I read a lot. There are some books so bad that I couldn’t even finish them. Perhaps I should create an “avoid this book” list. I personally know and respect folks who make their living by writing, but sometimes they should be bold and break out of the “formula.” Once you sell enough to survive, strive for a Nobel Prize for Literature.
Read previous reviews posted on April 10, 2011, February 17, 2011 and September 14, 2010. Please become a follower of this blog to learn of future reviews. I have been evolving the manner in which I review books. I hate it when a reviewer spoils the plotline or gives away the ending. Five worms is the highest rating but rarely attained.
Luka and the Fire of Life by Salman Rushdie three and a half worms
Witty and creatively loaded with puns regarding time. Great kids book (ages 10 – 14) but entertaining for adults. Apparently this is the continuation of a book about the character’s older brother but it does explain the fantastical elements of the story.
True Grit by Charles Portis three and a half worms
Interesting voice of the female lead. She is the character with the most grit. Only unrealistic scene involved snow. Only fresh snow covers signs of activity. Quick read. Haven’t seen the new movie, yet.
Blindness of the Heart by Julia Franck three and a half worms
Story of the sisters is a bit convoluted in the beginning but develops well. Disturbingly possible. Psychologically wounded people who don’t get counseling wound others. Perhaps something is lost in the translation from German. Helps to have a background in German philosophy authors.
Stormchasers by Jenna Blum three worms
She learned how to talk Minnesotan and correctly refers to carbonated drinks as “pop” instead of soda, cola or coke. Good character development and an interesting story line. Romance was appropriate but the main character would have kept writing. Too bad the author didn’t work in the word “binder” instead of rubber band…
I Think I Love You by Allison Person three worms
David Cassidy fixation during the first half of the book and tedious to flip between two main characters. Midway the book becomes much more interesting and the final couple chapters are quite nice. I especially like the last chapter in the male character’s voice. Fame is fickle and brutal, I don’t know what I’d do if this blog became popular (which is profoundly unlikely).
Wicked Lies co-written by Lisa Jackson and Nancy Bush two worms
I haven’t read books by either siblling and unfortunately the pacing is bit odd in this book. Sharper editing would have helped. They mention a medical situation on almost every page of this romance story set within a mystery, enough already! What absurd repetitiveness. It is blasted obvious that they are going to write a sequel.
Why won’t some female writers create a plain old mystery? Mixing the two genres spoil the mystery or thriller element. Whereas, many male mystery writers tend to ignore females or focus on horrific violence. If you have any suggestions of good books, let me know. I read books available in the Twin Cities, MN library system (MELSA).
Thrilled by what unfolds on each page.
© 2011
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