1.22.2012
Book Review: The Rope
The Rope by Nevada Barr
I have been a devoted fan of Nevada Barr's "Anna Pigeon" mystery series since 1998, so when I heard that Barr was going to take us "to where it all began" (going back in time and telling us about Anna's start in the National Park system), I was thrilled.
And Barr didn't disappoint.
True, despite my love for the series, the last few titles haven't grabbed me in the same way, but this one pulls out all the stops - introduces us to a younger Anna, has lot of action, mystery, scenery and quirky characters, but an ultimately happy ending.
Perfect.
This time, Anna is just 35, fresh from Zach's death, and assigned to Lake Powell in Arizona, where she is introverted and quiet amongst her colleagues. Which explains why no one really notices when she disappears...
Disappears into a deep pit that she can't get out of - left naked, starving, and alone.
That a novel with the main protagonist down in a hole alone for a good chunk of the book can still be fast-paced, frightening, mysterious and with a "go girl" bent is a testament to Anna, and to her author.
This was a unique National Park setting, a great flashback to a younger Anna, an intriguing mystery, and such a unique story to tell. LOVED it! Sooo tempted to go back and read all the Anna Pigeon's in order again, just so I can spend time with one of my very favorite fiction characters...
Highly recommended!
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Book Review: So Damn Lucky
So Damn Lucky by Deborah Coonts
I was sent an advanced copy of this title by the ladies at FSB to give it a read. This is actually the third in the "Lucky" series, and for the first 30 pages or so, I did feel I was "behind the eight ball" a bit on the backstory, but just rolled with it. Within time, the relationships and characters get you up to speed, and we are set on a rollicking adventure around one of my favorite places - Las Vegas. Lucky is a hotel "fixer", and when one of her magicians disappears (or was murdered?) in the middle of his act, it sets off a chain of events that involve lots of other magicians, Area 51, a Ferrari, a break up, a make up, a hottie French chef and a lot of flirtating.
In short, it's a jam-packed mystery novel, filled with very colourful characters and a ridicious plot, all set against glitzy, goofy, absolutely fabulous Las Vegas - where else?! This is filled with great characterization, though I felt the mystery aspect of it sort of unraveled for me in the last 30 pages or so, not that I *really* minded. :-) I hope to read more "Lucky" novels in the future - damn good mystery fun!
This title will be released February 28, 2012.
I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.
A Couple of Quick Reviews...
With this chilly weather coming on, I might be reading a lot this weekend, so let's get caught up on what I've already read in the new year...
The Kingdom of Childhood by Rebecca Coleman
This sounded like an intriguing creepy plot involving a story ripped from the news...a teacher and a student begin an illicit affair, but it's a surprise as to which one becomes more obsessive about the relationship...
This started off strongly, but I found myself skimming by about halfway through - it just didn't capture me as I hoped. Eh.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I *had* to reread before the release of the movie, and it was amazing how many details I had forgotten! Such a great re-read - such a great book! Sooooo excited about the movie release!
House Rules: A Joe DeMarco Novel by Mike Lawson
This was a Kindle "daily deal", so for 99 cents, I gave it a whirl. Joe DeMarco is a "fixer" for the Speaker of the House, and when several threats against the US are had in short order (a small plane aimed for the White House, a foiled bomb attempt in Baltimore), Joe has to get to the bottom of it. Toss in politics, a lousy brother, meth, the FBI and quite a suspension of disbelief, and you have this novel. Not going to set the world on fire, in my opinion, but a fine enough diversion for a few hours.
29 Gifts by Cami Walker
This was also a re-read for me, as it was our book discussion book at the library this month. Still an inspiring, interesting memoir about how giving gifts can change your luck...speedy and inspiring read!
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
I thought this sounded like *such* an interesting memoir - a young woman "from means" in the US travels to Uganda and ends up staying permanently, adopting 12 children, and chronicles her struggles, interactions and adventures in struggling Africa. That part *was* interesting - but since I would say 80% of the book was nothing more than proselytizing (and proselytizing, and proselytizing), I skimmed a lot. Disappointing to me, but I'm sure someone who's much (much, much) more Christian than I would not be so turned off. I just wanted to hear about Uganda...not Jesus. Sigh.
I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.
The Kingdom of Childhood by Rebecca Coleman
This sounded like an intriguing creepy plot involving a story ripped from the news...a teacher and a student begin an illicit affair, but it's a surprise as to which one becomes more obsessive about the relationship...
This started off strongly, but I found myself skimming by about halfway through - it just didn't capture me as I hoped. Eh.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I *had* to reread before the release of the movie, and it was amazing how many details I had forgotten! Such a great re-read - such a great book! Sooooo excited about the movie release!
House Rules: A Joe DeMarco Novel by Mike Lawson
This was a Kindle "daily deal", so for 99 cents, I gave it a whirl. Joe DeMarco is a "fixer" for the Speaker of the House, and when several threats against the US are had in short order (a small plane aimed for the White House, a foiled bomb attempt in Baltimore), Joe has to get to the bottom of it. Toss in politics, a lousy brother, meth, the FBI and quite a suspension of disbelief, and you have this novel. Not going to set the world on fire, in my opinion, but a fine enough diversion for a few hours.
29 Gifts by Cami Walker
This was also a re-read for me, as it was our book discussion book at the library this month. Still an inspiring, interesting memoir about how giving gifts can change your luck...speedy and inspiring read!
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
I thought this sounded like *such* an interesting memoir - a young woman "from means" in the US travels to Uganda and ends up staying permanently, adopting 12 children, and chronicles her struggles, interactions and adventures in struggling Africa. That part *was* interesting - but since I would say 80% of the book was nothing more than proselytizing (and proselytizing, and proselytizing), I skimmed a lot. Disappointing to me, but I'm sure someone who's much (much, much) more Christian than I would not be so turned off. I just wanted to hear about Uganda...not Jesus. Sigh.
I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.
1.19.2012
Indoor Fort...
My sister and I are nine years apart in age.
Consequently, we didn't have a tremendous amount in common growing up, but some of my favorite childhood memories are of the days when we had permission to build an indoor fort in our little-used living room and we would work together to build it.
It involved lots of sheets and sleeping bags, a stereo, "decorations", snacks and usually culminated in Michelle braiding my hair or painting my nails while I reveled in the attention of my fabulous older sister.
Good times. :-)
I sometimes wish I could still build an indoor fort to escape the world for a while.
(in reality, though, Zoe would probably just romp through it and tear it down gleefully, you know?)
I even gave my Jen's son Layne a "fort kit" for Christmas, complete with sheets, ropes, clamps, glowsticks, a flashlight and a homemade quilt with his favorite colours to use for his fort.
Made me want to make one of my own again...
If nothing else, I can say I wish I had this escape, though my indoor forts certainly never looked this good...
Don't you just want to crawl inside for a while?
Consequently, we didn't have a tremendous amount in common growing up, but some of my favorite childhood memories are of the days when we had permission to build an indoor fort in our little-used living room and we would work together to build it.
It involved lots of sheets and sleeping bags, a stereo, "decorations", snacks and usually culminated in Michelle braiding my hair or painting my nails while I reveled in the attention of my fabulous older sister.
Good times. :-)
I sometimes wish I could still build an indoor fort to escape the world for a while.
(in reality, though, Zoe would probably just romp through it and tear it down gleefully, you know?)
I even gave my Jen's son Layne a "fort kit" for Christmas, complete with sheets, ropes, clamps, glowsticks, a flashlight and a homemade quilt with his favorite colours to use for his fort.
Made me want to make one of my own again...
If nothing else, I can say I wish I had this escape, though my indoor forts certainly never looked this good...
Don't you just want to crawl inside for a while?
1.12.2012
Sunshine Ahead...
So, it may currently look like this in TinyTown...
And the wind chill might currently make it feel like 3 degrees (seriously? Three? Snowy weather, I'm good, but wind chill...brr...)
Good thing I have this to keep me warm tonight...
Just six and a half weeks until my sister and I will be kickin' it in the Magic Kingdom and wandering around EPCOT. Can't wait!
What is your favorite part of the whole Walt Disney World experience? Anything we simply can't miss? For me, I'm looking forward to the fireworks and the lighted parade, and the rides the most....
And even a bit of sunshine too!
So.Terribly.Excited!
And the wind chill might currently make it feel like 3 degrees (seriously? Three? Snowy weather, I'm good, but wind chill...brr...)
Good thing I have this to keep me warm tonight...
Just six and a half weeks until my sister and I will be kickin' it in the Magic Kingdom and wandering around EPCOT. Can't wait!
What is your favorite part of the whole Walt Disney World experience? Anything we simply can't miss? For me, I'm looking forward to the fireworks and the lighted parade, and the rides the most....
And even a bit of sunshine too!
So.Terribly.Excited!
1.09.2012
New Winter Threads
It wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't get at least one or two articles of clothing, but this year, I asked for - and received - a fabulous new winter coat from Father Christmas (commonly known as Father Priddis).
Winter coats are always so dark and bulky and seem to recede into the background...which is exactly why I HAD to have this fabulous pink pea coat!
I've always wanted a pea coat, I've always loved pink, and voila! A match made in heaven!
Who knew dressing for the outdoors could make me smile so?
(coat came from Land's End - love them!)
Winter coats are always so dark and bulky and seem to recede into the background...which is exactly why I HAD to have this fabulous pink pea coat!
I've always wanted a pea coat, I've always loved pink, and voila! A match made in heaven!
Who knew dressing for the outdoors could make me smile so?
(coat came from Land's End - love them!)
1.08.2012
2012 Index of Book Reviews
2005 - 162 titles read
2006 - 152 titles read
2007 - 158 titles read
2008 - 159 titles read
2009 - 178 titles read
2010 - 128 titles read
2011 - 154 titles read
2012 - 10 titles read
Barr, Nevada. The Rope. F.
Cannell, Stephen J. Vigilante. F, AB.
Coleman, Rebecca. The Kingdom of Childhood. F.
Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. YA, K.
Coonts, Deborah. So Damn Lucky. F.
Davis, Katie. Kisses From Katie. NF.
Hannah, Kristin. Home Front. F.
Lawson, Mike. House Rules. F, K.
Schmais, Libby. The Pillow Book of Lotus Lowenstein. YA.
Walker, Cami. 29 Gifts. NF.
2006 - 152 titles read
2007 - 158 titles read
2008 - 159 titles read
2009 - 178 titles read
2010 - 128 titles read
2011 - 154 titles read
2012 - 10 titles read
(F - fiction, NF - non-fiction, AB - audiobook, YA - young adult, J - juvenile, K- Kindle read)
Barr, Nevada. The Rope. F.
Cannell, Stephen J. Vigilante. F, AB.
Coleman, Rebecca. The Kingdom of Childhood. F.
Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. YA, K.
Coonts, Deborah. So Damn Lucky. F.
Davis, Katie. Kisses From Katie. NF.
Hannah, Kristin. Home Front. F.
Lawson, Mike. House Rules. F, K.
Schmais, Libby. The Pillow Book of Lotus Lowenstein. YA.
Walker, Cami. 29 Gifts. NF.
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