Book review: Dance Lessons: A Novel

Dance Lessons: A Novel by Aine Greaney will be published in March 2011. It follows Ellen as she travels to Ireland to find her deceased husband's mother. Ellen has only just discovered she exists when she bumps into a woman who knew her husband growing up. He's always told her he was an orphan.

This book was very sentimental, and had a misty quality to it. It's light and airy, yet still has a great deal of emotion. I found it delightful, sweet, and very sad.

There are a few spots where the story seems to switch narrators and time frames rather abruptly, but overall it flows quite well.

It ends a little abruptly, without any kind of closing. But the idea of the ending is there, I just wish there were a few sentences that tied it up and signalled the end. When I read the last page, I tried to flip to the next to read the final paragraph.

Overall, this is a beautiful, poignant story.

Rating: 5/5
Source: Review copy from Net Galley

Book review: Before Cain Strikes

Before Cain Strikes by Joshua Corin will be published in March 2011. It is about FBI agent Esme Stuart, and her pursuit of a serial killer teacher who is encouraging his "class" to go killing sprees.

I found this book very graphic and gory. Too much so. There were too many killing scenes that were overly detailed. Toning back the detail would have made a much nicer read.

The actual plot was interesting. But I found it overshadowed by the gore.

I had a hard time believing the character for Esme. Yes, her workaholic nature seemed real, but she dismissed the rest of her life too easily. The rest of the characters were cookie cutter cardboard.

I wanted to like this book. But I couldn't. There just wasn't enough there to grab my attention and hold it.

Rating: 1/5
Source: Review copy from Net Galley 

Book review: Shades of Grey

Shades of Grey: The Road to High Saffron by Jasper Fforde was my latest audiobook. It's very much a fantasy story set really far in the future, when humans have changed to only see mainly one colour. The story follows Eddie Russett, who sees red.

While listening to this, I kept thinking this was very fanatisical. It is very much a fantasy story, and it is very well done. It starts with Eddie, the main character, stating that he is being eaten by a plant, and that it was Jane's fault. The story then backs up four days, and you don't get back to the scene in the beginning until right near the end.

I found the story very easy to follow, and very enjoyable. It definitely made my commute seem quick. Almost too quick, I didn't want to stop listening. If I had been reading the story, it definitely would have been one that kept me up way too late because I couldn't put it down.

Being an audiobook, I had the added bonus of the narrator. My version was narrated by John Lee. He was a great narrator. With the added bonus of an English accent. Very enjoyable. When I was checking it out from the library, the librarian mentioned that I would enjoy it, and that the narrator was very soothing and great to listen to. And she wasw definitely right.


Rating: 5/5
Source: Local library

Book review: Before I Go to Sleep

Before I Go to Sleep by S J Watson is a novel scheduled to be released in June 2011. The story is about Christine, who has had an accident and is unable to form new memories. In addition to this, she has forgotten most of her adult life, and wakes up every day as a stranger in her own home.

Reading this story, I felt sadness and frustration. Both for Christine, and her husband Ben. I can't even imagine how horrible it would be to wake up every day and have no idea who you are, or what has happen during the past few decades. I think it would be equally as horrible to live with a person like that. To have to explain who you are, and who they are every day. I don't think I would have the patience.

I found Christine's character to be very real. She felt a gamut of emotions, and it seemed like you were privy to her version of life, feeling and living right along side her.

I didn't really believe the character of Dr Nash though. He seemed very cardboard-like, and just there. Not the professional you would think, or even like an obsessive researcher, which is how I think he is supposed to come off.

Overall, I was very impressed. I didn't guess the twist until right near the end, when everything started to come together. This was a very interesting, and at times, emotional read. Definitely worth checking out.


Rating: 5/5
Source: Review copy from Net Galley

Book review: These Things Hidden

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf is about Allison, who was sent to prison for commiting a heinous crime, and her sister Brynne, who carrys the burden of the crime. Allison has been released on parole to a halfway house, and wants to make amends with Brynne, who wants nothing to do with her.


Based on the fact that Allison's crime is kept a mystery in the synapsis, I was surprised to find it revealed within the first 100 pages. But of course, it is more complicated that first given.

The story is told through the eyes of four different women, with each chapter being told by a specific person. It seemed like there were two completely unrelated stories being told until right near the end, but they did tie in together. The author did a very good job making each narrator unique. You didn't usually need to read the chapter title to know who's chapter it was.

I found this a very emotional read. There was one thing that I had trouble believing, but I can't say what it is without giving away the entire story. But even with that, the story was amazing.

Rating: 5/5
Source: Review copy from Net Galley

Book review: The Confession

The Confession by John Grisham. An innocent man is sitting on death row, about to be executed while the real killer is on parole for a different crime. When the real killer has a conscience attack, it's a race against time to save the innocent.

I have read almost every John Grisham novel ever written, and find his work to be fast paced, and gripping. He writes crime and legal thrillers that make the law very exciting, even though most of the action surrounds mundate procedures.

I found the characters to be a little one-dimensional. The good were good and the bad were bad. But the character of Keith Schroeder was very well developed. His internal struggles and thoughts were portrayed in a very real way.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. And while the summary of what happens to everyone at the end may not go over with everyone, I liked it. It helped tie everything up, and there were no loose ends leftover.

Rating: 5/5
Source: Local library

Book review: Delirium

Delirium by Lauren Oliver. This YA novel is set in an alternative present in Portland, Maine. In this world love has been declared a disease, and a cure is provided to everyone once they turn 18. The government evaluates everyone and sets out the course of their life: what they'll do, where they'll live, even who they'll marry, and how many children they'll have. The book centres on Lena who is just months from her procedure, and is counting down the days. Until she meets Alex and does the unthinkable and falls in love.

I found the book very intriguing and capturing. It reads very easily; I wasn't bogged down in the back story about the way the world and government works. It was all conveyed very seamlessly with the story.

Lena is very likable and relatible. I was surprised at how easily the author was able to capture Lena's thoughts and feelings. Would you know how to describe the feeling of falling in love for the first time? It was very believable and real.

The end is a little predictable, but still heart wrenching. Definitely an amazing read.

Rating: 5/5
Source: Review copy from Net Galley

Book review: Nerve Damage

Nerve Damage by Peter Abrahams was the latest audiobook I listened to in my car during my commute. It is about a scupltor, Roy Valois, who learns he is dying of an inoperable, incurable cancer. On a whim, he looks up and reads the obituary that will be printed about him in the New York Times. He finds that it inaccurately states where his dead wife worked, and he makes it his mission to investigate and correct this mistake. But is it a mistake? Or are there secrets his wife never told him?

I would classify this book as a conspiracy thriller. The premise really intrigued me, but I had a hard time enjoying it. I simply disliked, almost hated the main character. He just wasn't likable. He was in complete denial about his condition, and while this may be a common stage, he just took it too far.

And his attitude and treatment of others? He just rubbed me the wrong way, and I couldn't get past it.

Overall, the story was exciting, with some good twists and turns. But the ending was too fairy tale happy to fit the rest of the story.

Since I listened to this on audiobook, I had the addition of the narrator to contribute. And I wasn't impressed. The reading was very choppy. Each sentence stood alone. It was very difficult to follow in the beginning, but I did figure out thow to follow, but it didn't make for the most enjoyable listen.

Rating: 2/5
Source: Library

Book review: Waiting for Joe

Waiting for Joe by Sandra Birdsell. This is an emotional book by a Canadian author. The characters feel so real. The book is a picture into a time in Joe and Laurie's life, shortly after their lives start to fall apart. They are on the run in a stolen motorhome, after losing everything when Joe's business fails and they lose everything.

The book alternates between Joe, Laurie and Joe's dad Alfred. Not only do you get to see their present, you also glimpse most of their lives up to that point.

The book is a solid read, 5 star, up until the end. I felt the ending left too many questions unanswered. If there was even a one page summary of where everyone is at the end of the story, it would be much more complete.

Rating: 4/5
Source: Library

Book Review: Ceremony in Death

Ceremony in Death is the 5th book in the In Death series. This volume is centered around the theme of witches, Wiccan and Satanism. It starts with Eve investigating the death of a fellow cop, and escalates to investigating several murders.

The book really develops Peabody's character. She has quite the knowledge of Wicca based on her personal background, and starts to show herself as a real asset to Eve.

A bit more of Roarke's background and personality quirks are also revealed, centering around his Celtic background. He is shown to be more human than fantasy in his book. Not just the incredibly hot rich guy, his feelings, thoughts and insecurities are shown more thoroughly than in any previous book in the series.

While the theme is much darker, it still reads easily, quickly, and enjoyably, just as I'd expect.

Rating: 4.5/5
Source: own

Book Review: Heat Wave

Heat Wave by Richard Castle is the latest audiobook I listened to during my daily commute. It is a police drama that follows NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat as she investigates the murder of a real estate tycoon.

This is not just a straight police drama though. Detective Heat is accompanied by Jameson Rook, a magazine jourmalist who is doing research. It is not a big surprise that there is chemistry between the two of them, or that Heat is trying to avoid it.

The plot progresses quickly, and does provide some surprise twists. I enjoyed the journey, although I think the last few paragraphs are a little weak and seem a bit out of character for Heat. It's like the author was running out of room, and needed to wrap things up.

Overall, a great police drama. Enough so that I think I'll keep an eye out for the next in the series.

Since it was an audiobook, there was the added element of having someone read it to me. I found the narrator to be a bit over dramatic in the beginning. Once I got past the first CD or two, he seemed to even out a bit. Also, the choice of a male narrator seemed odd, since the book is told from a female perspective. But it was still a pleasant listening opportunity.

Book review: Room

I just finished Room by Emma Donoghue. I found it very disturbing in the beginning, but once I got into it, I thought it was amazing. The premise of the book is the story of a boy and his mom who are being held captive in a one room shed, as told by the boy. He was born in the room, and the story begins as he turns five.

The author does an amazing job telling the story from a child's perspective. It is very real. And since Jack doesn't know there is anything wrong with his life, it is both joyful, and sad, because the reader knows the truth.

This book really drew me in, and I finished it super quick because I couldn't put it down.

This is definitely a must-read book.

Book review: Rapture in Death

Rapture in Death is the fourth book in the series. The plot for this book centres around Eve's investigation into a series of unrelated suicides that are completely out of character for the victims. She is certain that something, or someone, is causing them, and is determined to figure it out.

This is the most outlandish plot so far. The technology used in this book is much further advanced than in any of the previous books, and is way ahead of where we are now. The story opens at an offworld resort, and heavily features VR simulations.

The story is overall darker than the previous ones, and it seems to take a little bit more to read, but it is still a great story, and great addition to the series.

Book review: Immortal in Death

Immortal In Death is the third book in the In Death series. This book really focuses on Eve and her friendship with Mavis. The book starts off with a model being murdered, and Mavis being the number one suspect.

It is interesting to see Eve and Roarke's relationship deepen, with Eve having to shop for a wedding dress. I'm not a huge shopping fan, but I don't dread it like Eve does.

I really liked the idea and theme of family running through this book. Eve doesn't think she has family, but her thoughts and actions really highlight how a person can create their own family with friends. Not to give anything away, but the collection of ladies at her bachelorette party are her family, and it is quite a group. All strong, independent women, and very realistic with each having their own personality and flaws.

Book review: Glory In Death

Glory In Death is the second book in the In Death series by JD Robb. Once again, Lt Eve Dallas is investigating murder while struggling to come to grips with her relationship with Roarke.

Each novel in the series is set a few months later, and advances the relationships between the characters. This book introduces Officer Peabody very briefly. It really focuses on developing a friendship between Eve and Nadine Furst, a television reporter. And of course on Eve and Roarke. I won't reveal any plot spoilers though.

Once again, the book is steamy and inviting. It pulls you right in, and puts you there in the action. I get so engrossed that I don't want to put it down until I am finished. Good thing I read quickly, and have some self control, or I'd never get any sleep.

Book review: Naked in Death

Finally, my reviews of the In Death series by JD Robb starts. Naked in Death is the first book in the series. It is a fictional police drama set in the future. It centres around Lt Eve Dallas, who is a strong, independent woman who lives for her career.

There is plenty of action, mystery, and more than a few steamy scenes. This book really introduces most of the main people who appear throughout the series.

I don't think I've read this one before, so it was great to get the original introduction to everyone that I remembered from reading other books in the series. And I had forgotten how steamy some of the scenes are. Wow!

While it is not realistic (how many ultra rich, amazingly handsome and genuinely nice guys are out there?), it makes for relaxing and entertaining reading.

Definitely a great book, and a quick read at that. Perfect for when you need a break.

Book review: Break no bones

My lastest audio book in the car was Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs. The main character was the inspiration for the Fox tv show Bones. I love the show, so I was prepared to love the books.

I hate the book. The only thing it has in common with the show is the character name and field of occupation.

The book has a lot of extraneous, rambling information that contributes nothing to the story. It starts out very slow, and doesn't get into the story very quickly. I listened to several chapters while trying to decide if I was going to bother listening to the rest.

I did listen to the whole story. It did have a bit of a twist at the end, but most of it was predictable and boring. It could have been cut in half, and the story would probably have improved.

If you are a fan of the show, I would suggest you avoid the books completely. They are very disappointing and have nothing in common with the show.

Books: In Death Series

Like I planned yesterday, I went through the box of J D Robb boxes that I got for free. I have quite the haul: the first 17 books in the series, plus an additional 4 from the series, and an anthology with 3 novellas.

The series looks like this (books I have in bold):

1. Naked in Death, July 1995
2. Glory in Death, December 1995
3. Immortal in Death, July 1996
4. Rapture in Death, October 1996
5. Ceremony in Death, May 1997
6. Vengeance in Death, October 1997
7. Holiday in Death, June 1998
8. Conspiracy in Death, April 1999
9. Loyalty in Death, October 1999
10. Witness in Death, March 2000
11. Judgment in Death, September 2000
12. Betrayal in Death, March 2001
13. Seduction in Death, September 2001
14. Reunion in Death, March 2002
15. Purity in Death, September 2002
16. Portrait in Death, March 2003
17. Imitation in Death, September 2003
18. Divided in Death, January 2004
19. Visions in Death, August 2004
20. Survivor in Death, February 2005
21. Origin in Death, July 2005
22. Memory in Death, January 2006
23. Born in Death, November 2006
24. Innocent in Death, February 2007
25. Creation in Death, November 2007
26. Strangers in Death, February 2008
27. Salvation in Death, November 2008
28. Promises in Death, February 2009
29. Kindred in Death, November 2009
30. Fantasy in Death, February 2010

Definitely awesome! I should have enough easy reading fiction to last a few months. And while this series can be read out of sequence without becoming confusing, I am looking forward to reading it in order.

While sorting, I did find that there are two copies of Kindred in Death, one of which looks brand new. I'd like to share my free find with a lucky reader, so I will be giving it away. More details to be posted separately.

Book review: City of Ice

So I took a break from my current string of financial books to read City of Ice by John Farrow. My sister had lent it to me, and I just kept forgetting to read it.

This is a murder-mystery type book that is set in Montreal, Quebec. The story follows Detective Emile Cinq-Mars as he investigates a murder that leads him to the Hell's Angels, the Russian Mafia, and the CIA.

I used to love reading cop/lawyer/crime books, so this was a delightful change of pace. The characters are believable, and enjoyable. The plot is quick and suspenseful. I flew through the book, picking it up at every chance.

I would definitely recommend it if you enjoy this type of thriller.

Day 17: A book you've read that changed your view on something

I have read so many books, it is my favourite past-time, that I'm not sure I can pick just one. Or that I can even identify one that has changed my view on something.

One series that particularly calls out to me is the Incarnations of Immortality series by Piers Anthony. Each book is about one "office" of immortality: Death,Time, Fate, War, Nature, Evil and Good. Over the course of the series, all the major characters are woven together, and eventually become one giant family tree.

The series really makes you think about the forces that are supposedly out of our control, and makes you wonder if they really are beyond reach. This is one series that I have read over and over, and one of the few that I actually own. Although the last time I moved, I think I lost one book, which I am pretty upset about.