Category: 4 Star Books

The Time Machine, H.G. Wells

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Cover ImageFinished 1-3-09, rating 4/5, fiction, pub. 1898

” I grieved to think how brief the dream of the human intellect had been.  It had committed suicide.  It had set itself steadfastly towards comfort and ease, a balanced society with security and permanency as its watchword, it has attained its hopes-to come to this at last…There is no intelligence where there is no change and no need of change.  Only those animals partake of intelligence that have to meet a huge variety of needs and dangers.”   Chapter 10

The Time Traveller built a time machine that can travel back to the past or race to the future, much to the skepticism of his friends.  They did not believe him even after one night he came home, disheveled and heartbroken, and told them mankind’s fate 800.000 years in the future.

The Time Traveller had met and been accepted by the carefree and loving Eloi, who spent their days dancing and laughing.  He rescued one from drowning, Weena, and they became companions.  He discovered his machine was moved and in his searching found another people, the Morlocks, who lived under ground and were as dark as the Eloi were light.

The Time Traveller was there eight days and his views changed daily, allowing Wells to expound on his own world view and the state of the human condition.  The story, while being interesting, also had real depth. 

I am surprised at how well this novel has aged.  This is the original time travel book and the sheer imagination and possibilities are impressive.  It is a short classic, well worth the time and suitable for all ages, although the vocabulary could be challenging for younger readers.

The Pigman, by Paul Zindel

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Cover ImageFinished 1-1-09, rating 4, YA fiction, pub. 1968

“There was no one else to blame anymore…And there was no place to hide-no place across any river for a boatman to take us.  Our life would be what we made of it-nothing more, nothing less.”      -Chapter 15

High School sophomores John and Lorraine like to play phone pranks, but one such call leads them to Angelo Pignati’s front door.  Mr Pignati, aka Pigman because of his collection of pigs, is a lonely old man who has been forgotten and visits his best friend the baboon at the zoo everyday.  Soon the two teenagers become more comfortable at Mr. Pignati’s house than their own more judgemental homes.

Greed and mischief led them to Mr. Pignati’s home and his generosity kept them there, but John and Lorraine gain valuable life lessons through their friendship with the old man.  They are just kids and yet they are faced with the realities of aging, the fragility of life, peer pressure, magic, and the destruction of youth.

I think this book is wonderful.  I like the alternating chapters between John and Lorraine.  The language and the story are so vividly real that even though this was published in the 1960’s it is still relevant for teens today.  It is brutally honest and doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and yet it isn’t without hope.  John and Lorraine are flawed teenagers caught up in misfortune of their own making and Mr. Pigman is a sad man who gains happiness before losing it again. 

I recommend this as a young adult novel, although as a ‘not so young girl’ I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Fault Line, by Barry Eisler

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A NovelFinished 12-27-08, rating 4/5, fiction, to be released 2/09

Fault Line is part political thriller and part family drama with enough sexual tension to make it truly compelling.  Ben, an American assassin between assignments, is called back to Silicon Valley by his estranged brother, Alex.  Alex, a big shot patent lawyer, becomes concerned when two people close to him are killed and someone breaks into his house.  The relationship between the two never recovered from the death of their sister when they were all in high school, but they must now find a way to trust each other.

This book hits on many current trends, cyberwarfare and blogs being the most evident.  Even having the love interest, Sarah, be a Iranian-American made the story feel up-to-the-minute. 

I loved the different political views of each of the characters and how it influenced their actions.  I could identify with them all, which is something more people in the government should take the time to do!

I really liked the book and recommend it.  There is a possibility of a sequel and I am hoping it will happen.  I’d love  to read more about the Treven brothers.

Foul Play, by Tori Carrington

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Cover ImageFinished 12-13-08, rating 4/5, mystery, pub.2007

Book 3 in the Sophie Metropolis series

Greek-American Sophie Metropolis is back as Astoria, Queen’s newest private investigator.  As a new PI Sophie has yet to prove herself as a the real deal, but when the wife of the Mets star pitcher approaches her Sophie knows this could catapult her into the major leagues.  Sophie pushes the missing pets cases aside and follows Reni Venezuela becoming more and more convinced something is off even as he leads the Mets to the World Series.

Sophie’s wonderful Greek family is as warm and welcoming and pushy as ever.  Sophie hasn’t seen sexy Jake Porter in a month, so when a handsome Greek banker her mother has chosen for her younger sister shows up on Sophie’s doorstep, she cannot resist temptation.  And there is also her ex-fiance making a nuisance of himself by suing her grandfather. 

Sophie Metropolis has been compared to Stephanie Plum (series by Janet Evanovich), and while I love both this is my favorite.  It has the same quirks and colorful characters, but tells the story with more heart.  I care about Sophie and though she is a zany mess now I have hope that one day she’ll pull herself together and get everything she wants.

Something that attracted me to this series in the first place is that fact that Tori Carrington is a husband-wife writing team from Ohio.  The have a great website and contests and if you are on their email list they send fun updates with recipes and polls and lots of extras.  http://www.toricarrington.net/

I recommend this series to anyone who likes Janet Evanovich, who is interested in the Greek-American culture, or who is looking for quick, light-hearted read.

Happiness Sold Separately, by Lolly Winston

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Cover ImageFinished 12-9-08, rating 4/5, fiction pub. 2006

“Choices.”  Elinor finally says, repeating her mother.  “That’s kind of a fairy tale, you know?”  She leans her head on Beatrice’s bony shoulder.  Elinor has always been pro-choice, but it never occurred to her that one day she’d have no choice.  There are many things you can do later in life, but having a baby isn’t necessarily one of them.”      -Chapter 3

Ted and Elinor have been married for five years, trying to have a child for half of that time.  Their struggle has taken its toll on their marriage and Ted begins an affair with his trainer at the gym.  When Elinor finds out she is devastated.  The two try counseling, but Elinor needs space.  This space leads Ted to continue sleeping with his trainer, Gina. 

This book has a wonderful cast of characters and enough surprises to keep you reading.  I thought all three of the main characters had their moments of too much self-pity, but that’s what made them real.  I was rooting for Elinor and Ted and had sympathy for Gina. 

This book felt honest and true until close to the end.  There was a silly scene that didn’t feel like the rest of the book, but other than that I enjoyed it very much.  It’s hard to tackle infertility, infidelity, a troubled marriage, and single parenting and make it entertaining. 

I read a review at Book Addiction that made me want to read this book and I’m glad I did.  It was a worthwhile read.  I plan on checking out Winston’s first book, Gook Grief.

More reviews-

Heather @ Book Addiction

The Ark, the Reed & the Fire Cloud, by Jenny Cote

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The Ark, the Reed, and the FirecloudThe Ark, the Reed, & the Fire Cloud. Finished 11-21-08, rating 4/5, children’s fiction, pub. 2008

This is book 1 in The Amazing Tales of Max & Liz

Max is a Scottish terrier who is called by the Maker to follow a fire cloud.  He leaves everything he knows behind and follows the cloud through Scotland, across Europe, to the Middle East.  Along the way he meets friends who are also being called to follow the fire cloud.  He meets a new best friend, an orange cat named Al, a mate for life, the beautiful white dog Kate, and a partner in leadership, the intelligent black cat, Liz.  Their adventures are fun and exciting and educational.  Liz loves sharing her knowledge with the others, like where rain and thunder come from and how food is fuel.

Their journey is entertwined with the story of Noah and his family as they build the Ark.  Noah’s family is shunned by their neighbors as they spend 100 years building the Ark as God has instructed.  One day animals from every place on earth begin to make their way to the Ark and a new adventure begins once they all board.

This book is magical and adventurous and fun.  It entertains, but also teaches and I think it is a must have for any Christian library.  It expands on the story of the flood without ever changing the biblical tale.  It is about friendship, loyalty, and hope.

This is a 450 page book for children 8-12.  I think it is beautifully done- the cover and the drawings inside.  Have you seen The Princess Bride?  Where Peter Falk is reading this grand adventure story to his grandson, Fred Savage?  Well, that is what I envisioned as I was reading this book.  It is a perfect book for you and a child to read together.  This is a perfect Christmas gift for preteen readers.

Author Jenny Cote has already written the next three in the series of Max and Liz and is also working with a movie studio to produce this book into a film.  I think it would be a wonderful movie.  Visit her website for more details and information, http://www.maxandliz.com/

A Dangerous Love, by Brenda Joyce

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Cover ImageFinished 11-14-08, rating 4/5, romance, pub. 2008

A book in the De Warenne Dynasty.  Cliff’s daughter from A Lady at Last is the heroine.

“God willed the Rom to be Travellers.  Yet in all of history, the Roma have never been able to travel freely.  You should be able to travel freely.”

“There have always been laws against us.” Stevan said resignedly.  “If you insist on leaving with us, so be it.  You are always welcome.”    – Chapter 15

It’s 1820 England and 24 year old Ariella De Warenne is living life on her own terms.  Her loving father, Cliff, is not placing any expectations on her, knowing that when she falls in love he will support her.  Viscount Emilian St. Xavier is a man with loyalties to two worlds.  He was born to a gypsy mother, but raised by his English father from the age of ten.  When Emilian and Ariella meet he is thirsting for revenge and she falls in love.

The story explores the truly ugly nature of prejudice and intolerance.  Emilian feels unworthy because he has always been treated a half-blood and his struggle to find balance was moving.  Ariella’s love for him and her desire to right the world’s ills make her a beautiful heroine.  Emilian and Ariella find they have much incommon and are very much a perfect match, but Emilian has many demons he must slay before peace can be found.

This was a very romantic story full of love and lust, but it also had something to say and was able to do it without being too in your face about it.  My only small complaint was that the DeWarenne men are an eclectic bunch, but they seemed a bit too good to be true in this book.  I am very much looking forward to the rest of their stories.

If you like historical romances there is no one better than Brenda Joyce.

The Empty Chair, by Jeffery Deaver

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Cover ImageFinished 11-12-08, rating 4/5, fiction, pub. 2000

“You have movement of one lumbrical- the ring finger of your left hand- and good shoulder and neck muscle control.  You could lose some or all of that.  And lose your ability to breathe spontaneously.”  -Chapter 2

Lincoln Rhymes and Amelia Sachs are back in book three of this popular series.

Lincoln is in North Carolina for a risky spinal cord surgery and he’s brought Amelia and his aide, Thom, with him.  Lincoln is hoping for any small improvement and Amelia is discouraging him from taking the risk.  The local sheriff, a cousin of a NY friend, asks Lincoln to help with a kidnapping case in the few days he has before he goes under the knife.  Garrett, Insect Boy to locals, has kidnapped two girls and Lincoln and Amelia work with local authorities to track him down.  Once in jail, Amelia is drawn to Garrett’s vulnerability and becomes convinced of his innocence.  She makes a decision that will change her life forever and pit her against Lincoln.

I cannot say enough good things about this series and this one was a nice change of pace.  It focused more on the relationship between Lincoln and Amelia and the southern locale offered a colorful backdrop to the story.  That said, this was my least favorite of the three so far.  There were too many people involved in excessive twists and turns.  I still recommend, but start with the first one, The Bone Collector.

The Gargoyle, by Andrew Davidson

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Cover ImageFinished 11-9-08, rating 4/5, fiction, pub. 2008

“I wanted to cry but my tear ducts had been burned shut.”    -Chapter 2

The narrator of this goth-like tale is a drugged out pornography star who wrecks his car and ends up in the burn unit with severe burns covering his entire body.  When he becomes stuck in the hospital, constant  surgeries and treatments force him to see that he had no real friends before the crash that took his beautiful body from him forever.  He vows to get out of the hospital so he can commit suicide.  Then he meets Marianne, who becomes his friend and protector and she promises him that they have known and loved each other for 700 years.

The graphic burn details turn into a beautiful and confusing love story full of suspicion and obsession.  The enigmatic Marianne opens the narrator’s mind and heart to past experiences and present delusions.  Marianne takes him in and goes about carving out the last of her gargoyles, so that she can give away her last heart.  Is she crazy or is she telling the truth?

When the narrator goes cold turkey in vanquishing his morphine addiction he moves into the many realms of Hell, which anyone who is familiar with Dante’s The Inferno will appreciate.

“Seeing the look of revulsion on my face, Francesco said, ‘None are here by accident.  Hell is a choice because salvation is available to anyone who seeks it.  The damned choose their fates, by deliberately hardening their hearts.’

I couldn’t agree.  ‘No one would choose to be damned.’

Francesco shook his head.  ‘But it is so easy not to be.'”   -Chapter 29

I had read so many reviews of this book that my expectations were high.  I was not disappointed, but I can’t say I completely fell in love with it either.  It is perhaps the most original story and original voice that I’ve read.  Considering this is Davidson’s debut novel, I am impressed.  But the wandering style of moving between centuries and stories was somewhat distracting to me.  I also thought sometimes it was unnecessarily descriptive.  But, that does not take away from the beauty and freshness of the book.  If you get bored by reading the same old thing or are always looking for the next big thing-this is the book for you.

Shutter Island, by Dennis Lehane

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Cover ImageFinished listening to on 10/30/2008, mystery, rating 4/5, pub. 2003

US Marshal Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck are sent the Shutter Island, off the coast of Boston, where the Hospital for the Criminally insane were housed and treated.  Teddy and Chuck were trying to find  the escaped murderess, Rachel.  While there they also wanted to find out what kind of practices were really taking place on the island.   Teddy had his own reasons for being there.  The man who murdered his wife was there.  A hurricane blows in and the men are trapped on Shutter Island, which provides much of the action. 

I was not all that impressed with the story until the last two cds of seven.  I thought it was slow and weird.  But then the last part of the book just blew me away and made up for all the rest.  That’s really all I can say about it.  To say more would ruin it for you.

This book is in production and slated for an October 2009 release date.  Martin Scorsese directs and Leonardo DiCapprio plays Teddy.  Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Emily Mortimer, and Michelle Williams round out the cast.  I always think the book is best, but this could be a better movie than book, especially with such a compelling cast.