City of Lost Dreams by Magnus Flyte Three Worms
Second book of a series. Historical fact mixed in with science fiction. Once a character is described it is unnecessary to repeatedly remark on stature unless is specifically relates to the story. Surrealist ending needed deeper explanation and another chapter to entice the reading of the next book. (Note: I have friends who are dwarves, they are not defined by their height.)
The Days of Anna Madrigal by Armistead Maupin Three Worms
Remembrances of a young boy who dreamed of being a girl mixed in with modern day characters. The transition from the first chapter to the second needed more back-story for new readers to figure out who was who. Beautiful bits derided by confusing flipping between past and present. Final chapters were thin and vague. Gorgeous imagery ended this continuation of the Tales of the City series, which was reviewed in Volume II, Issues 1 & 2 of this blog.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple Three Worms
Genuinely good humor besmirched by the central character’s racist tendencies. Bouncing narrative difficult to follow. The story eventually fell into place with an interesting end. The final chapter needed a bit more to finish off the tale.
The Drowning House by Elizabeth Black Two and a Half Worms
Character thoughts are discombobulated until arriving at the Island. It slowly stitches together into a semi-coherent story with some good prose but lacks continuity.
The Spymistress by Jennifer Chiaverini Two and a Half Worms
Historically based novel. Technically well done but lacks emotional depth of characters. The final chapter could have been expanded into a book documenting the post Civil War restoration era.
Snuggle up with a good book!
Copyright © 2014 by Ima B. Musing: all rights reserved.
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