I'd rather be reading

lemon_sherbert

And This Is True by Emily Mackie

To be honest I don't know what to write about this, it's a fairly disturbing book. It was on the bookshelf at home and I just picked it up. Essentially it's the story of extreme child neglect. A young boy (I'm not sure what age he's supposed to be, I thought about 14) who has been raised exclusively by his father in a travelling van, who has had no real contact with the outside world. The book is written from the boy's perspective, from the day his father moves them into a caravan outside a farmhouse and tries to reintegrate with the world. The disturbing part of the book is that the son has fallen in love with his father. It's really fairly graphic at times and very tragic. More than that, there's also a constant questioning of what is true, what is false, the truth of memory, which is quite interesting. I can't say I enjoyed reading the book, though it was certainly intriguing in ways

2/5

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The Left Hand of God by Paul Hoffman

This was a mediocre fantasy book. I was pretty pissed off that a central plot line (which isn't revealed till the last chapter) is written on the cover of the book. The world building was also incredibly lazy. It's a sort of alternative Europe, the bad guys being extreme zealous Catholic monks, the outside world a variety of medieval Europe, crossed with Sparta or Ancient Rome. The female characters were completely one dimensional, actually, strike that, almost all the characters were one dimensional. Anyway, it was okay, went along at a decent pace, but left a fair bit to be desired.

2/5

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Wolfblade by Jennifer Fallon

This was a pretty excellent fantasy book. Great characters, cracking political intrigue, unpredictable plot, complex world building. Though I was a little disappointed when I realised it's a prequel, I hate reading the series in the wrong order, but nothing to be done now!

4/5

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Player One by Douglas Coupland

Really enjoyed this one, a novel told over 5 hours as a group of people meet in an airport lounge bar.

This is one of Coupland's apocalyptic books, reminded me a lot of My Girlfriend in a coma, I think Coupland does this very well, recognising both the extremes and practicalities of the situation.

No one else I've read captures the 21st century lifestyle better than Coupland.

5/5

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The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson

Just a reread in anticipation of the latest book being delivered (hopefully today!)

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Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson

Long awaited but too soon finished, I really tried to read this slowly but didn't have more success. We return to the Wheel of Time for the 13th book, and while the book didn't disappoint, it didn't quite exceed my expectations either. I think it suffered a little of 'The Two Towers' problem. There was a lot of catching up with characters, a lot of setting up for the final book, and not quite enough of plot to sustain itself.

Some really nice elements, particularly enjoyed the whole theme of responsibility in leadership being developed, thought Perrin, Lan, Rand and Elayne really came into their own at last. A real sense of the teenage/youth years being left behind. Egwene frustrates me, I suppose I've always disliked the aura of superiority that the Aes Sedai project, but for all the talk of her successes, I think her judgement is often rather poor. Poor old Nynaeve didn't get much of a look in, but she'd had a good run in The Gathering Storm.

Really enjoyed the final scenes

at which point they FINALLY make it to the Towers of Midnight

, loved seeing Rand finally become the Dragon true, some really nice little touches here and there

Brigitte's tale of her past life and attempt to reach the Eelfinn, Olver finally winning at Snakes and Foxes, Adviendha seeing her future descendants

So overall, a 4/5 - not quite there, but pretty darn good

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Freedom by Jonathan Franzen

Much lauded at the moment, I was not disappointed by what I found in Franzen's latest novel. It is the story of a modern American family, more than that it is an exploration of contemporary American life and politics. Walter and Patty married out of college and had two children. Sounds simple? It's not. The book has some interesting narrative devices, non-linear structuring, switching voice to reset the storytelling. It delved into the relationship of parents with children and the impact it has over generations. The most rewarding aspect of the novel has to be its engagement with current American life. 9/11, Iraq, corruption, recession, we see it all through this family's perspective. In particular there is a recurrent theme of the Republican/Democrat divide, the bitterness of the division and its consequences for a nation, at both the wider and individual level.

The novel was not perfect, I thought there were pacing problems towards the middle and some of the situations seemed a little contrived. But mostly, a very good book.

4/5

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Warrior by Jennifer Fallon

Next in the trilogy by Fallon, have to say I really enjoyed this - I couldn't put it down, the suspense created is really excellent, probably the best I've ever read in a fantasy novel. Good characterisation, not afraid to hold back with some fairly tragic consequences.

4.5/5

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Warlord by Jennifer Fallon

Have to say, I'm really pleased to have discovered Fallon's books. Perfect for escapism when my head is in constant melt-down mode from college. This was an excellent ending to a really satisfying trilogy. Finally she really started delving into the morality of the world, the subjugation of women, the oppression of slaves. Plus there was the incredible political scheming, which was just extraordinary, probably the best I've read since GRR Martin.

5/5

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Before they are hanged by Joe Abercrombie

Have very little time to read at the moment with finals approaching - this was pretty good, a slow-burner.

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The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

Didn't really enjoy this, think it was my state of mind rather than the book though.

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

Just a bit of comfort reading

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling

Finals have turned my brain to complete mush, so I'm revisiting these childhood favourites - it's like travelling back in time, I instantly feel nine years old again

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - JK Rowling

I've broken the streak now though, having reread this I'm giving the Harry Potter a break for a while.

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Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

This is Kingsolver's story of her family's mission to live for a year on only local, organic produce, most of which they grew or raised themselves. The story is a triumph, Kingsolver's warmth and wit make this book a delight. A mix of information, anecdotes, reflections on life and food in general, Kingsolver's book really inspired me - would certainly spur anyone on to aspire to a more sustainable diet, if not for the health benefits to ourselves, but for the benefits to the planet.

5/5 Highly recommended

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Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis

A light hearted, whimsical romp - a good Christmas read

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The Crow by Alison Croggan

Follow up in the Pellinor series, popcorn reading really.

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The Singing by Alison Croggan

Final book in the Pellinor series, no great literature, but entertaining reading.

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The Tales of Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling

Not a full length book, but a short collection of short stories as described in the last Harry Potter. I'd postponed reading this for years, felt a little sad finishing it, never again to read a Harry Potter work for the first time.

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Medalon by Jennifer Fallon

Very enjoyable fantasy fare

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Meant to say in the last post, but as the year winds to a close I think I'll end my log at this point, don't have so much time anymore, thanks for reading!