Leah's Bookshelf

I stopped at page 40. While I enjoy an occasional guilty pleasure, Wolf Tales was too much guilt not enough pleasure. In other words, not enough character development or plot before the first sexual encounter (one that would've scared the bejeezus outta me) and I could see where the story was going right away. Plus the encounters between Xandi and Stefan were dang near bestiality. So I guess just a little too weird, even for me, and I've read and watched some bizarre stuff in my day.

Rating: 3 of 5

A boy, walking home from school in broad daylight on a busy street, vanished (literally!) and an old southern town with a dark history were the two reasons I chose Niceville. Had I known it was the first in a trilogy (does anyone write standalone books anymore?!) I might not have borrowed it.

That's not to say I was disappointed with Niceville just ... underwhelmed.

Stroud hooked me from the first chapter (crafty devil) and ended each chapter with just enough to keep me turning the page (he's obviously an expert tease), but the next chapter didn't resolve the previous one. Instead, it switched to another character and their subplot. I had to wade through some pretty blatant info dump (the kind where one character tells another character lengthy details he had to have already known), lazy characterizations (Chinese dude as IT whiz kid) and downright stupid choices by some of those characters to finally arrive at the climax, which felt rushed and, well, boring. There were genuinely creepy moments sprinkled throughout the story, so I thought for sure the climax would take it up a notch. Sadly, it didn't.

My gut tells me the juicy stuff, the real mystery and adventure, will be in the sequel. Niceville was simply used as a way to introduce the main characters, establish the town's history, and hint at something darker yet to be uncovered. I'll admit to being curious about Rainey Teague and who, or what, he really is. Same with Crater Sink. Is that curiosity strong enough that I'll pick up The Homecoming? I'm leaning toward yes, but only time will tell.

Overall, if you're looking for a fast-paced, multiple POV, masculine mystery with some paranormal activity, you'll likely enjoy this book.

Disclaimer: Contains racism and stereotypes.

Rating: 4.5 of 5

You know what really burns my biscuits? I had a long, insightful handwritten review all ready to post. Then, two weeks ago, I returned Quiet to the library. And where do you think I'd stuck that review for safekeeping? Uh huh. In the dang front flap of the book. Ugh. So now the review's gone, along with all the notes I'd taken whilst reading. Live and learn, I s'pose: don't forget you filed your review in a borrowed book.

Onward to what I remember lovin' about Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking:

* An interesting examination of how our culture has adopted the "Extrovert Ideal."

* I never felt the author was saying, "Introverts are better; therefore, everyone should be an introvert." Instead, throughout the book, there were repeated messages of BALANCE. I really dug that vibe because the world really does need both.

* Tons of research. You could tell the author did her homework and not just for a year or two, but several years of focused research. Plus, there were 45+ pages of source notes.

* The content was structured in an accessible way. Research findings would be introduced and then a real world example would follow which illustrated the thesis of that research.

* Empowerment for introverts! My whole life I'd heard all the comments probably most every introvert has heard: "You think too much;" "You analyze too much;" "Why does your face turn red when you talk to people;" "Why don't you go to more parties or have more friends;" "How can you stand to work at home, be alone, for so long;" and on and on. After reading Quiet, for the first time ever, I embraced those comments, appreciated them. They were just recognizing the person I always knew I was but thought wrong in some way, even though I loved those things about myself (well, except for the blushing).

My only teensy complaint would be I wish there had been more elaboration on raising introverted children and how to enhance/improve relations between introverts and extroverts, especially in personal relationships.

Quiet's definitely on my must-buy list.

Rating: 3 of 5

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz just couldn't outshine its film adaptation.

I think for the first time in my life - I'd have to really think on it to know for sure - I actually enjoyed a book less than its cinematic counterpart.

Shocking, right?!

It's not that the story was boring or the writing sub-par; nope, all the elments of a fabulous children's book are present (it is a "classic" for a reason). It's just, all my life, starting at about five years old, I looked forward to watching the movie on TV every year. (I can still remember how I felt the first time Dorothy walked through the door from black and white to color!)

So I'm sure it's the emotional connection to those memories affecting my response and not the book's fault.

Having said all that, I'm fairly certain for kids around 5-10 years old, who haven't yet seen the movie, this book would be entertaining and endearing.

Onward to Oz #2...

Rating: 3.5 of 5

Nothing new or mind-blowing but a fun, light read nonetheless. Recommended for young readers (ages 8-14) who enjoy modern fairy tale mash-ups. Most likely I will not buy the others in the series; however, I will definitely borrow them from the library as they look promising and, at the least, entertaining.

Rating: 4 of 5

Rife with Victorian Era mystery and intrigue, The Wyvern Mystery was my first encounter with J.S. Le Fanu, and I dug it.

There were times Le Fanu had me on the edge of my seat and other times laughing out loud, but always wondering what would happen to Alice. All the trappings of a soap opera - secret affairs, greed, betrayal, murder - yet written with such style and skill that I don't feel the least bit guilty for having enjoyed the melodramatic ride.

And what a ride it was; I thought for sure I'd solved the mystery at least three times only to have the next chapter ruin my prediction. Oh, and the foreboding, brilliant! I was so dang worried for Alice and at the same time more than a little peeved with her for being totally naive and oblivious; it was simultaneously exciting and nerve-racking.

My only complaint, if I was forced to make one, would be the story's pace. It definitely could've moved faster in certain areas; however, maybe that was just my impatience at wanting to solve the mystery and (hopefully) arrive at a happy ending?

Disclaimer: Not for anyone bored by 1869 prose, a slow pace and/or melodrama.

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Superb debut novel. The descriptions of the orchard are unforgettable, as is Talmadge, one of the best "good guys" I've ever read - from the opening paragraph he was a person, not a mere character; in fact, all of the characters were equally alive and distinct, memorable. Overall, an excellent story.

Disclaimer: The Orchardist contains unconventional dialogue (there were no quotation marks and it was often mixed in with a character's thoughts) so if you can't abide such devices then you may not be able to enjoy the story as much. Also, this is not a story for those looking to experience shock-and-awe at every turn.

Rating: 3.5 of 5

I adored the film adaptation (it was one of my fave movies of 2010) and really only read Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life at the behest of my daughter who loved the entire Scott Pilgrim series. The movie was so close to the book, though, that I didn't feel I missed much, if anything, by having not read it before I saw the movie. I look forward to the reading the other five books because my kid tells me there's more in them (especially three through six) than in the movie.

Side note: This was my first graphic novel. I can definitely understand why people love 'em.

Rating: 5 of 5

What can be said about a classic such as The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? A story so well-known, one that has permeated our culture so completely (perhaps rivaled only by Frankenstein and Dracula), most everyone knows the gist without ever having read the novella or watched a film adaption. I daresay, little, if anything new, or at the very least, "fresh." Thus I will stick to my personal reaction in this review.

From a writer's perspective, I applaud (and appreciate) the structure and narrative style. Stevenson built upon (and relied on) the reader's natural curiosity and desire to solve the mystery of Mr. Hyde, to know what was "really" happening, which probably made this quite the sensational page-turner during its initial publication in 1886.

I read the story much slower than I do with most modern fiction; there's much to savor and digest for those patient enough to nibble. One of the story's less subtle themes - repression of one's curiosity and not asking questions that "shouldn't" be asked - was ingenious, wasn't it? Given the tools Stevenson utilized to engage readers. OH! And the descriptions throughout the story often knocked me for a loop they were so ... distinct; Stevenson knew exactly what images he wanted to conjure up in readers' minds.

I will definitely give this one a re-read whenever I want a refresher in (1) allegory and (2) the characterization and theme of duality and hypocrisy.

Disclaimer: If you are bored or confused by complex sentences, extended paragraphs, and/or Victorian Era prose, then The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde probably won't float your boat.

This one is definitely aimed toward specific readers; unfortunately, I am not one of them. Just didn't stir my Kool-Aid. The quality of the storytelling was good - engaging with a smooth pace - but there were [subjective] elements I would've had to actively overlook to enjoy the complete story.

While Masters & Slayers offered a well-written albeit familiar plot, most characters were way too black and white; the "good" guys were SOOO good they felt like characters, not real people.

The multiple mentions of "the Code" and "the Creator" were a little too blunt [for my tastes] - Christian fiction can be written subtlety - and the "lessons" were starting to feel preachy and aimed at the reader rather than Adrian or Marcelle.

Aside from the heavy religious overtones, the contradiction between their medieval-like world and the ability to have cool techs like courier tubes, which require a DNA deposit to open and then play video messages, or the litmus finger, proved too much for me to overlook.

Started and stopped on November 25, 2012. Read through page 170, chapter 10.

Rating: 3.5 of 5

All in all, The Algebra of Snow was a deeply affecting, well-written story that left me a little depressed and a lot hopeful; contradictory, I know. It's definitely character-driven and consisted almost entirely of one woman's perspective, inner thoughts, and [slightly neurotic, if not totally irrational] actions during the fall, winter and early spring of her self-imposed isolation from everyone and everything in her world.

There were a few other characters in the novella but none as memorable as Amelia; she's flawed, stuck, confused, and haunted - traits familiar to anyone who's lived a life of ups and downs. I would've guessed her pre-menopausal if it hadn't been for what happened further into the story. But I guess you could label what she went through as a mid-life crisis.

Here's my biggest complaint about the book: What the eff happened to Galen?!! (This same thing perplexes me in movies, too.) I'm a huge animal nut, so I get all emotionally invested in a character's animal companion or a book's animal characters and then BAM! Nothing. Just some half-hearted speculation as to what may have happened. I can deal with unknowns when it comes to the humans in a story, but I gotta have something solid when it involves animals.

This leads me into why I rated the book under 4 stars (and thus probably won't read it again): Amelia's totally selfish, borderline whiny-ass behavior. I don't care how depressed a character is, how devastated she is by events in her life, or how close she is to the edge of reality, she should never neglect her animals. That's the fastest way to make me loathe the character and lose almost all compassion for her, which means I disconnect from the character and potentially the story. Oh don't lecture me; I "get" why writers do it anyway, knowing they'll alienate certain readers. I'm just saying, it affects me and my reaction to a book. For example, had that whole bit about the dogs not happened, I would've rated the book 4.5 instead of 3.5 stars.

I recommend The Algebra of Snow to anyone who enjoys literary fiction focused on one character, who may not make a complete transformation by the story's end, but has definitely changed as a result of their solitude and self-examination. The overall tone of the novella is not "light" and happy-ever-after; its mood definitely coincides with the weather surrounding Amelia's cabin in the woods. However, it's not the most depressing book I've read by a long shot and, in the end, I had high hopes for Amelia.

Side note: I absolutely LOVE the book's cover art - beautiful!

Disclaimer: I'm not related to or friends with the author. I won a paperback copy through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

Rating: 3.5 of 5

A fast-paced, action-packed fantasy that features three well-known fairy tale princesses. However, in The Stepsister Scheme, Danielle (Cinderella), Talia (Sleeping Beauty) and Snow (Snow White) don't need saved; they do the fighting and rescuing. I enjoyed the world-building, and the fact that gossip of each woman's life was exaggerated into happy-ever-after "fairy tales." The characterization was good yet a little stereotypical. I enjoyed the humor, although it did tend to run boy-ish. Overall, simple entertainment; recommended to fans of uncomplicated fantasy quests with kick-ass chicks who don't give up. I will definitely check out The Mermaid's Madness.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars

My goal here was professional development; specifically, how to cultivate a list of companies (both domestic and foreign; both public and private) in a certain industry for my client's marketing plan. How to Find Out Anything: From Extreme Google Searches to Scouring Government Documents, a Guide to Uncovering Anything About Everyone and Everything was a solid introduction to finding information - online and offline - but it's definitely geared more toward the newbie than the intermediate or expert researcher.

The most valuable component was the "Sites and Sources Mentioned in This Chapter" section at the end of each chapter. MacLeod throws out a lot of suggestions with leads within the chapters, yet there's no need to write them all down whilst reading thanks to those handy-dandy lists. What readers may want to take notes on, though, are the caveats provided for each site and its related search and information opportunities. Overall, I'm satisfied with the book's information, but it's definitely only meant to be a jumping off point, not an end-all resource.

I stopped reading Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell on page 82. It's definitely a slow-paced story with lots of exposition and footnotes, but my interest was piqued. It's just that, there are others I want to read more in 2011.

[As of April 3, 2013 this one's more "on hold" than completely abandoned.]

Don't believe the hype! Or the 4- and 5-star ratings. Alice in Deadland was a huge disappointment. Normally I don't rate books I stop reading, but I felt compelled to in this case because I was so totally duped by the book's back cover blurb and hundreds of glowing reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. (I didn't compare usernames to see if they were the same reviewers on both sites.)

Anywho, I won't waste any more of my time by writing an in-depth critique. My advice to anyone thinking of reading Alice in Deadland is first read the 1- and 2-star reviews. Those reviewers accurately cover the novel's problems.

No character development and a weak plot were the main reasons I couldn't finish. The secondary reason was the writing itself. There's no excuse, even if English is the writer's second language. And I'm struck, once again, by a self-published "author" who seems oblivious to the importance of a good editor.

Man, this bummed me out. The blurb sounded interesting and fun. Too bad the idea surpassed the writer's storytelling abilities. *big ass sigh*

For those interested, my status updates while reading to page 75 are below. There are a few quotes from the book that may help explain why I quit and why I would not recommend this to anyone. (Matter of fact, I'm going to speak to the librarian when I return the book.)

09/07/2012 page 34: I guess I thought because it was at the library it had at least been read by one of the librarians. Smelt, spelt and learnt used (pet peeve). Repeated use of "fairy tale" in first 10 pages. ALL talk, no show. Repeated use of the same phrases and "descriptions" within a page or two of each other. I'm already asking how this received so many 5-star ratings and sold 50,000 copies on Amazon.

09/07/2012 page 37: "Alice looked to her left and saw something was which no less than a miracle- her backpack, which Bunny Ears must have dropped there in the chaos." That's exactly how it's written on page 37. I'd hope the character development would start by now. But it's still Dhar telling me, not Alice showing me.

Note: Anything typed inside quotation marks is word for word, dash for dash, from the book.

09/07/2012 page 60: "Alice's hair was cropped short (so that nobody could grab it in a close fight, as her instructors had said),..." Uh, but didn't Bunny Ears grab Alice by the hair during their first fight? "Alice looked up to see Bunny Ears looming over her...Alice cringed as he grabbed her hair, but instead of attacking her, he seemed to be examining it, turning it around in his fingers (p. 14)." Yet, I pushed forward.

09/07/2012 page 75: I made it to chapter six, but I'd rather clean my cats' litter boxes than keep reading. Why?

"'Alice, tomorrow some folks from Zeus will be here to take you.'

Alice sat up in a panic...Her father saw her expression and sat down next to her.

'No, no. You don't need to worry- I would never let them take you...(p.64)'

'Sweetheart, they're here to get you. They promised us that you'd be back by evening...(p.65)'"

Rating: 3.5 of 5

Too many superfluous details, which result in an overly long story, are why The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest doesn't quite hit the 4-star mark with me. The action and juicy bits don't pick up until around page 350. After that, it's full throttle till the end. So this one is definitely for patient, devoted readers of the Millennium trilogy. Satisfactory conclusion.