Enclave

Reed, Kit. Enclave.

My new method of reviewing books I don't care for: Use someone else's review. Especially if I don't agree with the review. Perverse, I know, but that way you get two sides.

from Publishers Weekly: "In this gripping dystopian satire, ex-marine Sargent Whitmore has a plan to make millions while protecting children from the self-destructing modern world. He turns an old Mediterranean monastery into a combined impenetrable fortress and school, and enrolls 100 filthy-rich children, most of them already well-known for legal troubles, drug problems and paparazzi run-ins. Once there, everyone is cut off from the outside world, fed only canned news stories about wars and natural disasters. When things inevitably go horribly wrong, young hacker "Killer" Stade, physician assistant Cassie, drug and sex-crazed Sylvie and monastery-raised orphan Benny all attempt heroics, but remain deeply flawed. Reed (The Baby Merchant) displays unflinching willingness to explore all the facets of all of the characters, and her refusal to paint anyone as a simple villain makes this far more than a typical disaster novel."

Didn't find it gripping, but kept hoping that I would. The conclusion sealed my disenchantment.

Fiction. Science Fiction/Dystopian. 2009. 366 pages.

God Is an Englishman

Delderfield, R.F. God Is an Englishman.

This is a book that I've heard about for years without ever seeking it out, so I'm grateful to Sourcebooks for sending me a review copy (even if I'm way behind in reading and reviewing this book and others).

It is a classic and deserves to be.

In 1857 Adam Swann leaves the military with a tiny secret or two or three, a handful of rubies from his service in India. He has a dream, and he intends for the rubies to help finance it. Adam Swann is a capitalist with very liberal leanings; he believes in commerce, but not at the expense of his fellow man.

This is the story of how he establishes his business and grows it from the ground up with wonderful enthusiasm and attention to detail. It is also the story of the men and women who, for various reasons, come to believe in Adam Swann and his dream.

From Hamlet Ratcliff (lion tamer extraordinaire) to young Rookwood who rises from an orphaned boy to a gaffer; from the bawdy Falstaffian character of the old coachman Blubb to Edith Wadsworth of the Crescents -- each of the minor characters materializes into a real individual over the course of the novel. And those are just a few of those who are involved in Swann-On-Wheels, hauliers.

This is also the story of Henrietta, the run-away girl who becomes Swann's wife.. Henrietts emerges from a spoiled adolescent to mother, and finally, to genuine partner in the marriage. She blossoms slowly, learning some hard lessons along the way. Delderfield also has Adam Swann learn a few things about himself and his wife during the nine years of the marriage.

Delderfield manages to keep the story of commerce interesting and includes many historical details from the period. One of the more interesting is the episode concerning the Staplehurst train wreck; Charles Dickens was on the train (along with Ellen Ternan and her mother, although they aren't mentioned) and participated in rescuing some of the passengers.

This is a long novel and the first in a trilogy, but it is an epic worth pursuing. When I picked up the novel again after neglecting it, I couldn't put it down. The last 300 pages flew by.

Fiction. Historical. Originally published 1970. Republication 2009. 634 pages.

The Girl Who Played with Fire

Larsson, Stieg. The Girl Who Played with Fire.

When I found this one on the new book shelf at the library, I immediately looked for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Larsson, but no luck. Disappointed, I nevertheless went ahead and began in the middle of this trilogy, determined to read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo eventually.

Liz Salander left Sweden after the events in the first novel and this novel begins with Salander relaxing on the Caribbean island of Grenada. She is busy reading Dimensions in Mathematics and observing the behavior of the couple in the next room of her hotel. The husband is abusive, and Salander is curious enough to do some investigating.

The episode in the Caribbean provides some basic background about events and characters from the first novel and a hint about Salander's values. She's definitely flawed, her values skewed, but abusive men are a red flag to this young woman, and when given the opportunity, she does something about the situation.

The story then moves back to Sweden where the magazine Millenium, under the direction of Mikail Blomkvist, is preparing to run an expose on the sex trade. Soon after Salander returns to Sweden (buying and furnishing a new apartment and attempting to live a "normal" life), she finds herself the main suspect in the murders of the journalist writing the article about the sex trade and his girlfriend, who has written her doctoral thesis on the subject.

The Girl Who Played with Fire is fast-paced and suspenseful, the plot evolves seamlessly, and the characters are well-drawn (all flawed, but many idealistic in spite of it).

Such a shame that Larsson died after delivering his three manuscripts for publication.... At least I have two more to go, the first and the last. Since - d%**it - I started in the middle!

Fiction. Mystery/Suspense. 2009. 503 pages.

In Progress and TBR

I'm back to reading God Is an Englishman by R.F. Delderfield (thanks to Sourcebooks, who sent me this ARC) and to my chagrin, I must apologize because it should have been reviewed in September, and I still haven't finished it. I can blame a lot of factors, but the fact remains -- it wasn't finished and reviewed in the agreed upon time. The sad part is that it an excellent book, and I had plenty of time to read it, but I waited and life interfered.


Sourcebooks also sent me a copy of To Serve Them All My Days, another Delderfield classic.





Although I don't remember any contact concerning this book, I received Marcel Proust's Search for Lost Time: A Reader's Guide to The Rembrance of Things Past by Patrick Alexander. Many of you have read at least one volume of Proust, but not I (slacker that I am); this may be just the thing for me, and I'm looking forward to it. This one is thanks to Random House.


From Pantheon, The Locust and the Bird by Hanan Al-Shayk, the story of her mother, a Lebanese woman who made some unorthodox decisions; the book is called both a tribute and a critique of a woman whose choices were controversial for the time and place. I like the sound of this one even if the cover doesn't appeal.


From Chandra Prasad, Breathe the Sky; Prasad is the author of On Borrowed Wings, which I reviewed some time ago. This novel is inspired by the life of Amelia Earhart, who has always been a bit of an icon in our family. Since my youngest daughter is named Amelia (she of the recent scare with meningitis, and who is now back to normal), we both have an interest in the exploits of Amelia Earhart.

These are on my TBR shelf along with several others. There are also a couple of reviews to finish up.

Bare Bones

Reichs, Kathy. Bare Bones.

When the television show Bones began, I wasn't a great fan. The characters were too different from those in Reichs' books. I've totally adjusted to that inconsistency now and rarely miss an episode, but still love connecting with the original characters in the novels.

As usual, forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan has to find a way to weave a number of dangling threads into whole cloth, and as usual, she does so handily.

Perhaps there was a wee bit too much going on in this one, though. While all of Reichs' books have complex plots, this one seemed to lack the appropriate focus. Burned baby, missing mother, bear bones, romance with Ryan, concern about daughter's romance, deadly stalker...

Most of the novels in this series have a secondary theme; this one deals with endangered wildlife. I like this aspect of the series and usually learn a little something along the way.

Maybe not the best in the series, but an entertaining evening's read!

Fiction. Mystery. 2003. 380 pages.

In the Shadow of Gotham

Pintoff, Stefanie. In the Shadow of Gotham.

A debut author and a new series! In 1905, Detective Simon Ziele thought he was transferring to a quiet, small-town atmosphere when he left New York's police department. A shocking murder, however, involves him in an investigation that leads back to the big city.

The investigation has barely begun when Ziele is contacted by criminologist Alistair Sinclair, who believes he knows who brutally murdered Sarah Wingate. Sinclair tells the detective that the murder sounds too much like the fantasies of Michael Fromley, the young man Sinclair has been studying, for it to be a coincidence.

But what possible connection could Fromley have had with Sarah Wingate, a brilliant mathematician? And where is Michael Fromley? He appears to have disappeared. Ziele and Sinclair work together to solve this murder, but Simon Ziele has some questions about Alistair Sinclair and his work with potential criminals.

Thoroughly involving, I look forward to the next in this series and hope to see Simon's character (and a few others) a bit better developed. One of the interesting and enjoyable aspects of a new series is seeing the main characters emerge and evolve.

Fiction. Historical Mystery/Crime/Procedural. 2009. 381 pages.

Excess Baggage

Carnes, Tracy Lea. Excess Baggage.

Tracy Carnes takes yoga at Lotus Studio and is a new friend and a fellow yogini. She suffered from ulcerative colitis as a young adult and had an ileostomy the day after her 30th birthday. Her novel is a blending of fiction and fact, detailing the problems experienced by those who live with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Her fictional character, Kelly Carmichael, is a young woman without direction, who tries to please her father with little success, has managed to attend several colleges without graduating and to hold a number of jobs for brief periods. Commitment and follow-through are not part of her lexicon. The novel follows Kelly through her failures and "almost" successes as she floats through life with little responsibility.

Just when things begin to turn around for her, Kelly is faced with a string of overwhelming troubles including her father's illness and death, her own illness and operation, her relationship with her mother, and her expectations of her boyfriend.

This short book covers several issues including the difficulty of living with any of the forms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), conflicts between marriage and career, taking responsibility for one's own life, and relationships.

I haven't know Tracy Carnes long, but I certainly admire her ability to live her life to the fullest. She is amazingly physically active at everything from yoga to scuba diving and...the flying trapeze!

Fiction. 2008. 185 pages.

Grave Goods

Franklin, Ariana. Grave Goods.

Another in the series of medieval doctor Adelia Aguilar, Henry II's Mistress of Death. Adelia has solved several murders for Henry (this is the third in the series) and is once again offered little choice but to attempt to verify the bones found at Glastonbury. Purported to be the skeletons of Arthur and Guinevere, the skeletons could help Henry lay to rest the myth Arthur's return.

Adelia, Mansur, Gytha, and Allie find themselves in the middle of more than one mystery during their sojourn in Glastonbury. Henry wants Adelia to find definitive proof concerning the skeletons (difficult, indeed), but Lady Emma (from The Serpent's Tale) and her entourage has also disappeared near Glastonbury, and Adelia is much more concerned about her friend's fate.

As usual, Franklin includes excellent historic detail, creates interesting characters, and includes a little hint of romance when Rowley appears once again.

I especially enjoyed the group of men who made up Useless Eustice's Frank Pledge. Although these characters had little time individually, they had definite personalities and added the best dash of spice to the story.

Henry II's reforms had huge impact on the development of English law, and Franklin always includes details in a manner well-integrated with the story. A towering historic figure (remember Eleanor of Aquitaine & Thomas a'Beckett?), Franklin's Henry incorporates much of what has been said about him historically and still makes him fit seamlessly into her mysteries.

Those who have savored the previous books in this series will appreciate this one as well. The first was the best, but I've enjoyed all of them.

Fiction. Historical Mystery. 2009. 331 pages.

Many Thanks

...for all the kind comments! I really appreciate all of the support and the encouraging comments! The book blogging community is such a wonderful and supportive one. Thanks, again. :)

Amelia had her doctor appointment yesterday and was cleared to go back to work for half a day for the rest of this week. She's still easily tired, but things are getting back to normal, and we are all so grateful.

I've been reading. Several books in the last few days--just the kind I needed! I've gone through several mysteries; this weekend was the opening of squirrel season which meant I had the entire weekend to spend indulging myself.

Reviews are in the works.

Hot House Flowers and the 9 Plants of Desire

Berwin, Margot. Hot House Flower and the 9 Plants of Desire.

I actually finished this over a month ago, but didn't get around to a review. Started well, but went down hill. I'm not a great fan of magical realism, although I do occasionally enjoy some books in the genre.

This was not one that I cared for. Although the initial chapters held my interest, the characters were one-dimensional and the plot, despite its efforts, didn't hold together. The "fantasy" created ended up both wild and unsatisfying.

However, once again, I find myself in the minority:

Review on Amazon from Publishers Weekly: Berwin delivers a bangup debut packed with adventure, betrayal, love and, naturally, rare plants. New York ad woman Lila Nova, increasingly disillusioned with her job and the city, becomes enchanted by David Exley, a handsome guy selling plants at a green market. Soon, she's hooked on him, and her budding fascination with tropical plants leads her to a Laundromat that has a rare fern displayed in the window. Proprietor Armand quickly befriends Lila and gives her a trimming from the fern to take home, telling her if it forms roots, he'll show her the nine special plants he keeps in the back room. When Exley sees the fern trimming, Lila tells him about Armand's special plants, and soon the plants have been stolen and Exley has disappeared. Armand guilts Lila into coming to Mexico with him to find replacement plants, and there's magic, romance, greenery and greed as Lila and Armand venture through the Yucatan, hooking up with potential love-interest Diego and running into the devious Exley. It's a fun page-turner—escapist and wonderfully entertaining.

I found turning the pages an effort and was not entertained.

Fiction. Mystery/ Magical Realism? 2009. 266 pages.

Checking In

I haven't posted in some time and have had very little time lately for reading, commenting, or even cleaning house.

It seems like one thing after another has interfered with all of the above.

The most recent and most serious is that my youngest daughter, Amelia, has been ill. The spinal tap indicated meningitis, and she was hospitalized for five days. She's had a CT scan and an MRI, in addition to the lumbar puncture. Each day was a new series of blood cultures. Finally, the doctors were certain it was not bacterial meningitis (the deadly, scary one). Her headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light have been improving. And she finally quit throwing up.

Chris, her husband, and I have switched off staying with her and caring for Bryce Eleanor. Amelia is still sick and weak, but feeling much better than when she went in. Chris had already taken her to the emergency room once. Then I took her back, worried about dehydration, and the ER doctor wasted no time in ordering all the tests as soon as he heard the symptoms.

September hasn't been a great month this year, but things are looking up now. All of the doctors were great and so were the nurses, for which we are truly grateful.

So... reading. I have had several books in progress, but have mostly been reading and re-reading yoga books when time allows. For some reason, neither August nor September saw any where near my normal amount of reading and not just because of the string of difficulties that have filled the last two months. I've been in one of those kind of dry spells regarding reading lately.

Right now, I'm thinking about mysteries and fantasy and adventure. My comfort reads. :) Autumn is a fine month for reading, and I expect to do some catching up in October!

Shadowmagic

Lenahan, John. Shadowmagic. A fantasy geared to the YA audience, this ARC was a fun little read.

Lenahan is a magician who was "the first person in 85 years to be expelled from the Magic Circle for explaining the Three-card Monte on television." Evidently, that only spurred him on to other adventures, including his own series on the BBC and this fantasy novel for young adults.

Told in the first person by Conor, who believes he is an average teenager (although he realizes that his father, a university professor, is a bit eccentric), the story is full of humor and adventure.

When Conor and his father are kidnapped and transported to the land of Tir Na Nog, specifically to a dungeon where they find themselves chained to the wall, Conor's normal teenage worries take on a decidedly more serious slant and survival becomes a more immediate concern.

In Tir Na Nog, Conor finds out that his father is much more than he seemed and that things that he thought were myth are very real. He encounters various kinds of magic and meets banshees, imps, and a lovely, if unpredictable, princess.

A book full of wry humor and adolescent hubris, Shadowmagic is a fantasy adventure of family, friendship, and courage. I thoroughly enjoyed this short fantasy escape.

You can also listen to the free podiobook, read by Lenahan.

Fiction. Fantasy. 2008. 278 pages.

A Circle of Souls

Grandhi, Preetham. A Circle of Souls. Dr. Grandhi is the chief of service for House 5 at Bronx Children's Psychiatric Center and also has a private practice. The book was sent to me by the author, who sent dozens of books to bloggers.

I liked the premise of the story: a young girl's dreams appear to have her in contact with another young girl who had been murdered recently.

The chapters are very short and switch back and forth between FBI Agent Leia Bines, investigating the murder of young Janet Troy, and Dr. Peter Gram, who searches for a way help seven-year-old Naya Hastings recover from her violent nightmares. Eventually, of course, the two story lines merge.

While I frequently enjoy short chapters, I found these chapters choppy, abrupt, and not always productive in either moving the story line forward or in really developing the characters.

The characters never fully materialized for me, seeming one-dimensional for the most part, and the dialogue was often a bit stiff. For a number of reasons, the plot didn't hang together for me either, even though I love the use of the supernatural and dream influence in novels.

All seemed a bit over-simplified, without the requisite layers a novel of psychological suspense requires. I want to be able to enter into the "spirit" of things--and couldn't quite do that with this novel.

It is, however, a debut novel and the author has a rich mine of experience to draw upon as a result of his day job, so maybe practice (and reading something like The Thirteenth Tale) will hone his fiction.

And, uh, once again, I appear to be the only naysayer, so (as usual) take my review with a grain of salt and check the book out for yourself!

Fiction. Mystery/Supernatural/Psychological. 2009. 339 pages.

The Last Days of the Lacuna Cabal

Dixon, Sean. The Last Days of the Lacuna Cabal. A very strange little book! Initially written as a play, the author remarks that the actors in the original play left their mark when he transformed the play into a book.



Here is what induced me to begin reading:

(Let's start with the epitaph.)

(Oh no. Categorically no. This should become well established as an adventure story before anybody ever dies and anything ever changes.)

(But its a beautiful quote!)

(You mean epigraph.)

(Yes, let's begin with the epigraph. And don't tell anyone I made that mistake.)

(It's called a malapropism.)

(I know!)

(And by the epigraph, are you suggesting the quote by Ezra Pound.?)

(Yes!)

(Who, I might point out, is a man?)

(So?)

(Not to mention a damned fascist?)

(Don't you like the quote?)

(I like the quote very much. I love the quote.)

(...(?))

"WHAT THOU LOVEST WELL SHALL NOT BE REFT FROM THEE."

(Yes, just like that. That's the perfect epitaph.)

And then...things get really strange. The book is just weird -- full of odd ball characters and a fantastic (as in outrageous, bewildering, chimerical, freakish, implausible) plot.

Stir together a young woman's book club in Montreal, the Epic of Gilgamesh, Iraq, myth, and bildungsroman and what have you got? The Last Days of the Lacuna Cabal.

I liked it. There are flaws that brought me up short at times, but...I liked it. I can't categorize it and find it impossible to explain. This book is not for everyone, but I hope to hear more from this author.

Fiction. 2009. 292 pages.

Keep Calm and Carry On

I've been busy with quite a few things lately. Laddie fell out of bed at the nursing home, Fee had to have a heart cath, computer problems, etc. (all detailed here on my other blog).

Have several books to review. Hate getting so far behind, but I'm behind on everything now-- reviewing, email, blogging, laundry, grocery shopping, bookkeeping, house cleaning, yoga, meditation...

Now that I have the computer working more efficiently, hope to catch up with my reviews soon.

One thing at a time, however, and now for the grocery list!

Only 2 More Days

Ha! How do these damn books know what is going on in our lives and somehow manage to wiggle their way in?

Two books in progess that I've had so little time for (the Bhagavad Gita and The Last Days of the Lacuna Cabal), but I finished my teaching practicum yesterday and the exam today, and I wanted to indulge myself since I have nothing due tomorrow. The Bhagavad Gita is yogic philosophical discourse, Lacuna Cabal is a modern novel about a book club in Montreal recreating The Epic of Gilgamesh, both have connections to the study of yoga, although I didn't realize it with Lacuna Cabal when I started it.

I read a little more of Lacuna Cabal when I got back to the room, but then an hour or so ago, on a whim, I put it down and picked up Hot House Flowers and the 9 Plants of Desire. The jacket said something about plants (which I love), mystery (ditto), and adventure (yes). On page 46, a friend of the main character tells her to take up yoga, that it will relax her more than alprazolam:

"Yoga nidra, the yoga of sleep. Pranayama, control of the breath. Hatha yoga, O gentle yoga of service."

"O nutjob, what the hell is the yoga of sleep?"

"It's when you practice staying awake in your sleep so that your mind is awake while your body is sleeping."

I went to 2 Hatha yoga classes on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. Decided to try Yoga Nidra on the very last class. Wow! What an experience. We've been learning and practicing various pranayama (breath control) techniques since we got here, along with mantras, mudras, and asanas. There are only about 2 sentences in the manual about Yoga Nidra, but our teacher advised us to try it, so on Sunday I did. I could learn to love that experience!

Tonight, I begin a new novel, and although the novel is not at all about yoga (plants, a mystery, and adventure), it is another interesting coincidence. I truly cannot seem to escape from this summer's yoga theme.

I'm yoga-ed out, and it just keeps coming.

A glass of wine and a shower, and then to bed.

Reporting In

Still here in Austin. Working hard. Going to teacher-training classes all day and taking some yoga classes at night and on weekends...when I don't have too much homework.

My husband came this past weekend, I abandoned class thoughts, and we had a great time. We saw the bats (estimated 1.5 million bats in the colony) come out from under Congress Street Bridge--fantastic!

Austin Bats from Daniel and Rose SaltysilkGo on Vimeo.

A friend from class took me to see Mt. Benel and to a wonderful macrobiotic restaurant, Casa de Luz.
Now reading The Bhagavad Gita (re-reading, actually--but the first time was too many years ago in a college class).



Fee brought me 2 new ARCs that came after I left. The Last Days of the Lacuna Cabal by Sean Dixon and Hot House Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire by Margot Berwin. Both of them sound really interesting, but doubt that I'll have time to read them (or the others I brought with me) as by the time I've gotten back to the room, there is still homework or preparation, studying for the exam, and eating and showering, etc.

Just a week and a half left, things are drawing to a close. Leaving will be difficult after the intensity of this experience. Such great teachers and classmates...I'm sad at the prospect of leaving, even if sometimes missing the security of home.

The Book of Rapture

Gemmell, Nikki. The Book of Rapture.

Certainly my favorite book this year. I've pondered the book all week: recommending it to all the people in the yoga teacher-training class, bending my husband's ear (he came to Austin this weekend to visit), thinking about the many instances in which daily events keep reminding me of the awesome collection of quotes that conclude each chapter, and being grateful for all those serendipitous events that bring the right book to you at just the right time. And this, for me, was the perfect time.

How to give just enough information to whet your appetite, and yet, not give too much away? This is a story that encompasses love of family, courage in the face of fearful consequences, the conflict between science and religion (in this novel, both science and religion have much to answer for), and the cultural/religious differences that can escalate and result in crimes against humanity.

Gemmell presents a cautionary tale that our global society needs to contemplate, to force ourselves into a deeper examination of our own values and the values of other cultures.

In an unknown country, a political prisoner (a woman, a wife, a mother), writes a manuscript in Latin so that her words will be safe from her jailers. The beginning of the book is disjointed, with information coming piecemeal and keeping you off balance. You know only that there is so much about her situation that you don't yet understand and that much of what is written is confusing because you don't have enough information. She writes in a kind of stream of consciousness, with flashbacks and unexplained episodes. Eventually, Prisoner 57775 settles in and the reader gains enough knowledge of the situation to begin putting things together.

We understand that the woman (who is never named, and only later do we understand why), was a scientist with Project Indigo, but we have no details of what the project entails. Her husband removes himself from the project early on and wants her to withdraw as well. He believes that she (and all those working on the project) are getting above themselves, failing to understand the moral implications of their actions.

The woman, however, is too involved with the science and with the possibility of enhancing her reputation; by the time she does finally agree with her husband, they must go into hiding. Eventually, however, they are discovered.

Most of the novel concerns her children, her vast love for them, and how they must adjust to a dangerous situation, in hiding and without parental love and protection. The children all grow emotionally during their confinement, alternately keeping faith and failing, reminding themselves of what their parents have taught them, finding the strength and weaknesses in themselves, succeeding, failing, and trying again.

All of the main characters must have faith and trust in each other and the hope that things will, at some point, turn out right so that the family can be reunited. The mother, the author of the manuscript, finds a spiritual base that she had rejected before. It is not organized religion or dogma that she discovers, but an understanding of what her husband meant when he said to her, "People who completely deny spirituality are missing what it is to be fully human--with all its fallibility and mess and stupidity, yes, but all its glory...and beauty."

Each chapter ends with a quote--from the Bible, the Koran, the Rig Vedas, the Dalai Lama, the Buddha, Hafiz, Matthew Arnold, Philip Larkin, Goethe, etc.

The second chapter begins with "Nothing evolves us like love" and the novel ends with the same quote by Hafiz. Each quote is appropriate to its chapter. Some of my favorites:

"The small man builds cages for everyone he knows." Hafiz

"What we speak becomes the house we live in." Hafiz

"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness." Dalai Lama

"As soon as you hold the view that this is 'true', friction arises; because the opposite view must then be termed 'false'." Buddha

"Is it true that our destiny is to turn into light itself?" Hafiz

"Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action." The Bible

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." Dalai Lama

Science certainly has the potential for great good...and for great evil. The same can be said of religion. Some of the most horrendous crimes have, historically, been committed in the name of religion. Project Indigo (and scientists may be investigating similar solutions even now) has frightening implications, but Prisoner 57775 resists the pressure to give her jailers what they want while trying to be sure that her children are safe.

This ARC is a book that I will treasure, and I'm very grateful to the Fourth Estate in London for sending it to me and to Nikki Gemmell for writing this remarkable book. Thank you.

Fiction. 2009. 269 pages.

Book Marks

Bybee has a great post about teaching her reading class. The discussion about what people use for book marks is good for a chuckle! We all often grab whatever is close by to mark our places, what is funny is what people sometimes have near to hand.

A video about Dewey (the library cat):

Remember This Name: Nikki Gemmell

Oh, I've discovered a new author and a wonderful book. One that I'll keep and reread. One that I can open to almost any page and review with wonder, delight, new insight, and the opportunity for wisdom. An ARC published by The Fourth Estate, The Book of Rapture by Nikki Gemmell will remain with me forever, both physically and emotionally. I will read everything she has written.

Who sent this to me? I can't find any record of this ARC, and sometimes books just arrive out of nowhere, but although I find no record, there is a vague memory of someone sending me the description (I would write you a thank you note if I could). Maybe, when I finish, my review will be the thank you note.

Gemmell has just the right touch to create suspense, tension, the love of a parent for her children. She can bring you to grief and joy without ever slipping into the maudlin.

I'm almost finished, but can't quite bring myself to read on. I've stopped at a crucial point, and I need some time before I can bring myself to bring the book to a close... for several reasons.

It is another example of synchronicity. This book. At this time.

New Series

I discovered a new mystery series, The Coroner's Lunch, while visiting a favorite quilting blog, A Block a Day. The setting is Laos in 1975 and the main character, Dr. Siri Paiboun, a seventy-something who has been conscripted to be the chief medical examiner, must wade through political implications and some supernatural elements to find justice and to survive. I've added it to my wish list, thanks to Lily's recommendation.

Went to my third Kundalini Yoga class from 4:30-6:00, then a Hatha class from 6:00-7:30. Both were good, but I love the Kundalini. So different, so deeply relaxing, and then there is the gong during final relaxation. Addictive. Yes. The vibrations just travel through your body.

Bought two more yoga books and a great CD after class, then came back to the room to eat the tabouli I made this morning and left to refrigerate for about 10 hours. Mmmmm.

I've enjoyed this weekend. Yesterday, I had to wash clothes and do some grocery shopping, but there was time to play on the computer, to read, answer emails, talk to family and friends on the phone, and to practice on my own. Today, more of the same. Tomorrow, free time will be less available.

Listening to my new CD, Deva Premal's Essence...

Animals, Animals, Animals

In a recent conversation, the topic of "animal books" came up. So many of us love a good story about a beloved animal even if, given the shorter life span of pets, there is also an element of sadness.

I'm reading The Art of Racing in the Rain, which is beautifully written and so moving, but I can read only a little at a time because so many emotions keep arising.

Enzo is a dog who feels he should be a man and fully expects another lifetime as a man with the gift of a manageable tongue for speech and opposable thumbs. He sees himself as training for his reincarnation, but truthfully, he is already far more human than most people. I could wish that Stein had included fewer elements of sadness and more of the joy, but there is so much to think about in this novel that although I resent having to put it aside frequently because of being so emotional, I simply must have more Enzo philosophy, more Enzo world vision, more Enzo. Remember Old Yeller, another wonderful, loving, and devoted dog? Just imagine the story told from Old Yeller's perspective. (Kailana mentioned in a previous comment that she liked this one, too.) I don't have much time for reading right now and can't read it for very long at a time, but I hope to finish it soon.

Of course, if you enjoy stories about animals in general, nothing beats James Herriot's books! All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful, and All Things Wise and Wonderful are my all-time favorites in animal stories. A veterinarian in Yorkshire, Herriot's many books about his experiences are hilarious and moving. These remain some of my most beloved comfort reads; just thinking about some of his experiences, some of the animals and their owners, some of the events with Siegfried and Tristan make me smile.

I loved the three memoirs of Peter Gethers (televison and film script writer, editor, founder of Villard Books, editor-at-large for Random House, etc.) about his life with Norton, the Perfect Cat. The first one is The Cat Who Went to Paris, and all three of them are wonderful! Gethers' was a cat-hater until his life tangled up with Norton.




I still have Dewey, the Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World on my TBR list and there is another version specifically for children.





Somewhere I read about Gobbolino, the Witch's Cat by Ursula Moray Williams, first published in the 1940's and still a children's classic. Gobbolino, born into a witchy family, wants to be a hearth cat, a kitchen cat. Unfortunately, his reputation as a witch's cat follows him.... The book has been on my TBR list for a while; maybe I'll begin a Reading Trail on either animal books or children's books.



Diane Ackerman's The Moon by Whale Light is a delightful adventure. Ackerman's essays are a wonderfully poetic scientific look at penguins, bats, whales, and alligators and the importance of these creatures in nature. Great scientific story-telling and encouragement for conservation.


Robin, at A Fondness for Reading, has also contributed to my TBR list with her post about Irene Pepperberg's book Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Uncovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process.

Ooops, out of time for this post and so many good books about animals unmentioned!

What are some of your favorite animal books --for children or adults, fiction or nonfiction?

TGIF

I put aside all yoga thoughts tonight and pulled out a book to read for pleasure. Ahhhh!

Wanted to share this link again (I posted it a couple of years ago) about finding authors in your favorite genres: Literature-Map.

If you enjoy William Faulkner, or Richard Russo, or Reginald Hill, or Ruth Rendell, or Wilkie Collins, or Flannery O'Connor, or ...whichever author you might like, just type in the name and see what other authors appear who write in a similar vein.

One more note for those who enjoy children's lit and YA fiction: The Fairy Godmother Academy (written by the mother-in-law of Cameron, a fellow yoga teacher-in-training) looks like great fun!

"Before there were finishing schools, therapists, or how-to books there were fairy godmothers. Theirs was a legacy of magical Wisdoms, an academy of powerful women with the gifts of Singing Stones, Spirikins, Kalis Sticks, and Magic Hand Mirrors. These powers were handed down through generations to daughters, sisters, nieces and grand daughters.

The Fairy Godmother Academy is a book series and trans-media brand that introduces preteen girls to their inner Wisdoms by connecting them to a school of the heart in a dream world called Aventurine."

Published by Random House, Birdie's Book is the first in the series.

Find Me

O'Connell, Carol. Find Me.

The 9th novel in O'Connell's Mallory series has Kathy Mallory away from the NYPD and preparing to follow the mythic Route 66 for her own reasons. When a body turns up in Chicago that appears to be linked to other murders along the famous route, Mallory lends a hand, but does not want to be deterred from her own journey.

Mallory, however, finds that her route and the murders are connected to the fabled highway, and she is eventually completely involved in the case and with the sad caravan of parents who are traveling the route looking for their missing children. Worried about her uncharacteristic absence from the NYPD, Riker and Charles Butler are trying to catch up with Mallory and find themselves enlisted into protecting the caravan and in the search for the killer as well.

This installation reveals more about Mallory's back story, answering questions and following up hints from previous novels. As usual O'Connell's prose carries the reader along in a tidal wave that prevents questioning the often over-the-top events and character of Kathy Mallory.

I find that I'm perfectly willing to overlook the sometimes bizarre elements in these mysteries. The characterization, intricate narratives, and psychological puzzles keep me entranced. The changes in Mallory and the final scene leave me fearful that this may be the last of the Mallory narratives.

This series may not be for everyone, but it is one of my all-time favorites. I do recommend reading the books in order, however. Each novel reveals a little more about Mallory's background, making it easier to enter Mallory's world with each successive installment. Starting in the middle of this series might make the novels less enjoyable.

Fiction. Crime/Mystery. 2006. 352 pages.

A Darker Domain

McDermid, Val. A Darker Domain.

Val McDermid has several series, including the Tony Hill novels which are the basis for the BBC series Wire in the Blood featuring Robson Green. A Darker Domain is a stand-alone novel (and hopefully, a new series) featuring Detective Karen Pirie, head of the Cold Case Review Team in Fife, Scotland.

When a young woman comes in searching for her missing father, who walked out on them 22 years earlier. She has a young son who needs a bone marrow transplant and desperately needs to locate her father.

Detective Pirie can't resist and finds herself more and more curious about the disappearance of Mick Prentice. At the same time, however, she is assigned to another a case involving the kidnapping and murder of Catriona Maclennan Grant, daughter of one of Scotland's wealthiest men. New evidence discovered by an investigative journalist has Brodie Grant once again eager to find and punish his daughter's murderers and hopefully to discover his missing grandson still alive.

Mick Prentice disappeared in 1984 during the devastating miner's strike, and his wife believes he left with 5 men who left the village to work as scabs, betraying family and friends. Pirie determines that Mick did not leave with the men and continues trying to determine what happened to Mick even as she works on the 20 year old kidnapping/murder case.

The story is told partly by flashbacks involving various characters. The cases eventually converge, although this link seem a trifle forced. However, if these two old cases coming to the fore at the same time seems coincidental, McDermid still manages to keep the reader involved with the characters and the narrative. A few things about the conclusion bothered me, but not excessively.

Detective Karen Pirie is well-developed and likable, and I hope to see more of her in future novels. The book was a page-turner for me, and despite the few quibbles, I enjoyed it very much!

Fiction. Crime/Mystery. 2009. 355 pages.

July 4th and Off to Austin

We had a great deal of fun over the long 4th of July weekend. Lots of people in and out over 4 days. The kids were all great and had a ball playing in the large pool Fee bought for them. There was also a blow-up slide that was a real hit!

Some folks were only there Friday night, others only Saturday. I came home Sunday afternoon, but Erin, Mila, Max, Rhodes, and Fee stayed until Mon.

Now, I'm here in Austin, TX. Wednesday, it was 106; yesterday, 105. Have to admit, though, that with the lower humidity than at home and frequent breezes, it doesn't feel as miserable as Shreveport/Bossier weather. Sweat dries here.

I scheduled my most recent reviews before I left, so I won't have to worry about reviewing A Darker Domain by Val McDermid or Find Me by Carol O'Connell. I also have a couple of drafts in progress.
-------------------
Saturday

Orientation for the Hatha Yoga Intensive was Friday from 5:30 - 8:30. Classes today were from 8:00 - 6:30. Exhausting, exhilarating. There are 20 participants, and they have all been very nice--which is great given the amount of time we will be spending together for the next 30 days!

I did bring some review copies to read:

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (which is wonderful so far)
Conversations with Richard Bandler by Owen Fitzpatrick
The Book of Rapture by Nikki Gemmell
God is an Englishman and
To Serve Them All My Days - classics by R.F. Delderfield that Sourcebooks is re-publishing and want reviewed for a Blog Tour in September.

Now, I don't know how much time I'll actually have to do much besides study and practice!

Winter House

O'C0nnell, Carol. Winter House.

I love O'Connell's Mallory novels. I've not been as impressed by her stand-alones, but Kathleen Mallory is one of the most unusual protagonists I've ever encountered. O'Connell's minor characters Detective Sergeant Riker and Charles Butler are perfect foils for Mallory and each involves the reader in his own right.

When a burglar is killed by an old woman, the initial interest is because the house was the scene of horrific murders and a missing child nearly sixty years earlier. On second glance, however, it seems that the dead man was not actually a burglar, but a serial killer that Mallory and Riker had in their sights. And then the scissors with which he was stabbed were not the cause of death...

The original investigation expands, and as it does, the murder of a family and a missing child also begins to unravel.

Mallory--often referred to as a sociopath, so damaged by her terrible childhood that even the loving intervention of her adoptive parents can only partially redeem her-- has moments in this novel that indicate a bit of a sea-change. Her inability to communicate her feelings (and to comprehend the feelings of others) leads even those who love her to suspect her behavior, and Charles Butler actually stands up to her in this novel.

When I read the first Mallory novel years ago, I remember being confused at times because Mallory's background is dropped into the narrative little by little, and even in the first novel the back story (though incomplete and added to novel by novel) is so important. The character of Kathy Mallory is unique in crime and mystery fiction and well worth following book by book!

O'Connell's Mallory series ranks in my top ten mystery favorites.

Fiction. Crime/Mystery. 2004. 306 pages

The September Society

Finch, Charles. The September Society.

This is Finch's second novel. Both feature the gentleman detective Charles Lenox.

An event in India (involving stolen jewels, of course), a London detective in love with his neighbor, and a missing Oxford student provide the fodder for this mystery set in 1866.

I just wasn't captivated by this novel for several reasons. I found Charles Lenox to be a bit bland. He was so very nice. Talk about damning with faint praise--almost everything I can think of to say about the book falls into that slippery category.

The first of the novel becomes a panegyric to Oxford, and it is obvious that Finch, who attended Oxford, loved it and absorbed all kinds of trivia and history concerning the various colleges and the university town itself. His inclusion of so much information, however, interrupts the pace and flow of the narrative, and regardless of how interesting, results in a textbook awkwardness.

One amusing episode, though, is inserted as a throw-away later in the novel. Lenox stops a student to ask a question. The student replies politely and respectfully, and Lenox thanks him and gives his name. The student courteously disregards the thanks and gives his own name--"Hopkins," the lad said. They shook hands. "Gerard Manley Hopkins. A pleasure to meet you..."

My favorite character was young Dallingham; now, he was interesting. He will, no doubt, be in future installments and, hopefully, with a larger role.

Fiction. Historical mystery. 2008. 310 pages.

The Anatomy of Deception

Goldstone, Lawrence. The Anatomy of Deception.

Set in Philadelphia in 1889, this medical mystery is full of suspense, interesting characters, and fascinating historic medical detail.

The novel opens with Dr. William Osler (one of the real characters in the book) leading students and practicing physicians to the Dead House, the morgue that provided anatomical training for University of Pennsylvania Medical School, to observe the dissection of several cadavers.

When the coffin containing the body of an attractive young woman is opened, all present are somewhat distressed. The lesson is concluded with the excuse that there isn't enough time for this last corpse. Young Dr. Ephraim Carroll, who has come to Philadelphia specifically to study with Dr. Osler, finds the abrupt conclusion disconcerting and suspects that the nameless young woman has been recognized by at least two individuals.

Goldstone smoothly incorporates information from the real Dr. Osler's notes on actual autopsies he performed and information from a manuscript Osler wrote but instructed to be kept sealed for fifty years after his death.

An interesting forensic thriller that reveals a bit of the bohemian art world, social mores of the time, interesting medical history, and a glimpse of the conflicts concerning medical advances.

Fiction. Historical mystery. 2008. 340 pages.

Yoga for Body,m Breath, and Mind: A Guide to Personal Reintegration

Mohan, A. G. Yoga for Body, Breath, and Mind: A Guide to personal Reintegration.

This and Desikachar's Heart of Yoga are two of my favorite yoga books so far, and they have much in common as Desikachar is the son of Krishnamacharya and A.G. Mohan is one of his most famous students.

Chapter 1: Yoga and Personal Reintegration

Information on perception and misperception, the 5 states of mind, the gunas, obstacles to reintegration and some solutions, Kriya Yoga, the 8 Limbs of Yoga

Chapter 2: Asana--The Role of the Body in Personal Reintegration

The core principles of reintegration, listed and expanded upon. The principles of practice and sections on putting each principle in action.

"Asana should not simply be an external form into which you fit your body, but should arise from within you. What you see in the mirror is the form. What you feel is the function of the posture. Unity, not uniformity is the goal of yoga."

"The vast spectrum of body types and conditions assures that any partiular posture or movement not only will, but should, look different in every student."

Chapter 3: The Asanas

Classic and modified postures illustrated.

Chapter 4: Viparita Karani -- Inversion

Chapter 5: Vinyasa Krama--Sequencing and Adaptation

Chapter 6: Parnayama-- The Role of Breath

Inhalation, exhalation, retention, and suspension of breath and the relation between the components discussed. Methods of breathing listed and defined (ujjayi, sitali, nadi shodana, etc.). General Guidelines for pranayama practice; bandhas, use of sound.

Chapter 7: Meditation

Chapter 8: Yoga Therapy

I've highlighted so much in this book! The content is so similar to Desikachar's Heart of Yoga, but the language is very different. I always benefit from different explanations.

Nonfiction. Yoga. 1993. 211 pages.

Lamentation

Scholes, Ken. Lamentation: The Psalms of Isaac.

Although Scholes been publishing short fiction for about 8 years, this is his first novel and a very good one. The novel is a fantasy with some intriguing elements of science fiction.

Opening with the destruction of the city Windwir, the narrative is told from several perspectives:

Rudolfo, the head of the Wandering Army and Lord of the Ninefold Forest Houses, sees the smoke and realizes that something terrible has happened, but can't imagine the breadth of destruction until he arrives.

Neb, a young Androfrancine apprentice, has been waiting for his father on one of the hills surrounding the city; he feels the ground shaking, sees the city collapse upon itself, and watches for hours as the fires complete the destruction.

Petronus the Fisherman, also sees the cloud and realizes with sudden clarity what has occurred. Jin Li Tam, consort to the Overseer, is called to join him to witness the fall of Windwir.

War, political intrigue, codes and secret languages, magic, deception, a robot that cries, a gypsy king, a marsh king, and a hidden pope--all packed into the first of what is planned to be a five book series.

A fine first novel with the promise of more to come!

I love this post by Nymeth about why she reads fantasy!

Fiction. Fantasy. 2009. 361 pages.

Cemetery Dance

Preston, Douglas, and Lincoln Childs. Cemetery Dance.

I know, I know. These novels are absolutely ridiculous, but every time I see a new one, it goes right in the library bag! I'm weak. It is like eating fried food knowing it isn't good for you, but occasionally giving in the craving.

This one has an even greater "unbelievable" factor with zombies. As with all the books in this series, things move at a rapid pace; plot (regardless of how fantastic) is king,and character development is minor. Pendergast and D'Agosto must determine how a man who died 10 days previously managed murder one of their close friends. For some reason, both felt even more cardboard than usual.

Have to admit that I wasn't happy about the loss of a recurring character in the first chapter.

Not my favorite in the series, but good for a night's entertainment, if you are a fan of the series.

Fiction. Horror/mystery. 2009. 435 pages.

Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship

Farhi, Donna. Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship.

This book certainly contains some useful advice, but is the least favorite of the yoga books I've read. The information could be contained in fewer pages, and something about the style and anecdotal situations put me off a bit. Loved Farhi's Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit, but this one...not so much. Perhaps as a former high school teacher, much of the content is pretty standard fare. Which doesn't mean that even experienced teachers don't need reminders...

Here are some of the points I highlighted:

- "The underpinnings of the Yoga tradition have to do with leading a moral life in which our actions are congruent with our values." I like the way she worded this, and it is one of the more difficult virtues to accomplish--to practice what we preach.

- I also like that when she mentions ahimsa, usually described as non-violence, Farhi expands the meaning to "compassion for all living things" and later balances satya (not- lying or truthfulness) with ahimsa and not-harming. Often truth is used as a weapon and is intended to hurt or belittle. Farhi makes the first mention of this need for balance that I've read so far. It may be taken for granted by many, but I like that she spells it out.

- Farhi's use of Patanjali's yoga sutras to introduce many of sections is worth noting. I liked this aspect as well.

- I found the sections on the power of words, appropriate etiquette, and setting boundaries useful concepts to keep in mind. These are important in any teaching situation, but have special relevance for physical endeavors.

I do think Teaching Yoga is a book that will be good to have on the yoga shelf and one to which I might need to refer in the future. (There is a CD included that contains Farhi's keynote address at Yoga Spirit 2002.)

Nonfiction. Yoga. 2006. 166 pages.

Mid-Summer Already!

My gosh! I have 3 more reviews scheduled, 4 drafts in progress, and two books that I've just finished.

All of those scheduled and in progress were completed in June. A little minor surgery and a thyroid imbalance slowed down the physical activity in June so it turned into a reading marathon. When I wasn't too tired to keep my eyes open, I was reading, but as usual, not reviewing. So the first week of July will be reviews of June books.

My only crafty activities (besides the ever present embroidery) were these flowers for Calamity Kim's Fabric Flower Flickr Group.
While I was in my "too tired to do much" state, I attended only Marcia's morning restorative yoga classes. Last week when I began feeling more energetic, I went to one of the evening "fitness yoga" class and...injured my shoulder. Duh!

The Private Patient

James, P.D. The Private Patient.

This is the 14th novel featuring Adam Dalgliesh, and it doesn't disappoint. The first sentence announces the victim, but goes on to develop Rhoda Gradwyn's personality and gain our interest.

Most of the characters are introduced and developed before James embarks on the murder, which takes place in a wonderful old manor house that has been partially converted to house patients before and after plastic surgery. Rhoda Gradwyn is to have a terrible facial scar that she has born for over 30 years removed because she "doesn't need it anymore."

As usual, James has constructed a riveting mystery with complex characters. Dalgliesh, however, is soon to be married and is thinking of retirement and, perhaps for that reason, plays a smaller role than usual. His presence still dominates, but other characters are given more time.

James' careful plotting and intelligent prose keep the novel moving, yet at the same time, she manages to have the reader ponder various contemporary social dilemmas. The dilemmas of aging, journalism, immigrants, and education are so intertwined with the characters that they are in no way intrusive, but rather add depth to the characters and the novel. There are also plenty of literary allusions, skillfully done.

This is a police procedural that I didn't want to put down and didn't want to finish. P.D. James, at nearly 90, is still on her game and as usual, far ahead of most writers!

Other Reviews: Random Jottings, Gaelic Threads,

Fiction. Mystery/Police Procedural. 2008. 352 pages.