl, introduced this book to me as an aside during an interview I listened to years ago. Despite that, I will continue to listen to her reviews and continue to delight in her book-recommendation collections, Book Lust and More Book Lust. The story is a SciFi future/space drama, where Earth is on the brink of collapse and humans are looking to colonize new worlds. They've found spaceships built by an unknown alien race that fly pre-programmed routes and--using their extremely limited knowledge--the humans use these ships to help the colonization process. The intriguing thing about this prospect is that they have no idea where the ships with go and, more importantly, how long each flight will last. Sounds like an fascinating read, no? Nope. It wasn't. Beyond that (admittedly) unique and mind-bending idea, the book is stuck in 60's/70's Freudian over-psychoanalyzing, sexual revolution, anti-establishment indignation, etc. Not for me. Stop fighting with your Oedipal urges, computer shrink, disturbingly violent tendencies, and rotating bedmates, Mr. Robinette Broadhead. It's tiresome. And it doesn't make for a compelling story. Thumbs down. (Fiction, Science Fiction>IYLRMO Replay, Kurt Vonnegut)
The Amateur Marriage - Anne Tyler***1/2
~Rash wartime declarations of love wane~
I kept thinking of my sister, Chandra, while reading this book. Not because her marriage at all resembles this book, but because it's a book I'm surprised she hasn't pushed on me. This novel serves as a profile of America through the decades as well as a study of a mismatched marriage. By alternating points of view from chapter to chapter, Ms. Tyler allows us to really dig deeper into these characters lives and perspectives. Though frequently frustrated with this incongruous pair, I quite enjoyed this evening read. (Fiction, Historical (WWII to present)>IYLRMO Before You Know Kindness--Chris Bohjalian, The Scarlet Feather--Maeve Binchy)
Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word - Randall Kennedy***
~Sociologist examines, discusses politically-charged word~
"The word is paradigmatically ugly, racist and inflammatory. But is it different when Ice Cube uses it in a song than when, during the O.J. Simpson trial, Mark Fuhrman was accused of saying it? What about when Lenny Bruce uses it to "defang" it by sheer repetition? Or when Mark Twain uses it in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to make an antiracist statement? Kennedy, a professor at Harvard Law School and noted legal scholar, has produced an insightful and highly provocative book that raises vital questions about the relationship between language, politics, social norms and how society and culture confront racism."--Publishers Weekly
I started reading this book in August 2009 in a B&N break room. My initial introduction to the work, however, occurred about seven(?) years earlier in the only episode of Boston Public that I've ever watched. A racial incident in the classroom prompted the teacher to assign this particular book as a required read. Like a dutifully interested television viewer, I went out, bought this book and added it to my library shelves. Where it sat. And sat. And sat. For years. Inspired by last month's reading choice successes by selecting from my own bookshelves, I turned again to my overflowing library. Let me just say that this book is awkward to carry around in public. After taking in the skeptical or astonished glances, I'd rush to point out the subtitle and blather about how it's a sociological study . . . and on and on. Walking down a sidewalk one day during my lunch break, I even grew self-conscious enough to bend the cover down so that the slow-moving cars didn't send me indignant glares. I found Kennedy to be contradictory at times, as when he seems to applaud Chris Rock and condemn his grandmother for their same usage of the word. This book turned out to be more of a historical study than a contemporary discussion of today's issues. I think it was an interesting read, even brave of the author to even broach such a politically/racially-charged subject, but I was left unsatisfied by the mere listing of examples instead of probing analysis. He did retain the role of independent observor admirably, but I was hoping for actual opinions and discussion. I wish he would have included essays (or something of the like) reflecting different points of view on the subject. "After a while, one wishes for more of an argument than a laundry listing of the word's history of discord." R. Chaffey, Amazon reviewer. (Nonfiction, Cultural Studies/Current Affairs>IYLRMO Black Like Me--John Howard Griffin, He Talk Like a White Boy--Joseph C. Phillips, Honky--Dalton Conley)
Walk Two Moons - Sharon Creech (Book Club)***1/2
~Girl loses mother, learns to live~
See, it's people like Debbie who remind me that I really need to stop judging books so quickly and give them a chance. Once again, when the book club choice was announced for this month, I found myself thinking, "No, not that one!" Didn't voice it, of course. I had successfully ignored this Newberry Award winner on the shelf for years. The cover turned me off, the title bored me, and I didn't even bother reading the synopsis. Perhaps IF I HAD I would have realized the marvelous potential behind that blah cover! Indeed, the moment I finally deigned to read the synopsis on bn.com, I was immediately hooked. Two quotes for you:
"Did he actually KISS my collarbone? And if he did, why did he do that? Was the kiss supposed to land somewhere else, like on my mouth, for example? That was a chilling thought." (Salamanca, p.49)
"She's unconscious," the intern said. "She won't know whether you're here or not."
"Sonny, I've been by her side for fifty-one years, except for three days when she left me for the egg man. I'm holding on to her hand, see? If you want me to let go, you'll have to chop my hand off." (Gramps, p.256)
(Fiction, Young Reader, Newberry>IYLRMO Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry--Mildred Taylor, Maniac Magee--Jerry Spinelli)
When Jesus Came to Harvard - Harvey Cox*****
~Harvard decides students need Moral Reasoning~
Every six months the employees of Barnes & Noble go on mini-shopping sprees due to the bi-annual employee discount sale (an extra 10% off merchandise). Until about two years ago, I was no exception. As much as I tried to reason with myself that just because the books being 40% off now instead of 30% didn't give me license to go crazy, my list of BIWTR (Books I Want To Read) was more persuasive. Two years ago, however, B&N showed us a figure that represented how much we had saved that year through our own personal use of the discount. "That's how much I spent!" I exclaimed, astounded. "No, that's how much you saved." I was so horrified that my spending has gone down DRAMATICALLY at work. Probably not reaction that they were shooting for. Oh well. Anyhow, this book was on my BIWTR list for several years, strangely enough, but was always bumped for other clamoring titles. Until this past summer. That's right, I bought this little beauty for a mere 30% off--didn't even wait to save that extra $1.50. Enough was enough! About the actual book, however . . . it's great. Seriously. Go out and read it. Back in the early 80's, Harvard decided that they needed to require their students to take a class in Moral Reasoning. Armed with just the scholastic bits, their students weren't always applying their newfound knowledge in the most ethical of ways. Of the many courses offered, Harvey Cox was asked to teach a course based on the teachings of Jesus--how to apply his rabbinical teachings, the historical landscape, stories told by and about him to moral situations in our modern day world. The course quickly became one of the most popular classes on campus. Just as the course is for members of all faiths (or even of no religious faith), so is this book. A fabulous book exploring the world-altering life of Jesus and the application of moral reasoning in the 21st century. (Nonfiction, Religion, Philosophy, Cultural Studies>IYLRMO Between the Testaments, No Man is an Island--Thomas Merton, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance--Robert Pirsig)
April Morning - Howard Fast*****
~Revolutionary war battle through teen's eyes~
I can't for the life of me remember where I heard about this Revolutionary War novel, but I do know that I checked it out from my school library back in February or so. And lost track of it, come the end of school, thus making me one of the patrons we dread--people who don't return our books, thus depleting our collection. Midway through the summer, the slim novel popped up from the depths of my closet and I breathed a sigh of relief, set it aside in an obvious place and thought no more about it until school began. I even went so far as to put it in my car to return, but then thought better of it and decided to actually read the book I had held captive for lo these many months. So glad I did! Rod's reading it right now--I'll get him to weigh in soon. Here are a few passages I enjoyed . . .
"We thank the, O Lord, for the bread we eat, but we are also conscious of seed we have planted, of the hands that guided the plow and the back bent in toil. The ground is dry as dust, and I will take the liberty of asking for a little rain. I know that Thou givest with one hand and Thou takest away with the other, but sometimes it seems to me to go beyond the bounds of reason. Amen!" (Father, p.12)
"I thought [the Reverend's proclaiming to confront the advancing British army with words of reason, not with bullets, yet with weapons in hand] was beautifully put . . . I suppose that Father could have bettered it, being used to throwing in an argument at the drop of the hat, but for a reflective man like the Reverend, it was all one could ask. I even began to look forward to his projected exchange with the British, and to imagine some of the things I might say in his place. Just for the sake of peace, I hoped that his thoughts ran to less colorful language than mine." (Adam, p.92)
"I hate to scold you, I really do."
"It would be interesting to see what it would be like here if you enjoyed scolding me."
"Adam, I don't appreciate sarcasm."
"I'm sorry, Mother." (Adam/Mother, p. 42)
(Fiction, Historical, Revolutionary War>IYLRMO All Quiet on the Western Front, Rifles for Watie, Red Badge of Courage (presumably--haven't read this classic yet!))
A Kiss in Time - Alex Flinn**1/2
~Fluffy jump-through-time Sleeping Beauty spin~
A modern day twist to the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. Not really much more to say than that. It didn't WOW by any means, nor was it really terribly bad. Just a shrug. A half-hearted shrug.
(Fiction, Teen, Retold Fairy Tale mixed with real world>IYLRMO Summers at Castle Auburn--Sharon Shinn, but not as entertaining)
The Siege of Macindaw (Ranger's Apprentice #6) - John Flanagan**1/2
~Will is older and less entertaining~
Do authors think that we have the memory retention of a goldfish? Some authors are just bound and determined to thrust the same character definitions upon us over and over and over and over and . . . I'm thinking this story should have ended two books ago. I do realize that I am not the intended audience, though, and it's perfectly serviceable for the age group it caters to (6-9th grades). It's just lost a lot of its charm. Oh, well. It was a good run. (Fiction, Young Reader, Fantasy>IYLRMO The Last Apprentice series--Joseph Delaney)


(IYLRMO = If you liked/Reminds me of . . .)
***** READ IT RIGHT NOW!
*** Would definitely pass it on to others--highly recommended
*** Better than most
**1/2 (Shrug) Nothing that sticks with you, but fine afternoon reading
** If you're stuck on a deserted island and cloud-watching isn't your thing
* BURN in a fire if you're stuck on a deserted island (even if it's a hot, tropical island)

rahniREADS (July '09)

This was a STANDOUT month--here's three cheers for looking to one's own shelves for good reads! Five out of the eight books I read this month were just outstanding (I didn't count the reread in my tally). Ironically enough, all five were books from my own collection, some of which have been listlessly gathering dust for several years, due to shabby neglectfulness on my part. See, there is a valid reason for buying stacks of books at a time, even when you know that you can't give them all the proper attention they deserve. One rainy July, you just may need an unread, uncracked spine to settle down with. My goodness, I found myself marveling (rather boastfully), what good taste I had when I picked out these books! Of course, it's all too true that I've chosen some dreary duds as well, but not in this fine selection of past purchases! Okay, bragging has ceased. Read on.

(P.S. I'm so bitter right now because somehow I erased my comments on How Soccer Explains the World as well as Paris to the Moon, and now have to retype those entries! Grrrr . . . )

Magic Hour - Kristin Hannah**1/2
~Psychiatrist loses street cred, gains life~
(Library book) Not as good as the other Kristin Hannah book I read. An okay read, but I'm thinking that I'd like others of hers better. That's pretty much all I have to say about this book. Not so eloquent today, I guess. ;o) (Fiction, Modern day, Northwest>IYLRMO Jodi Picoult, Maeve Binchy)
The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss*****
~Simply the best current fantasy available~
(Owned for 6 months before cracking open) You know, I purposely didn't read this book after I bought it. Thought I'd be smart and wait until the second book of this trilogy came out before testing out the first book. Sarah G. has been enthusiastically campaigning for me to read this novel for well over a year now. So what do I do? Wait until I have a fun vacation planned and take a 722 page book with me (sorry, Chandra!). Such actions do not make for social houseguests. Poor niece and nephew--it took me over an hour to read the last 7 pages because I tried to multitask entertaining children with ignoring said children. It's a delicate balancing act. Extremely engrossing book--the next one is due out in October! Unfortunately, I did not know that pertinent bit of information before I read it. I just assumed (with no actual knowledge) that book two was out. At least while I've been waiting I've successfully pressed it on my friend John. I feel a little bit bad about that, though, because--though I mentioned it was the first book in a trilogy, I purposely did not mention that no subsequent books were published yet. (Fantasy>IYLRMO George R. R. Martin, Terry Goodkind, Robert Jordan)
A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens****
~French Revolution targets family, heroics ensue~
(Owned for years before cracking open) My first unabridged Charles Dickens! A success! I've discovered something that millions of people already know (obviously)--Charles Dickens was a fabulous writer. Memorable characters, shrewd social commentary, humorous conversations, witty wordplay, well-woven plot. Lately, the B&N Classics fixture has been targeting me with a reproachful look when I pass it by. As much as I love books, as much as I love to read, I realize that I have neglected the classics. The closest I've come to most of them are those square kid abridgements that have a picture every fourth page. (My 7th grade English teacher was not pleased when I tried to claim that I had already read Captains Courageous--even though it was just 64 pages.) So I decided I needed to read a Dickens. Of course, I took it easy on myself and chose one of his smallest--and one which I had (back as a little tyke) already familiarized myself with. I was a bit hesitant to approach this tome--my last foray into the unabridged classics left me feeling like I had learned something dispiriting about a childhood friend. Three Musketeers was a much more beloved tale when left to ruthless abridgemets, or on the big screen. Nothing but a bunch of partying idiots who weren't hugely patriotic and easily distracted from their quests by slight insults that must be challenged. Move on! I did. But Dickens did not disappoint. I believe I'll check out Bleak House or Great Expectations next. (Fiction, Classic, Historical England>IYLRMO Oscar Wilde)
The Splendor of Silence - Indu Sundaresan****
~Half-American/Indian daughter learns family's past~
(Owned for close to 2 years before cracking open) After finishing Great Expectations, I wasn't ready for current American fiction, so I turned an author I'd read before and could trust to tell a great story. Strangely enough, though I loved her first two books (The Twentieth Wife and Feast of Roses), and had actually bought this next book qute a while ago, I'd never even read the synopsis on the back cover. When you think of WWII fiction, does India spring to mind? Even Burma? I mostly think of Western Europe, or perhaps the Pacific theatre. Not the troubles experienced in Asia. I learn so much from every book Sundarensan writes, plus, the stories are worthwhile, the characters well-developed, and the settings are so real you want to take shelter when you read of the sand storms. I exclaimed to my sister, Amber, "This book is fantastic! What a great read!" She regarded me somewhat bemusedly and replied, "I know. I've read it. You bought it for me. Awhile ago." In fact, it was a rather ironic exchange, seeing as how I introduced her to this author, and now she has overtaken me! I can't wait to read her next novel--The Convent of Little Flowers! (Fiction, WWII India>IYLRMO Jhumpa Lahiri,The Alchemist)
The Piano Shop on the Left Bank - Thaddeus Carhart****
~Piano's history and allure eloquently explained~
(Owned for several years before cracking open) A conversation with my sister. "I'm reading a really great book about this American ex-pat who lives in Paris and passes this little piano store every day, wondering about it but never allowed entrance. So he tries to gain entrance into the exclusive back room, and you learn all about the history of pianos, etc., etc." I raved. Pause. "You know," she said, "Hearing that summary, if I didn't actually know you, I'd think that you had nothing to do all day." In fact, I had worked an eight-hour day, walked the dog, visited with a sick friend (and brought homemade--well, "Betty Crocker mix homemade"--brownies to said friend) and cleaned out my car (not a short project). Having no real ear for music, despite m a n y years of playing the violin and dabbling on the piano, I was quite captivated by Mr. Carhart's tale. I've never heard anyone describe music so eloquently, and with such an infectious enthusiasm. I'm always grateful to the authors who can keep my undivided attention through a book, but especially when the book centers on a topic that I'm not particularly interested in (I remember the same thoughts after having read Nick Hornby's soccer memoir Fever Pitch, or Michael Lewis' Moneyball). Good writing, indeed. (Non-fiction, Paris, pianos/music>IYLRMO The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Paris to the Moon (of course))
Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins (Book Club re-read, see April '09 rahniREADS)
Paris to the Moon - Adam Gopnik****
~Writer raises young son in Paris~
(Owned for several years before cracking open) One of my favorite quotes from this collection of essays about yet another ex-pat in Paris, though this one writes for The New Yorker. (Questioning a friend as to why the women are fanning themselves at a haute coutre event that is unseasonably cold) "She looked around the salon and made the encompassing shrug-and-pout-and-flex-your-hands-from-the-wrist French gesture that in the context meant that the apparent absurdity of the act of fanning yourself in the cold is no more absurd than the whole enterprise of traveling to Paris to look at clothes that you will never wear, displayed on models to whom you bear no resemblance, in order to help a designer get people who will never attend shows like this someday to buy a perfume or a scarf that will give them the consoling illusion that they have a vague association with the kind of people who do attend shows like this—even though the people who attend shows like this are the kind who fan themselves against July heat that happens not to exist." (p. 130) Oh, and when he describes his young son rising from his pram ("a cobra in mittens") and swaying to the hypnotic tunes piped overhead the department store's PA system! I love it. (Nonfiction, memoir, Paris>IYLRMO Idyll Banter, by Chris Bohjalian)
How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization - Franklin Foer**
(Owned for several years before cracking open) I'd always liked the cover of this book and the title. I still like the cover and the title--though I doubt the veracity of the rather dubious claim the latter makes. I think I should have stuck with Thomas Friedman when it comes to globalization theories. Despite the catchy name and interesting metaphor, the only thing I really feel that I learned from this book is to never attend a soccer game outside the U.S. (a point I don't think Mr. Foer was trying to make--nonetheless, it stuck). (Non-fiction, Current Affairs, Globalization>IYLRMO Thomas Friedman, Benjamin Barber)
Twenties Girl - Sophie Kinsella ***
~Londoner connects with kindred dead aunt~
(Borrowed from B&N within two weeks of its release) Much to my surprise, I loved Kinsella's Shopaholic book series when I read it last year. Such fluffy fun! I was kind of relieved to find some ChickLit that I enjoyed, because I constantly get asked for those kinds of recommendations at the store. I can never knowledgably answer such queries, however, because I've never read Jennifer Weiner, Candace Bushnell, Jane Green, Emily Giffin, etc., etc. Reading Sophie Kinsella hasn't converted me to the Sex and the City crowd, however, but I'm glad to have an author somewhat in that same genre (but cleaner) to offer to the single-city-girl readers. Shopaholic will always be my favorites of hers (if her stand-alones to date are of any indication), but this was a fun, light read as well! (Fiction, Modern day>IYLRMO well, all the authors listed above, though I haven't read them)

(IYLRMO = If you liked/Reminds me of . . .)
***** READ IT RIGHT NOW!
*** Would definitely pass it on to others--highly recommended
*** Better than most
**1/2 (Shrug) Nothing that sticks with you, but fine afternoon reading
** If you're stuck on a deserted island and cloud-watching isn't your thing
* BURN in a fire if you're stuck on a deserted island (even if it's a hot, tropical island)

rahniREADS (June '09)

I decided that June would be my "library book" month. I probably have the wrong attitude toward library books, but I never expect them to be life-changing or anything remarkable like that. These are books I don't intend to buy--thus I don't expect to like them enough to pass on or purchase, but they fit the need to fill the "beach read" portion of my summer. Roger Ebert has taught me something interesting within some of his reviews. Sometimes a movie that you would expect to get slammed by him doesn't, mainly because Ebert recognizes that the film hit what it was aiming for. It wasn't aiming for an Oscar, just a good way to facilitate eating popcorn with friends, and it achieved that small goal. So, I wasn't thrilled by most of my library reads this month, but I didn't hold it against them because I didn't expect them to be great. Doesn't mean they weren't books worth reading, they just didn't wow me. (By the way, since I'm always tinkering with rahniREADS entries, IYLRMO translates to If You Liked/Reminds Me Of.)
Enemy (Jack Reacher #8) - Lee Child **1/2
~Soldier's son investigates conspiracy involving bigwigs~
(Library book) I thought it was strange that Nancy Pearl recommended to readers to start with book 8 of the Jack Reacher series, but--ever obedient--I ignored 1-7 and plunged into book 8. Book 8 takes us back in time to the very early 80's and is chock full of "period" details that no one who actually wrote books in the 80's included, primarily--one assumes--because they didn't know that the details would become so antiquated, so stereotypical of the times. But it makes for fun reading later for us here in the 21st century! A good action/adventure read (I still prefer Vince Flynn, but I'll have to check out Lee Child's other books to see what makes this flashback book so significant). (Fiction, Action/Adventure>IYLRMO Vince Flynn, Stephen Hunter, Brad Thor)
Never Tell a Lie - Hallie Ephron **1/2
~Jealous past classmate haunts surburban couple~
(Library book) Aches to be a beach read--if only I had a beach! A book to borrow from the library, but not to buy. Kind of reads like a cross of a Desperate Housewives episode (I've only ever seen the pilot, but it deals with suburbia, female relationships, intrigue/mystery, neighborhoods and everything too, right?) and a Mary Higgins Clark book. A good read-before-bed book, I'm thinking. (Fiction, Suspense, Modern>IYLRMO Harlan Coben, female-style)
Sundays at Tiffany's - James Patterson *
~Woman crosses paths with childhood imaginary friend~
(Library book) There are a few authors out there of whom I've read their books, but I can't really say I'm actually familiar with their body of work, their style. That's because I've only ever read the books they've written where they've strayed from their norms--namely, David Baldacci (I've read Wish You Well, and The Christmas Train, but his books are usually much more in the Brad Thor vein) and James Patterson (I've read Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas, Sam's Letters to Jennifer, and a bit of The Jester). I was in the mood for Patterson's first foray into the softer side of the publishing world (Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas), but it's gone downhill since there. Wow, I just kept hoping this book would get better. SDfN seemed to be a more thoughtful, original piece by the author, but Sunday's at Tiffany's tries too hard to be ChickLit, and the ridiculous plot and the insipid characters do not redeem the overreaching, the addition of a female co-author (Gabrielle Charbonnet) notwithstanding. (Fiction, Modern w/Guardian Angels>IYLRMO Nicholas Sparks)
Belong to Me - Marisa de los Santos (mp3) ****
~Citydwellers in brave new world--suburbia~
Read this book just to follow the storyline of newly-introduced Piper Truitt, reigning Queen of the Neighborhood. I love Cornelia and Teo, but I was always disappointed when we stopped following Piper's thread to go to another character's story arc. I listened to this book mostly while running--or, rather, I intended to listen to this book only while running. It lasted through the 16-miler to Eagle River (thanks for the ride home, Bethany!) and many other jaunts, but I found that I couldn't (actually, wouldn't/was too lazy to/etc.) only treat myself to this tale just while exercising. I ended up with an earbud attached to me while cleaning my room, driving to work, and while walking to the grocery store on my lunch break. Really wonderful three dimensional characters, captivating conversational prose and, seriously, is this a great cover or what? (Fiction, Modern>IYLRMO Chris Bohjalian)
Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) - Suzanne Collins****
~Back the arena--break the cycle?~
A little gloating must ensue: I got to read this book MONTHS early by finding it in a stack of Advance Reader books that get sent to B&N. No one else noticed it, so voila! Of course, Ms. Collins leaves this book teetering on a cliffhanger that had me shouting, "WHAT? Are you KIDDING me?" Thus the early exposure makes the wait for #3 seem even longer. Even though I'm typing this in the last days of August, the book still isn't out yet, so I can't say anything more except hurry up and write me some more, Suzanne! (Fiction, Teen, Fantasy>IYLRMO Cinda Chima, The Alliance--Gerald N. Lund)
A Long Way Down - Nick Hornby **
~Four suicidal jumpers improbably band together~
(Library book) I really should say nothing here at all except that this book was Not To My Taste, Not My Cup Of Tea. In Mr. Hornby's excellent column in The Believer, wherein he publishes witty thoughts and such about literature, the act and art of reading, reviews, etc., he never writes negatively. One can only assume this takes a massive amount of willpower, because it can be great fun to be scathing and cutting when putting pen to paper. Or fingers to keyboards. The plot was original, the characters unique, but, frankly, the sheer quantity of foul language in this book so distracted me that I couldn't at all appreciate any of the book's finer attributes. Can't think of why I even finished reading it, really. (Fiction, Modern>IYLRMO Then We Came to the End, the movie Joe vs. the Volcano (but not funny like that one))
Housekeeping vs. the Dirt - Nick Hornby ****
~Avid reader continues chronicling purchases/reads~
Disheartened by A Long Way Down, I immediately turned to another of Nick Hornby's books--a collection I had only briefly paged through before. Again, much like The Polysyllabic Spree and Shakespeare Wrote for Money, I was treated to some prime entertainment by a kindred soul in the literary world. Basically, if you're reading these words I'm typing, then you will really enjoy this trilogy of column collections. Reading The Polysyllabic Spree is what made me want to start chronicling my own reading adventures. Blame him! (Nonfiction, Literary Theory>IYLRMO A. J. Jacobs' The Know-It-All)
The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein *****
~Dog wants thumbs, happiness for all~
This book is narrated by a dog. There! I said it. Man, have I been reading a bunch of animal books of late. An unlikely mix of zen, autoracing, dogs believing in reincarnation, family love/tension, custody battles, false assault charges, all told from the canine perspective. Shortly after Chandra read Dog On It, she called and asked me to guess what book she was currently reading. She was somewhat astounded when I immediately guessed The Art of Racing in the Rain. Well, really, how many books for adults are there out there that are narrated by dogs? So it wasn't as impressive as if first seemed, darn it. Through her persuasion (now, isn't that a turning of the tables?) I picked up this book and was quickly immersed by this wise narrator with his intelligent observations and humorous insights. I have NEVER been interested in anything autoracing before, but seen from the perspective of a dog? What a ride. The car goes where the eyes go. So true. P.S. I just got Amber to read it as well and she was quite a fan, tears and all! (Fiction, Modern>IYLRMO Dog On It, Shadow of the Wind)
The Underneath - Kathi Appelt *****
~Dog, cats bond in Southern Bayous~
As I was growing up (didn't grow too high, though, you notice) family, friends, even neighbors knew immediately when I had been in the vicinity of a Crocodile Dundee VHS. I sauntered around for quite too long with a generously thick accent from "Down Under" everytime I viewed the fluffy flick. I'm easily influenced by rhythm, or by unusual and unfamiliar speech patterns. To this day, it's easy to tell if my sisters or I have been near Tyler Clark. After getting a few pages of this book I was pulled into the slow and lyrical rhythm of the South and started echoing the unique speech style in my mind. Simply swept away. Do not, do not, oh do not miss this book. (Fiction, Young Reader>IYLRMO Where the Red Fern Grows, Mildred Taylor, Brer Rabbit, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane)
A Long Way From Home - Tom Brokaw ****
~Newscaster details roots, raised by WWIIers~
As if I didn't respect Tom Brokaw enough before this book (despite my limited exposure to all things News), this book cements my high regard for this straightforward, industrious, honorable man. The best example of the most admirable qualities taught to the Baby Boomers and the pre-Baby Boomers by the members of "The Greatest Generation". Well-written by a well-spoken gentleman. (Nonfiction, Memoir, History>IYLRMO Crow Lake, Peace Like a River)
City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1) - Cassandra Clare ****1/2
~Mother disappears, Clary needs Shadowhunters' help~
City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments #2) - Cassandra Clare ****1/2
~Downworlders dying, Valentine not so sweet~
City of Glass (Mortal Instruments #3) - Cassandra Clare ****1/2
~Enter Glass City to save Mom~
During a break at B&N, I found that I wasn't quite in the mood to delve back into The Greatest Generation and looked for something lighter. I'd passed this series all the time in the store, kids at the school loved it, but I never really considered it for myself before. I'm so glad that I picked it up! Such an enjoyable weekend of reading. My plan was to take books two and three with me on vacation to Oregon/Utah, but you know what they say about making plans. Mine, too, went awry. I couldn't stop reading--read straight through in two or three days. Humorous characters, deep friendships, good plot pacing, chemistry between the main characters--just a great series. I immediately thrust it upon my niece, my sister, and my friends. In fact, Chandra greeted me on the phone one day with the declaration that I was evil, because she had started one of the books at 11pm and couldn't put it down, and WHY did I put all three books on hold for her at the library at the same time? Apparently, I crippled her work productivity. "But," I reasoned, "Isn't it better to get them all at once rather than waiting as number 114 on the list to find out what happened next?" She reluctantly agreed. Another convert--mwah ha ha! (Fiction, Teen, real world mixed with fantasy elements>IYLRMO Stephenie Meyer but better, Suzanne Collins)
The Things We Do For Love - Kristin Hannah ***
~Couple yearns for their own children~
(Library book) I missed my plane in the airport. Really, this hasn't happened to me all that often in my life, just lately, is all. At 2AM I settled down sadly onto those "cozy" airport chairs to sleep until my next flight, which was scheduled for a 7AM potential takeoff. Stupidly, I pulled this book from my carry-on to read for "a few minutes". Boy, did I not get a lot of sleep that night. A great vacation book--just a story about some everyday people with everyday concerns, who you hope things work out best for. SPOILER ALERT! I'm glad that the author didn't finish the book with an obvious ending. I mean, all signs pointed to her attaining the Happily Ever After she wished for from the beginning of the book, but instead she grew emotionally and received a much better ending, bound to make her happier than she ever thought. (Fiction, Modern>IYLRMO Maeve Binchy)
The Alchemyst - Michael Scott **
~Twins help Flamel protect magical secrets~
I struggled through this book while in vacation in Oregon. So little interest. So little sympathy for the characters. SO LITTLE INTEREST. What are so many people attracted to? I mean, it's a popular book (I know, I sell plenty of them), but why? I'm slightly interested to see what happens next, but I'd rather someone summarized it into (at most) three sentences, rather than slog through the next book. Hmmm . . . I'll be looking online for any future revelations of what happens to these twins. Maybe. (Fiction, Teen, real world mixed with fantasy elements>IYLRMO Fablehaven)

***** READ IT RIGHT NOW!
**** Would definitely pass it on to others--highly recommended
*** Better than most
**1/2 ~shrug~ Not bad, not great
** If you're stuck on a deserted island and cloud-watching isn't your thing
* BURN in a fire if you're stuck on a deserted island (even if it's a hot, tropical island)

Just running in my wheel

When I got to work last night I was plagued with the feeling that I had done nothing that day. It oftens happens that if I work a late shift on a Saturday, I while away my time beforehand--just lollygagging around--and am immediately overcome with feelings of remorse when I get to the bookstore. However, when I stopped to catalogue my day I found that in the hours leading up to six o' clock I . . . --ran 8 miles
--attended, clapped and cheered at my school's JV football game
--read a book
--drove out to Chugiak and watched a HS championship volleyball game
--watched an episode of "Psych"
--cuddled various animals around the house (we've got a "temporary" guest cat and now everyone needs some extra TLC)
--dismantled a tent
--mowed the lawn
--successfully made it on time for my 6-11pm shift at B&N!

Not so shabby! However, I missed some big things, like actual meals, a nap and a shower! Whoops.

rahniREADS (May '09)

This is a warning sign. Not for you, so much, as for me. DON'T PUT OFF WRITING rahniREADS ENTRIES! (For me.) DON'T PROCRASTINATE PUTTING YOUR THOUGHTS DOWN ONTO PAPER (OR SCREEN)! (For both of us.) I alway think--of course I'll remember that hilarious situation/traumatic event/genius idea/feelings about a book or even the plot of the book/life-altering dream. Nope, it's not true. Not going to happen unless you WRITE IT DOWN IMMEDIATELY!

Enough with the all caps. I apologize. It's just that I'm typing this entry four months late on a recalcitrant keyboard at a waypasttwilight hour on a slooooow computer. I've gotten kind of backlogged this summer with drafts of posts to publish onto this blog, but no finished results. Once I un-dam (is that a word?) this blockage of rahniREADS entries, though, it's smooth sailing! Not that I have grandiose delusions that anyone is just hanging on by tenterhooks out there to read the next inane words out of my mouth, but still! I thought I'd address the slackerness. I'm working on it, truly!


Magyck - Angie Sage (mp3 audio)***1/2
~"Magyckal" 7th son of 7th, stolen~
WARNING . . . shameless plug for bn.com to follow! I'd been looking for a "book on tape" (not so much tape, anymore, than mp3, but we're all used to the phrase, right?) to listen to while running and preparing for the upcoming Seattle Rock 'n' Roll marathon in June. Check it out--I found this fabulous audio book for just $4.93 at bn.com! It was a book I wanted to read, at a price I was extremely excited about, the narrator had an accent to die for (see more about accents further on down this list), and--best of all--it was 12 hours long! Lots of running time. Fun story, too. (Fiction, Young Reader, fantasy)
Pretty is What Changes - Jessica Queller***1/2
~Gilmore Girls writer records radical decision~
It's the language that gets me, every time. Clever phrasing, the lyrical cadence of a well-written speech, an ingeniously-expressed thought, carefully chosen words that surprise and delight me . . . I'm a sucker for a nicely-strung words chained together into a snug sentence. It's why I watch re-runs of The West Wing and Gilmore Girls, why I loved Henry James' snoozer Portrait of a Lady (despite not caring about the characters or being the least interested in what happened to them in the course of the "plot"). I flipped through this book while taking it off display at B&N and happened upon a paragraph that mentioned the author's job as a writer on the set of Gilmore Girls. SOLD! A book for all women--men wouldn't do themselves a wrong by reading it, either, but it's definitely geared towards women. (Nonfiction, Memoir, Cancer)
The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5) - Rick Riordan****
~Battle at the Empire State Building~
It's rare that I get to read a series, start-to-finish, in one calendar year. I'm one of those who can't follow the tempered example of others and wait until a series is finished to pick up book one. I leap upon books, heedless of the potential for future heartache and angst of waiting a whole year between the next in the series, then the next, then the next. For this author, though, I was enough of an idiot to ignore his library of published works until all but one of the books were out. Even then, I only had to wait a few months for the final book. I highly recommend this series for kids or adults. It's definitely one that reaches across the ages to appeal to everyone. Satisfying close to a terrific tale. (Fiction, Young Reader, real world mixed with fantasy)
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Schaffer*****
~Writer corresponds and visits with Guernsey-ites~
Chandra foolishly gave me her library login information a while back. Naturally, I often take advantage of this position of power to force my "suggestions" upon her. Thus, I received the following email query: "The following title you requested is available to be picked up at your local branch: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society." I assume this is a "Rahni" pick? Good times, having such control! Despite being a B&N Recommends title, this book had everything going against it--bizarre and long title, epistolary structure, unappealing food in the title. But I LOVED IT!!! It's heart-warming, clever, entertaining, filled with characters I'd love to spend time with, and it's historically informative! (Fiction, Historical England, WWII)
The Tales of Beedle the Bard - J. K. Rowling *1/2
~Non-entertaining tales Hermione read through HP7~
SUCH A WASTE OF MY TIME. Why throw away more minutes of my life writing about it here? After all, I stoically trudged through this text in a could-be-doing-anything-better lunch break. Stick with Rowling's excellent HP books, NOT the peripherals. (Fiction, Young Reader, Fantasy/Folk Tale)
I Was Told There'd Be Cake - Sloane Crosley***1/2
~Living the single life in NYC~
I admit it--I'm easily reeled in by titles. Walking by this book in the bookstore, I often wondered what it was about. After I read the first paragraph, I was hooked. The author starts out by talking about a shared fear many of us harbor regarding our living spaces. If I were to collapse today and someone had to clean out my apartment, what would they find? And in what horrifying condition? Fabulous. I found, however, that the essays ranged from "fantastic" to "just okay", though, thus the 3 and 1/2 stars. Not a book that would appeal across all demographics, but I enjoyed it. I have to say that I definitely think that NYC Melanie should read it! Especially the section on moving apartments, and the trials and travails that accompany such a trauma. (Nonfiction, Memoir, Humorous essays)
The Screwtape Letters - C. S. Lewis (Book Club)***1/2
~Devil's apprentices discuss combating "the Enemy"~
I found that I've started this book many times in my life, but never read it in its entirety (until now, of course). And I'm a little embarrassed to be asking this, but . . . how did it end? Don't get me wrong, I read the ending, I just don't quite understand it. (Don't think that this doesn't make me feel like a fool--it certainly does.) Back to the topic, however--did the guy die? Did he somehow make himself out of the reach of temptation by unknown means? I understand that the "Enemy" won--but how? Anyhow, a thought-provoking read that made me chuckle many times about how on the nose C.S. Lewis was concerning the prideful ways of man and how easily we're duped. I would make it a 4 star, but it's a touch dry at times. Even if it's not your style, however, I do think that it would do anyone and everyone good to at least be familiar with this book. (Nonfiction, Allegorical)
MirrorMask - Neil Gaiman**1/2
~Comic girl travels via Alice's rabbit-hole~
Honestly, I'm writing this "review" in August and don't recall much of this book. I sought out more Neil Gaiman after my marvelous experience with his Newberry Award Winner (The Graveyard Book), and happened across this quick story. More graphic novel than chapter book, it had some intriguing artwork, but I wasn't too captivated by the story. Oh well. (Fiction, Graphic Novel, real world mixed with fantasy elements)
The Compound - S. A. Bodeen**
~Bomb. Family flees underground. Some abandoned.~
I'm quite a fan, usually, of post-apocalyptic fiction, but his book felt more like a submission for a Creative Writing class--expanded and published, but not improved or polished. Truly, I typically only notice a writer's style when I particularly admire the style or ingenuity (which only improves my reading experience). It takes some pretty bad writing to distract me away from the story. This story succeeded though, in making me shake my head on many occasions, mourning "what could have been." (Fiction, teen)
Flyte (Septimus Heap #2) - Angie Sage (mp3)***
~Wizard's apprentice plagued by devious forces~
Not at the same level as Cinda Chima's Heir series, or Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians (this series aims a bit younger), but I spent many a happy hour trotting along to it anyhow. In fact, at one point, when especially caught up in some nefarious deed done by the dastardly Dom Daniel, I was quite concerned--furrowed brow and all. I was surprised out of my scowl, however, by a honk by my friend John, zooming by in his truck. Running alongside the road against traffic can lead to many shared glances with strangers. But for the people I know, at least, I try and make my running not look like a chore I'm struggling through. Of course, had he caught me in a gleeful moment of the book, it could have been just as embarrassing. I react waaaay too much to my audiobooks, I fear. Shouting, scowling, cheering, grinning--it's all there. Book two, sadly, was not narrated by the same engaging genius who read the first novel to me. A good accent this time as well, but not nearly as fabulous as the first narrator. Sigh. (Fiction, Young Reader, Fantasy)
Love Walked In - Marisa de los Santos***1/2
~Chatty, kind Samaritans befriend young girl~
I picked up this book solely because I wanted to read its sequel, Belong to Me. The reason I wanted to read that book? Because of the cover. I know you're not supposed to judge books by their covers, but seriously? Covers help. I really didn't get into this book until about half way through. Then I loved it. For the first half, however, I was perhaps lukewarm at best. I kept thinking of how Chandra would hate this main character for exactly the reasons she gets exasperated with Gilmore Girls. At times, it employs too self-consciously clever prose. But then you get swept up in the story, and the characters get smarter and you find yourself cheering for them. Press on, Chandra! You'll love book two (see next month's reviews)!! (Fiction, modern day)
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Alan Bradley***1/2
~Harriet the Spy, million times better~
When I read the interview with Alan Bradly--first-time author at the age of 70--on Amazon.com, I immediately sought out information about when his quirky tale of intrigue would be published. I was not disappointed with the wait. A timeless mystery, sisters who fight well and with delicious subterfuge, complex chemistry--what's not to love? (Fiction, mystery, historical England)
Jacob Have I Loved - Katherine Paterson (Book Club)***
~Shining sister's shadow eclipses prickly twin~
When Sarah chose this for our June Book Club pick, I winced. I read this Newberry Award Winner years ago, and all I could remember was something about a girl who has a crush on a man who could be her grandfather and that I never wanted to read it again. Fortunately, I found it much better the second time around. I think that when I was younger I had in mind that I had to really like the characters to enjoy the book. Not so, I've come to realize. There are plenty of fantastic books out there with unlikeable, or at least somewhat unsympathetic main characters. Take Amir from The Kite Runner, for example. The funny thing is, though, I kept wondering how the twins in this book could be such foreigners to each other, how--especially since they had no other siblings--they weren't each other's allies and confidantes. Then I breathed a sigh of relief that I didn't have such an estrangement from my own twin and reminded myself that these were fictional characters that I shouldn't spend so much time worrying about their fictional relationship! Yet another time that I learn the lesson: Give It Another Chance/It May Be Fabulous/Your Memory Is Pretty Horrible, Historically/Perhaps You Weren't In The Right Mood The First Time Or Just Weren't Ready For This Particular Book In Your Life. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to try it again, Sarah! I liked it so much more the second time around! Lots to talk about at our meeting. The crush part still bothered me the second time around, though, too. Blech. (Fiction, Young Reader, Historical 1940's, Newberry)
The Abduction - James Grippando (mp3) **1/2
~Presidential race, opponent's grandchild abducted, suspicious?~
Alison Janney narrated this tale of suspense to me as I pedaled through an EXTREMELY WINDY 32-mile bike ride. It wasn't a personal narration, per se, but I like to think that she had faithful West Wing viewers in her thoughts as she recorded this abridged version of James Grippando's novel. I really do think that Janney was a fabulous choice for the job--the character in the book is around her age, and is described to be of a somewhat similar physique. Combining that with the Press Secretary persona that trails around after her following WW--voila! Good times. Narrator choice is crucial in determining a good auditory experience. Give me a good accent, and I'm hooked--I'll even find longer routes to navigate just to prolong my listening experience. I think, however, that I will be forever scarred by a misguided male narrator who had a horrible squeaky voice that he used to indicate that the words came from a female character. Lots of wincing and shouting at the CD accompanied that book, let me tell you. Oh, and about the actual content of this book? Fine. A good bike ride read--nothing spectacular, yet still entertaining. (Fiction, mystery/suspense)
Capitol Conspiracy - William Bernhardt**
~Bombs, anti-terrorism, idiot-plot-progression, blah, blah, blah~
We've parted ways, Mr. Bernhardt and I. Sometimes nostalgia isn't meant to prompt a revisiting of authors past, but more just to let previous reads rest in a fond memory. It had good potential--I'm always interested in White House/Beltway fiction and have a fondness for one of the characters who was brought comatose by a bomb--but it simply did not live up to even my lowest standards of books I would pass on to others. I questioned myself many times, "WHY am I still reading this?" only to come up with the lame answer that I don't want to leave another book part way finished. Each bomb like this one, however, leads me to strengthen my resolve to dump unworthy reads mid-way. We'll see. (Fiction, suspense, lawyer)


***** READ IT RIGHT NOW!
**** Would definitely pass it on to others--highly recommended
*** Better than most
**1/2 ~shrug~ Not bad, not great
** If you're stuck on a deserted island and cloud-watching isn't your thing
* BURN in a fire if you're stuck on a deserted island (even if it's a hot, tropical island)