Four years ago, Mackenzie Philip's youngest daughter was abducted during a camping trip. Her bloodied dress is found in a remote cabin in the woods, aFour years ago, Mackenzie Philip's youngest daughter was abducted during a camping trip. Her bloodied dress is found in a remote cabin in the woods, and all evidence points to her being the victim of a serial killer. Mack's family continues to suffer, and his anger at God is unrelenting. Then, one day, there's a note in his mailbox from "Papa," asking him to come to the shack. Papa is his wife's name for God. Against his better judgment, Mack returns to the shack that destroyed his life, and confronts God Himself.
First things first. The concept of this book is great. It addresses the nature of God, and why God allows evil to exist, and how forgiveness can be achieved. It's very thought-provoking stuff.
However, the writing is downright atrocious. If I'm reading a forward and I have the need to reach for my red pen and start editing, that's a very, very bad sign. The voice is inconsistent. The forward and afterward don't fit the voice of the rest of the book. There are info dumps, including several pages that read like a tour guide to Oregon. For me, though, the most frustrating thing was the dialogue, especially the dialogue of God in all His facets. I see what the author was trying to do. He wanted to make God friendly and approachable, but he does so in a melodramatic matter where God! Constantly uses! Exclamation points! He also laughs constantly and even speaks in chuckles/laughs in dialogue tag (an amateur writer's mistake). Therefore, the dialogue felt forced and fake, which is a shame since the subject matter was compelling. It feels like when this book was picked up by a major publisher, they didn't have anyone edit, and that's to their discredit.
I can see why this sold millions of copies. I can also see why I found my copy at Goodwill....more
In the third book of the Vatta's War series, Ky Vatta is up to her neck in intrigue. Now in possession of a pirate's warship, docking in space ports hIn the third book of the Vatta's War series, Ky Vatta is up to her neck in intrigue. Now in possession of a pirate's warship, docking in space ports has become even more complicated. Communications are still down throughout many systems; while Ky is keenly aware that much of her family has been massacred, she'd not sure who is left, or when she'll be able to return to her homeworld. Meanwhile, her cousin takes charge of Ky's slower, older ship and deals with the aftermath of Ky's turbulent port visits--making Stella more and more resentful. On a planet where impoliteness means the death penalty, Ky's very identity is brought into question--just as the enemy moves in all too close.
Wow. This series only gets better. The suspense was so intense that I kept saying, "One more chapter, one more chapter..." and over a hundred pages flew by. I enjoyed Moon's Paksenarrion fantasy series, but the Vatta's War books truly show her evolution as a writer. The plot twists and technological details are impressive, and I'm amazed at how she mapped out everything from book to book.
I've already started the next in the series, Command Decision. It's just as addictive....more
This hardcover Chicken Soup book is 653 pages long, and is an exclusive sold at Wal-mart this holiday season. My own essay is included on page 426.
MosThis hardcover Chicken Soup book is 653 pages long, and is an exclusive sold at Wal-mart this holiday season. My own essay is included on page 426.
Most Chicken Soup books only have 101 stories. This one has many more, and benefits from it for a big reason: variety. It has every sort of Christmas story you can imagine, from a child's view on a memorable event, to the heartbreak of losing a loved one, to the religious and inspirational aspects of the day. When I started reading, I admit, I was not in the Christmas spirit. A few unpleasant things had just happened in my life and sucked all the holiday joy out of me. That changed as I began to read. Some of the stories made me laugh. Others made my eyes fill with tears. Some made me sad, like I wanted to reach out and give the author a hug.
It's a great collection, and one I hope my son will read in future years....more
This is the second volume in the middle grade-level Carbonel series. I last read it was a library copy about 15 years ago.[return][return]A year afterThis is the second volume in the middle grade-level Carbonel series. I last read it was a library copy about 15 years ago.[return][return]A year after setting Carbonel free from a witch's spell, teenagers Rosemary and John reunite to spend the summer together. To their delight, King Carbonel returns. After going to a pharmacist for a special prescription, the two drink an elixir and can hear Carbonel again--and all the other animals and insects around. Carbonel has a special request. He must leave for a meeting of kings, and he's concerned about the well-being of his two young kittens. Rosemary and John agree to tend them, but soon enough trouble merges. Carbonel's old witch is up to mischief again, this time plotting with the ambitious cat-queen of a neighboring city. The two children must do everything they can to save the kittens and keep Cat Country from falling into outright war.[return][return]This book is as charming as I remembered. It's so delightfully British, full of eccentric characters with magic revealing itself in unexpected ways. I'm so grateful that these books were finally reprinted! Mind you, it does feel dated in some ways (this second book was published in 1960) but that's all part of its charm....more
Long before Harry Potter, the Carbonel series captured that same British magical whimsy. Carbonel and its sequel were among my favorite books at the lLong before Harry Potter, the Carbonel series captured that same British magical whimsy. Carbonel and its sequel were among my favorite books at the library when I was about 9-12. Imagine my delight when this book, originally published in 1955, was re-released... followed by two sequels! I didn't even know it was a trilogy. I completed my set, and now I'm reading through them from the beginning.[return][return]Young Rosemary plans on cleaning houses to make her summer break pass by. However, when she buys a ratty broom from an odd old lady at the market, a black cat is thrown into the bargain. But this cat is no ordinary cat: he is Carbonel, a kidnapped Prince of Royal Blood. He has spent his entire life as the witch's minion. Rosemary's purchase broke part of the curse, but there is still a spell of Silent Magic that holds him in bondage. To make things worse, his now-dead father's kingdom is in disarray with cruel usurping alley cats in charge, and Carbonel cannot take his rightful throne as a human's minion. Rosemary and her new friend John set out to solve the mystery and set the cat free by hunting out the artifacts used in the original spell.[return][return]This book is just as magical as when I first read in twenty years ago. I look forward to reading this with my own son in the coming years....more
Cal Leandros just can't catch a break. After saving the world from his father's monstrous (literally) side of the family--with him as the weapon--Cal Cal Leandros just can't catch a break. After saving the world from his father's monstrous (literally) side of the family--with him as the weapon--Cal just wants to stop dealing with nastier preternatural creatures. But he and his older brother, Niko, have to make a living somehow. A new case has them working for the Kin, the local werewolf Mafia. But what looks like a one day job for fast money turns into something far more convoluted and dangerous.[return][return]Moonshine takes many of the same elements as the first book and is a more solid read. Less time brooding in Cal's head. More action. More interesting creatures. Thurman really makes Cal's 20-year-old male voice shine through, as sarcastic and profane as that can be at times. I continue to love this series. Also, this book gains massive points for having a cover that depicts the two leads exactly as they are described, down to the facial expressions and choice weapons....more
Cal is a monster. Well, half-monster. His father is a nasty creature called an Auphe--the basis for elf mythology, but the only accurate thing is the Cal is a monster. Well, half-monster. His father is a nasty creature called an Auphe--the basis for elf mythology, but the only accurate thing is the pointed ears. And for some reason, the Auphe have been seeking Cal for years. It's only because of the grim devotion of older half-brother Niko that Cal has stayed alive through their years on the run. That's about to change. The Auphe want Cal. Badly.[return][return]Rob Thurman has created a unique urban fantasy series following the first-person vantage point of Cal Leandros. Most urban fantasy is aimed towards women, but this book should strongly appeal to everyone through Cal's sarcastic, snippy tone. Actually, all of the characters are fantastic. His older brother is a walking arsenal and the perfect guy to have at your back, and the supporting cast is just as brilliant. Cal and Niko aren't straightforward good guys; they are the Batmans of their world, surviving by grim determination and a steady aim. Normally they wouldn't be my type, but Thurman's solid writing and fantastic voice completely won me over. Just what I needed... another series to get hooked on....more
I won this book through a contest on author Laura Anne Gilman's blog (Anna Leonard is her nom de plume for romances).[return][return]Beth Havelock feeI won this book through a contest on author Laura Anne Gilman's blog (Anna Leonard is her nom de plume for romances).[return][return]Beth Havelock feels the call of the sea like an itch across her skin. When a handsome stranger washes up naked on the beach, her curiosity is piqued-along with something much deeper, something much more terrifying. Little does she know that this stranger, Dylan, is a selkie, a seal-kin, and he's there because of Beth's almost-magical draw. They are destined to be mates--if they can survive that long. There are others who search for the seal-kin with very dark intentions, and now Dylan is a target... and so is Beth.[return][return]I read very few romances a year, but I was very happy to acquire this one. I love, love, love selkies. Gilman's take here was quite interesting and worked for the plot. Dylan and Beth had incredible chemistry before they even met. They also defied many of the old romance stereotypes; Dylan was handsome, but he was by no means a fighter, whereas Beth could be quite a spitfire. The sex scenes were quite hot and well-written. I've never been to the setting, Nantucket, but her descriptions were vivid. I could see and smell the sea--and laugh at the residents' disdain for tourists.[return][return]Two negatives, though: I didn't like that Beth was in a relationship and didn't break it off formally. It was made clear it wasn't much of a relationship, but still. Secondly, a deus ex machina comes into play during a big confrontation with the bad guys and well... it was a handy-dandy plot device, and came out of nowhere and went away just as fast. Otherwise, I liked the ending and how Beth's painful decision was handled.[return][return]That said, this was an enjoyable read. Great romance, and featured one of my favorite mythical creatures. Selkies don't get enough love, and here they get some very nice lovin'....more
In her asylum, Sarah is different than the rest. She only speaks in memorized verse--especially Shakespeare and Blake--and always has her vinyl two-heIn her asylum, Sarah is different than the rest. She only speaks in memorized verse--especially Shakespeare and Blake--and always has her vinyl two-headed dragon close by. However, she's not really autistic. When budget cuts force her onto the streets, she falls into a street gang that guards her with fierce protectiveness. Sarah soon realizes something strange: she can hear the voices of more objects than her dragons. Walls speak their security codes, and paintings tell their history. And when a doctor from the asylum that raised her begins a frantic search for Sarah, she'll need all the wiles of her street friends and her own gifts if she'll make it out alive.[return][return]I love the premise here. Sarah is an amazing character, and first person narration works perfectly here because she can think like other people, but she doesn't speak or listen like others. The beginning of the book is filled with vibrant characters from the street; on some levels those interactions worked, though some sexual elements felt forced and didn't fit with the rest of the book. Her friend Abalone shines. In the latter half, that feeling isn't there. Sarah is on the run and the cast is limited, and some of the best characters from the beginning fall into stereotypes. It makes the book feel unbalanced. One of the big plot twists at the end was easy to see coming, too. It's not a bad read--it's good for a study of technique alone--but I don't feel it's worth keeping....more
When Imogene starts high school in Newford, she's not surprised when her punk looks attract bullies right away. However, she's determined to stay out When Imogene starts high school in Newford, she's not surprised when her punk looks attract bullies right away. However, she's determined to stay out of the sort of trouble she fell into deep at her last school. She soon makes friends with Maxine, a straight-laced girl who attracts her share of bullying, too. With this being Newford, though, there's something more going on. Imogene also attracts the admiration of the geeky school ghost--and because of him, the resident fairies also take an interest--and when the fairies focus on someone, that draws the attention of much darker creatures...[return][return]I've loved all of my adventures in Newford so far and this book is no exception. Charles de Lint awes me with his writing ability. This book was painful for me since the first part dwelled so much on high school and bullying--hello, flashbacks--but the supernatural elements sucked me in. Imogene and Maxine are fantastic characters, flawed and full of teenager issues, and all the more real because of it. Even the minor characters zing as though de Lint writes of things he has really known, just like his recurring storyteller character Christy Riddell. [return][return]This may be a young adult book, but anyone who loves fantasy should seek this one out--and have some salt and blue dye handy, just in case darker beings take note....more
I am ashamed to say that I'm a writer of scifi and fantasy and I had never read this classic before.[return][return]Ender Wiggin isn't simply a recruiI am ashamed to say that I'm a writer of scifi and fantasy and I had never read this classic before.[return][return]Ender Wiggin isn't simply a recruit in the Earth's battle against the buggers. He's the chosen one, monitored before he was even born with one specific task in mind: save humankind. At age six, he's sent to begin his training amongst other brilliant children. His coursework isn't merely academics; it's psychological manipulation at the highest, with the goal of isolating Ender and forcing him to be the best soldier ever produced... whether he wants to be or not.[return][return]I was hooked within the first chapter. It's a disturbing story on many levels, but a gripping one because of the fast pace and ease of reading. It flows (at least, up till the ending when it kind of info dumps). Card made Ender a sympathetic character with a supporting cast that felt just as real....more
Ah, Wink. This is currently one of my son's very favorite books, and we've been reading it four days a week for many weeks now. In all, it's a simple Ah, Wink. This is currently one of my son's very favorite books, and we've been reading it four days a week for many weeks now. In all, it's a simple story. Boy wants to be a ninja, and possesses the talents to e one. However, he can't be stealthy. He loves to perform. However, when his talents are discovered by a visiting circus, Wink finds a place where he truly belongs--performing ninjitsu for a crowd wearing a glittering outfit.
Some people will probably say this book encourages kids to misbehave. That's not the point. The moral of the story is that if you keep on trying, you'll find a place where you can be yourself. It's not the end of the world if you don't belong somewhere.
The illustrations are charming as well, all done in paper and filled with emotion. This is a book I don't mind reading to my son again and again....more
In this collection of essays by Gerald Haslam, he explores what it means to be from the San Joaquin Valley of California, a massive stew of cultures aIn this collection of essays by Gerald Haslam, he explores what it means to be from the San Joaquin Valley of California, a massive stew of cultures and people. As an Oildale boy and a product of Okie and Hispanic heritage, his perspective is entrenched in valley dirt and hard work.[return][return]I seek out books on my home region, and I now count this among my favorites. Haslam shows the valley as it is. He speaks with pride about the labor of Okies struggling to emerge from the poverty of the dust bowl, and the Mexican migrants working the fields today. He explores the racism of Taft in the 1970s, and the grief of his mother's slow decline and death. It's a moving work. Haslam struck me as someone who I could simply sit near for the joy of hearing him speak about the old days and the promise of the future.[return][return]I found this comparative to David Mas Masumoto's Letters to the Valley, the sort of work that makes me proud of where I come from and homesick to return. This is a keeper....more
In Changless, Alexia Maccon has adjusted to seeing the odd and unusual, and not just because she was born without a soul. Now married to the werewolf In Changless, Alexia Maccon has adjusted to seeing the odd and unusual, and not just because she was born without a soul. Now married to the werewolf Lord Maccon, she's used to seeing naked men and wolves roaming about the grounds. However, when a crisis hits Queen Victoria's London, she's as baffled as the rest: all supernatural powers within a certain radius turned off. Werewolves were stuck in human form, vampires became mortal, and the local ghosts were permanently exorcised. When Lord Maccon heads back towards Scotland to deal with a family matter, the nullifying entity begins to travel north, too. With her trusty parasol in hand, Alexis heads northward by dirigible, determined to solve the mystery... and maybe find out more about her husband's mysterious past as well.[return][return]This book had all the fierce British wit of its predecessor. Carriger has created a magnificent world where the supernatural have an obvious presence in society and are indeed the backbone of the British Empire--which is in complete steampunk style, of course. [return][return]I have to say, though, that the cliffhanger ending was quite frustrating, especially as Lord Maccon's logic is concerned. Instead of merely making me want the next book, it made me feel downright angry because the truth was so obvious and other people are so dense. I would have rated it higher if not for the ending. I will definitely buy the third book when it's released, but in the meantime I'll remain rather peeved....more
This is how to write a non-direct book sequel.[return][return]I read Boneshaker a year ago. It set the background for Priest's Clockwork Century worldThis is how to write a non-direct book sequel.[return][return]I read Boneshaker a year ago. It set the background for Priest's Clockwork Century world: A United States where the Civil War has gone on for decades, resulting in advanced steampunk technology. There's also the small matter of a massive drill digging a hole in Seattle that released volcanic gases that turns people into zombies.[return][return]Dreadnought begins on the east coast. Mercy Lynch is a nurse in a Confederate war hospital when she learns her husband died in a POW camp. To complicate things further, she gets a telegram informing her that her estranged father is near death in Seattle. With no reason to stay in Virginia, she sets off on a cross-country journey complicated by skirmishes and the looming presence of a massive Union train known as the Dreadnought. When the Dreadnought ends up being the safest passage west, Mercy buys the ticket, only to find there is much more going on. The Dreadnought isn't a safe ride--it's a moving target, with several rail cars of particular interest to rival parties. Mercy's going to need all of her know-how and a steady aim if she'll make it off alive.[return][return]Mercy is a fantastic heroine, all smart and spunky. I have a fondness for healer characters, and it was refreshing to see a nurse in a lead role. It really brought a new perspective to an alternative history book. This ends up as a gripping action book, with steampunk vehicles such as the Dreadnought becoming characters in their own right. There were a few plot elements that were left dangling, but overall this is a tight and very well-written book, and one I am definitely keeping on my shelf....more
Every year I like to read at least one nonfiction book that educates me about an era or people I'm otherwise ignorant of. Last year I read Nathaniel'sEvery year I like to read at least one nonfiction book that educates me about an era or people I'm otherwise ignorant of. Last year I read Nathaniel's Nutmeg, a book that has forever changed my perspective about paying $2 for a jar of nutmeg at the grocery store. This year I selected Galileo's Daughter. I admit, I didn't know much about the man other than that he was the father of modern sciences and was censored by the Catholic church, but I didn't know the details of that.[return][return]This book takes a fascinating approach to Galileo by studying him through his eldest daughter's eyes. He had three children--all illegitimate--with the two girls placed in a convent. The eldest, dubbed Suor Maria Celeste as a nun, had all of the intelligence and wit of her father. She managed many aspects of her convent, and while her father was imprisoned by the Inquisition, she also ran her father's household--even though she could not leave the convent grounds. This book delves heavily into Galileo's Dialogues, a volume that earned him the acclaim of his fellow scientists and the scorn of the Pope (his former friend), and resulted in his prolonged captivity during a time of virulent plague.[return][return]I'm very glad I read this, though at times it was challenging for me. I do not share Galileo's scientific mind, and I'm awed at the discoveries and observations he made with the tools at his disposal. I adored Maria Celeste's letters. Her voice is delightful and bright, always drawing heavily on her faith while supporting her father to the utmost. It's no wonder that Galileo was crushed by her death at age 34. Galileo's own long life of 77 is quite remarkable; up to the very end, despite blindness and incapacitating pain, he dictated new theories to his apprentice.[return][return]I highly recommend this book....more
This book features a compilation of bad customer stories, all told in script form. One hundred are from their website, http://notalwaysright.com/, andThis book features a compilation of bad customer stories, all told in script form. One hundred are from their website, http://notalwaysright.com/, and another hundred are brand new.[return][return]I won't waste time quoting or summarizing; just go to the website to see why this book is so extraordinary. Some of these people need to be removed from the gene pool and others... well, maybe they were just having a bad day. Reading this brings back fond memories of my own time in retail. Also, when I was battling a migraine and unable to stare at the computer monitor, I could read the book version and giggle the pain away....more
This brand new book in the Paksennarion series takes place where Oath of Gold left off. Unlike the previous books, this one does not focus on Paks; inThis brand new book in the Paksennarion series takes place where Oath of Gold left off. Unlike the previous books, this one does not focus on Paks; instead, we follow several familiar characters as their lives take unexpected turns. Kieri Phelan leaves behind his mercenary company and delves into the truth of his half-elven heritage as he nears his coronation as king of Lyonya. Meanwhile, dark magic lurks in Tsaia. The Verrakaien magelords are held responsible, and all their kin are stripped of land and title--all except for Dorrin Verrakai, one of Phelan's mercenary captains and long estranged from her family. Dorrin must face the darkness of her past and utilize her own untrained magic if she's to cleanse her family's land of taint.[return][return]At 500 pages, this book was a fast and enjoyable read. I'm a big fan of Moon's books; I read the original Paks and Gird books last year, and then her scifi Vatta's War series a few months ago. Moon's writing skill has increased since she first created Paks' world twenty years ago. Oath of Fealty features the interwoven threads and political intrigue like her Vatta's War books, but in a fantasy setting. That's not a complaint.[return][return]Reading this felt like sitting down to talk with friends I haven't seen in a long time. I look forward to the release of the next book....more
This book was a quick, hilarious read last night, and was just what I needed after a day of stress. These actual pictures signs from around the world This book was a quick, hilarious read last night, and was just what I needed after a day of stress. These actual pictures signs from around the world try so hard to master the English language and fail in delightful ways:[return][return]SPEEDO CHECK AHEAD NEXT 5KM[return][return]...more
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