2010 is over?

Is it seriously the end of 2010 already? Didn't we just ring in the New Year? I guess the adage about time flying really is true.

What a year it has been! I never cease to be amazed at how much I am able to accomplish in a twelve-month time span. This year was no different. In addition to broadening my reading habits by reading a record number of novels in one year (140), I spent a large majority of the time discovering my strengths and weaknesses, questioning and growing. I exit the year stronger in the knowledge of who I am and where I want to go. 2010 was a year of firsts for me: I've been fortunate to meet at least one very good blogging friend, attend my first trade show and grew closer to other blogging friends. I maneuvered through a blog redesign and name change, the INSPYs and BBAW. I participated as a reader during the spring Dewey's Read-a-thon and took full advantage of Bloggiesta during both January and June. I challenged myself with many reading challenges this year and completed all those that kept my interest through the year. I was introduced to the wonder of audiobooks and can't imagine life without them now. More importantly, I set out to improve myself, by introducing a new feature designed to make me accountable for my healthy actions; others might not get a lot out of it, but it has certainly helped me. 2010 is also the year I introduced the world to my son and his own passion for reading. It has been a busy year but one that made me feel alive.

Even though I tend to avoid making reading lists, the list of my favorite reads for the year is my one exception. These are the novels that have stuck with me over the months, about which I am an absolute evangelist, and which have moved me in some way that continues to impact my approach to life. They are listed in the order I read them:

1. In the Woods by Tana French
2. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
3. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom 
4. Life of Pi by Yann Martel  
5. This is Not the Story You Think It Is by Laura Munson
6. Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes
7. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins 
8. Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel
9. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
10. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
11. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
12. Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff
13. The Heroine's Bookshelf by Erin Blakemore
14. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
15. Room by Emma Donoghue

I've been lucky to read some amazing books this year, both old and new. They are like the icing with the cake being the year. There's no doubt about it. It has been a great year.

REVIEW - Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Title: Before I Fall

Author: Lauren Oliver

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last.

Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing."

Thoughts: Before I Fall is appearing on many Best Of 2010 lists for good reason. As frustrating as it is spellbinding, Ms. Oliver takes the reader on a roller coaster of a story, ultimately revealing humanity's connections in unexpected ways. The premise is painful and touchy, but Ms. Oliver delivers with aplomb. The result is a novel that is stunning in its powerful simplicity.

Sam Kingston is the girl who has it all, but that does not mean she is the most likable of characters. In fact, she is eerily reminiscent of the Plastics in the movie, Mean Girls. Yet, as she faces the same day over again seven times, Sam becomes more sympathetic only as she takes ownership of her actions. She ultimately realizes that every action has a consequence for someone else, whether one ever comes to understand those consequences or not.

As Sam's attitude becomes more adult-like, the horrific nature of her situation becomes more pronounced. This is where Before I Fall truly shines. For, who wants to keep reliving one's death? Who wants to continue to experience the pain and anguish of knowing what is to come without being able to stop it? Who wants to have to say good-bye seven different times to the same people? Sam's experiences raise excellent questions about whether one truly wants to know how much time one has left on this earth. Is knowing really all that beneficial?

For me, part of the horror story was experiencing the high school drama through Sam's eyes. I was never part of that particular clique, nor can I fathom being that cruel to others on purpose. In fact, I was one who was teased, so for me, this portion of the story was truly the stuff of nightmares, old nightmares but nightmares none the less.

Before I Fall appeals to the voyeuristic nature of humans, yet it also forces the reader to truly empathize with Sam. The reader is required to ask the tough questions of what it means to make a difference or even the ultimate sacrifice. Sam's plight leaves the reader breathless with worry and with anticipation. The result is a novel that makes one uncomfortable while reading, yet one that is impossible to stop reading. The unknown quality of Sam's fate builds the suspense to the point where the reader is compelled to keep turning the page, and her final decision leaves the reader in tears. It does not matter if the reader is a teen or an adult, Before I Fall has universal appeal to all ages. Thought-provoking and powerful, it is a novel not easily forgotten.

REVIEW - The King's Mistress by Emma Campion

Title: The King's Mistress

Author: Emma Campion

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "History has not been kind to Alice Perrers, the notorious mistress of King Edward III. Scholars and contemporaries alike have deemed her a manipulative woman who used her great beauty and sensuality to take advantage of an aging and increasingly senile king. But who was the woman behind the scandal? A cold-hearted opportunist or someone fighting for her very survival?

Like most girls of her era Alice is taught obedience in all things. At the age of fourteen she marries the man her father chooses for her, dutifully accepting the cost of being torn from the family she holds so dear and losing the love of her mother forever. Despite these heartbreaks Alice finds that merchant Janyn Perrers is a good and loving husband and the two settle into a happy life together. Their bliss is short-lived, however, unraveled the dark day a messenger appears at Alice's door and notifies her of Janyn's sudden disappearance.

In the wake of this tragedy, Alice learns that her husband kept many dangerous secrets--secrets that result in a price on her own head and that of her beloved daughter. Her only chance to survive lies in the protection of King Edward and Queen Philippa, but she therefore must live at court as a virtual prisoner. When she is singled out by the king for more than just royal patronage, the stakes are raised. Disobeying Edward is not an option, not when her family is at risk, but the court is full of ambitious men and women, many of whom will stop at nothing to see her fall from grace. The whispers and gossip abound, isolating Alice, who finds unexpected solace in her love for the king.

Emma Campion paints a colorful and thrilling portrait of the court of Edward III--with all of its extravagance, scandalous love affairs, political machinations, and murder--and the devastating results of being singled out by the royal family. At the center of the storm is Alice, surviving by her wits in this dangerous world where the choices are not always of her own making. Emma Campion's dazzling novel shows that there is always another side to the story."

Thoughts: "To the winner go the spoils" - Nowhere is this popular phrase more true than with historical accounts of events. Emma Campion masterfully captures the truth behind this phrase with her daring "what if" account of Alice Perrers, infamous mistress of King Edward III. While certain liberties are taken with various relationships and popular rumors of the era, this in no way detracts from the overall story. Ms. Campion creates a detailed picture of the life of a woman at court, with all its privileges and dangers, making Alice, King Edward and all the rest come to life again.

The historical details in The King's Mistress are par excellence. Ms. Campion goes into great detail to discuss lodgings, wardrobes, meals, music, and other activities with which people occupied their times during the 1300s. It is one of the few novels through which a reader can get a clear understanding of what it meant to serve the Queen versus a merchant's wife. Some might feel that the descriptions of fabrics and threads and everything else used to make gowns are tedious and repetitive. Yet, when one realizes that in the 1300s, all there was to do was sew, garden or ride horses, the focus on sewing is completely understandable. Based on today's standards, the day might be boring, but based on standards back then, sewing a beautiful gown was worthy of respect and pride and one's skill. The fact that Alice is so skillful at sewing only proves how talented she was, while showing off how easy it was for her to gain popularity among the royal family.

Alice herself is a bit of a conundrum. On the one hand, she has tremendous business sense and is able to maintain her husband's merchant business and properties long after his death. Yet, she does not display the same political or emotional savvy. She ignores repeated warnings about her precarious position and what steps she should take to minimize the risk to her property, to her family and to herself. Should she have known better? I cannot help but think that politics and business are so irrevocably tied together that someone with such a good head for business would have been able to avoid the political minefield in which she eventually found herself. Yes, the emotional aspect is hard to ignore and uses neither logic nor business sense, but, as presented by Ms. Campion, Alice had ample opportunity to protect herself better than she did. While Alice is an amazing character, this was the one niggling pause for concern that exists for me with her story. The two sides of her character just do not blend well; it is almost as if she were two different people.

At its heart, The King's Mistress is not only about Alice but also about all women throughout history. Women had no choices when it came to their lives. They were forced to marry whom others deemed worthy. They had no rights under law. When it came to dealing with the royals and Court, it was quite often a literal case of being damned by society for certain actions versus being punished for treason or for breaking the law on the other. This naturally leads one to ask how many other "notorious" women throughout history were just unfortunate innocents trapped by royal obligations and the law?

In spite of my concerns about the consistency of Alice's character, The King's Mistress is an excellent addition to the historical fiction genre. Lovers of historical fiction will find much to admire, and readers of women's studies will find much to analyze. Alice is the symbol for repressed women everywhere. Through Alice's tale, Ms. Campion is able to present a cautionary tale about the limited power of women throughout history and the "other side" of the story about famous women.

Thank you to Random House for the advanced reading copy!

REVIEW - Tandem by Tracey Bateman

Title: Tandem

Author: Tracey Bateman

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "Six months ago, brutal murders shook the small Ozark town—murders that stopped after a house fire reportedly claimed the killer’s life. Lauryn McBride's family auction house has taken responsibility for the estate sale of one of the victims—the enigmatic Markus Chisom. Submerging herself in Chisom’s beautiful but strange world, Lauryn welcomes the reprieve from watching Alzheimer’s steal her father from her, piece by piece. She soon realizes that centuries-old secrets tie Abbey Hills to the Chisom estate and a mysterious evil will do anything to make sure those secrets stay hidden. Even the man who grew up loving her may not be able to protect Lauryn from the danger.

When Amede Dastillon receives an unexpected package from Abbey Hills, she hopes it might be the key in tracking down her beloved sister, long estranged from her family. Visiting Abbey Hills seems the logical next step in her search, but Amede is unusually affected by the town, and when mutilated carcasses begin turning up again in the small community, the local law enforcement isn’t sure if they are confronting a familiar evil or a new terror.

Two women brought together by questions that seem to have no answers. Can they overcome the loss and darkness threatening to devour them—or will their own demons condemn them to an emotional wasteland?"

Thoughts: Lesson learned - always do your due diligence on a book before reading it. Why? Because it is essential to avoid being shocked by such things as the inclusion of vampires in a novel. How I missed this essential plot point in all of the descriptions I read, I am uncertain, but miss it I did. Because it was, to me, unexpected, I found it to be rather distracting. It actually took me quite a few pages to get over my shock and dismay because I felt that this was a story that could quite as easily have been told without vampires. Even worse, I missed the fact that this is Christian fiction too. (Apparently, the descriptions I have been reading are sorely lacking in details.) This was not quite as upsetting because the idea of redemption was discussed coherently and inclusively without becoming preachy.

Take those two aspects out of the novel, and one is left with an interesting discussion on the impact of aging parents and idea of bad versus good. Given the Baby Boomers and younger generations that are facing the care of this aging generation, the subject matter is quite timely. Ms. Bateman discusses the heartache, confusion and guilt that accompany such scenarios with grace and heartfelt sympathy. Through Lauryn, the reader is able to get a clear picture of what such scenarios entail and how difficult they can be for all parties.

Tandem is definitely a more character-driven plot. The mystery itself is not too scary or suspenseful as the reader is drawn to Lauryn's and Amede's individual relationships with their loved ones. Because it is so easy to identify and sympathize with both main characters, the mystery takes a back seat to their anguish and struggles. As they learn to find happiness among sorrow and balance among life's demands, the reader is there to cheer them on their path to discovery.

Of even more interest is the idea that no one is really bad but rather in need of help is an intriguing one. Even the "bad guy" has a tragic back story that causes his turmoil and subsequent actions. This idea promotes the idea of redemption even more forcefully because if no one is truly bad, then everyone can be redeemed. It is one of the more hopeful, more peaceful messages I've read in a long time.

Overall, Tandem is an enjoyable novel. Once I got over my initial shock, I thoroughly enjoyed life in Abbey Hills and the small-town drama that ensues. Lauryn and Amede are both strong female characters who learn lessons that everyone should adopt. Its message of redemption is simple but beautiful. While not for everyone, Tandem finds a way to take its eclectic mix of genres (vampires and Christianity co-existing?) and make it work to its advantage.

Thank you to LibraryThing's Early Reader program for this review copy!

REVIEW - Lowcountry Summer by Dorothea Benton Frank

Title: Lowcountry Summer

Author: Dorothea Benton Frank

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "When Caroline Wimbley Levine returned to Tall Pines Plantation, she never expected to make peace with long-buried truths about herself and her family. The Queen of Tall Pines, her late mother, was a force of nature, but now she is gone, leaving Caroline and the rest of the family uncertain of who will take her place.

In the lush South Carolina countryside, old hurts, betrayals, and dark secrets will surface, and a new generation will rise along the banks of the mighty Edisto River."

Thoughts: Caroline Wimbley Levine is a true Southern gentlewoman - quirky, independent, aristocratic. Add to that being snobby, randy and a true busy body, and you have a fairly accurate picture of Miss Caroline. She is truly one unique individual. She is judgmental and somewhat hypocritical, especially when it comes to her nieces' behavior, yet her heart remains in the right place.

Lowcountry Summer is a fun book that definitely shares the appeal of living in the South. Its discussion of history, of food, and of familial pride all describe a completely different approach to life. Family is essential and in spite of everything, the reader gets a sense that Lowcountry Southerners truly know how to live life.

With its cast of memorable characters, Lowcountry Summer is just what one needs to warm you up on a cold winter day. Miss Caroline provides some much-needed comic relief, and her refreshing approach to life is a great reminder not to take oneself too seriously. Much like Charleston and the surrounding areas, Lowcountry Summer is simply charming.


Thank you to Megan Traynor from HarperCollins for my review copy!

Motivate Me - Weeks 5 & 6

I am definitely getting into this running thing. By getting onto a more regular schedule, I have been able to stave off shin splints while truly looking forward to each runs. Running in the cold is not an issue anymore, as I've learned how quickly you warm up. I've even been able to push myself by running on some larger hills. As I progress away from the intervals, I find that I really enjoy these longer running times. Of course, I continue to use stress from work as a motivator. You'd be surprised how one little sentence can fuel me for ten minutes!

As for the weight loss, I've decided to join Weight Watchers Online after the new year. Jim upped the ante by declaring that not only would he help me by unofficially following the plan, he would buy me two pairs of Lucky jeans when I make my weight goal. So, 134 or bust come January 1!

Monday - Rest
Tuesday - Couch to 5K Week 5 Day 2
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - Couch to 5K Week 5 Day 3 (20 minutes of straight running!!)
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Couch to 5K Week 6 Day 1
Sunday - Rest
Monday - Couch to 5K Week 6 Day 2
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Couch to 5K Week 6 Day 3 (25 minutes of straight running!!)
Thursday - Rest
Friday - Couch to 5K Week 7
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Couch to 5K Week 7

REVIEW - Twelfth Grade Kills by Heather Brewer

Title: Chronicles of Vladimir Tod #05: Twelfth Grade Kills

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "Vlad is now a senior, and in this final, action-packed book in the series, he must confront the secrets of the past, unravel the mystery of who he really is, make decisions about his future, and face his greatest enemy."

Thoughts: Twelfth Grade Kills is what I have come to expect from the Vlad Tod series - an enjoyable and easy read. While the darkest of the five novels, it isn't without its fun moments. As Vlad must face his future as the Pravus and what it means for humankind as well as vampirekind, he remains at heart a teenage boy who struggles to find the balance between asking for help and striking out on one's own. It is this conflict which continues to be a joy to read and what makes it immensely easy to relate to Vlad. He knows right from wrong and is just trying to stay on the right path, as set forth for him by his parents, Nelly and Otis and his best friend, Henry.

While somewhat predictable, there are enough interesting twists and misplaced clues to throw off detection of the final resolution. Simply put, it would be difficult to determine an alternative ending to Vlad's story, nor do I want to do so. He found a way to make everything work in his favor. Is there collateral damage? Yes, but it had to be that way to be even remotely true to form. This results in a satisfactory conclusion to Vlad's story, while hinting at possible future offshoots.

I've enjoyed my time with Vlad and Henry, Otis and Nelly and the entire cast of characters from Bathory. This is a series I will continue to recommend to others, especially fans of YA and vampires. Now, I am interested to see if anything comes of the mysterious final sentence of the novel!

REVIEW - The Wrong Blood by Manuel de Lope

Title: The Wrong Blood

Author: Manuel de Lope

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "In the Basque Country in northern Spain, just before the Civil War, three men in dinner suits stop for a drink at a bar before continuing on their way to a wedding. Their trip is interrupted when their leader, the wealthy Don Leopoldo, has a stroke in the restroom.This event, bizarre and undignified though it is, begins to weave together the lives of two remarkable women: the bride, the beautiful and distinguished Isabel Cruces, and María Antonia Etxarri, the bar owner’s adolescent daughter. Shortly after the outbreak of the war, María Antonia is raped and Isabel’s newlywed husband, Captain Julen Herraiz, is shot. Both women find themselves violently altered, alone, and pregnant. A crippled but wise local doctor is the only witness to the mysterious, silent agreement these women conclude in the loneliness and desperation of their mutual suffering. Many years later, a young student, grandson to Isabel, returns to the scene of the events to spend an innocent summer studying for law exams. As he goes about his work, he unwittingly awakens the ghosts haunting both María Antonia and the doctor, and through their memories the passionate stories of the past unfurl before the reader."

Thoughts: The Wrong Blood is one of those novels I really wanted to love but left me feeling flat. Several days after finishing the story, I am not quite certain what Mr. de Lope was trying to accomplish. Was he trying to tell a story about the impact of the Civil War or was it more a study of humankind and their reactions to adverse conditions? I suspect the answer is both things, but the fact that I am not 100 percent certain about it leads me to conclude that he was not successful with whatever he was attempting.

The narrator is obviously a man, and unfortunately, this is not a novel where a male author writes female characters that are true to life. Considering that the story revolves around María and her struggles, this is a glaring conflict. This is particularly true of the rape scene, which avoids any discussion of the emotional trauma and approaches the entire scenario rather clinically and coldly. Throughout the novel, María is never truly fleshed out as a woman but remains this chilly, miserly one-dimensional character who is more concerned about counting place settings than about others' feelings. I suspect that in the right hands, María could truly have come to life, which would have made the flashbacks and other parts of the story come to life as well.

Considering how much of the novel revolves around the characters, Dr. Cortez and the grandson Goitia, Isabel and María, the fact that they remain stilted and lacking in emotional connection does nothing to recommend the story. The big reveal is quite predictable, and the entire story plays out as one expects.  A character-driven novel only works when readers are able to take a vested interest in the characters. Unfortunately, the reader is not able to connect with any of the characters in this fashion.

The Wrong Blood redeems itself via its descriptions of the Basque countryside. Lyrical in their sweeping grandeur and beauty, this is where Mr. de Lope shines. The reader truly gets a sense of what the Civil War did to the inhabitants of the area, how confusing and treacherous it was for all involved and the scars it left on both people and locations.

As this is Mr. de Lope's first novel translated into English, one cannot help but wonder how much is quite literally lost in translation. Then again, because the physical descriptions are so excellent, this leads one to conclude that very little is actually lost. Therefore, is this an instance of an author who is better able to provide poetic descriptions of places but cannot do the same for people? Without reading Mr. de Lope's other works, one may never know. I do know that The Wrong Blood has moments of brilliance but a large majority of the novel fails to spark. The result is a novel that does not live up to its own expectations.

Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy!

REVIEW - Green by Ted Dekker

Title: Green: Book Zero: The Beginning and the End

Author: Ted Dekker

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "AS FORETOLD BY ANCIENT PROPHETS, an apocalypse destroyed Earth during the twenty-first century. But two thousand years later Elyon set upon the earth a new Adam. This time, however, He gave humanity an advantage. What was once unseen became seen. It was good and it was called...Green.

But the evil Teeleh bided his time in a Black Forest.

Then, when least expected, a twenty-four year old named Thomas Hunter fell asleep in our world and woke up in that future Black Forest. A gateway was opened for Teeleh to ravage the land. Devastated by the ruin, Thomas Hunter and his Circle swore to fight the dark scourge until their dying breath.

But now The Circle has lost hope. Samuel, Thomas Hunter's cherished son, has turned his back on his father. He gathers the dark forces to wage a final war. Thomas is crushed and desperately seeks a way back to our reality to find the one elusive hope that could save them all.

Enter an apocalyptic story like none you have read. A story with links to our own history so shocking that you will forget you are in another world at all. Welcome to GREEN. Book Zero."

Thoughts: This was the final selection for the INSPYs for speculative fiction and is the novel that eventually one. The brilliance of Green lies in its premise. It begins and ends the series, making it either the first or last novel to read in the Circle series. While it may seem initially confusing, it actually works quite well, as it either sets the stage for future stories or sums up previous stories very well.

That which made it brilliant also gave it a rather interesting message. In fact, from this idea of a circle, one could conclude that mankind is doomed to repeat its same mistakes over and over again. When talking about faith, this is not necessarily the most hopeful message, but it does reiterate the importance of free will.

Even more important, the idea of faith elements being physical becomes a key point in the story. Ironically, even with being able to physically see, hear, touch, and taste certain aspects of Elyon, Hunter's group still struggles to believe wholeheartedly in His goodness. If they struggle, even after physical manifestations of Elyon's love and benevolence, what does that mean for modern-day humanity? If seeing and believing is not enough, then how does one truly believe?

As is to be expected in any novel that is the beginning of a series, there are many unanswered questions. Because Green is also the end of the series, the reader only catches glimpses of those answers, which can be frustrating at times. Also, because it is setting up the rest of the series, much of the novel is spent in the future, creating this new world and introducing us to characters that play key roles in the events to come. This makes it more difficult to understand at times than a typical science fiction novel. Still, there is plenty of food for thought about the possibilities behind those questions and hinted-at answers, allowing the reader to contemplate the ideas behind Mr. Dekker's novel.

While not my favorite novel of the five, Green did make me curious how the story circles around as it does. I remain unconvinced that this idea of life as one big never-ending circle is the most positive message one could hope to learn. It was a welcome change from the more technology-based novels in the speculative fiction category, and the fact that Mr. Dekker was able to make the idea of a circle in a literary series work so well makes it a stand-out novel for the category.

REVIEW - Room by Emma Donoghue

Title: Room

Author: Emma Donoghue

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work."

Thoughts: Told through Jack's eyes, Room is an amazing story of resilience, survival and love. Ma is Jack's whole world, and Room is all he knows, as is Rug, Wardrobe, Refrigerator, and Under the Bed. Yet, after Jack turns Five, Ma starts unlying about their world, and Jack slowly begins to realize that his world is not what he thought it was. Suddenly thrust into this larger Outside, Jack struggles to make sense of everything new.

The miracle of the story is the fact that Jack maintains his innocence in spite of everything that happens to Ma and to him. This is a credit to his relationship with Ma. The love they feel for each other keeps them strong and brave when stronger people would crumble. Ma doesn't shelter Jack from the evils that surround them but rather finds a way to make them less scary and therefore more tolerable. The games she plays with him to make his world safe, the care she shows in his upbringing - limiting television, focusing on word games and simple math - all show how much they need each other.

The story takes off when Ma shows her desperation and later her struggle to adapt to her freedom. In spite of his isolation during his formative years, Jack shows more adaptive powers than Ma, and his confusion over her behavior is understandable albeit upsetting. As Ma crumbles, Jack grows even braver and removes any doubt about his ability to survive in the outside Outside.

Room takes the reader on an emotional journey. Love, joy, wonder, horror and back again, the reader experiences Jack's story through not only his innocence but the reader's own understanding on the world. This duality lends an even greater sense of wonder at everything Ma was able to do for her son while maintaining her sanity. It also raises the question of what the reader would be willing and able to do to protect his or her own child and the sense of innocence.

Ms. Donoghue embodies the voice of a five-year-old. Any parent reading this will be able to recognize his or her own child's sense of wonder and voice in Jack. Curious and precocious, Jack is just an ordinary five-year-old living in extraordinary circumstances. His is a story that will haunt and inspire the reader to spread the love and protect the innocence, for Jack is truly unforgettable.

Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.

REVIEW - Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Title: Revolution

Author: Jennifer Donnelly

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights' most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine's diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There's comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal's antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine's words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present."

Thoughts: Historical fiction should be just that - a blend of fact and fiction done in such a way that makes history easy to understand. Revolution does not only that, it brings history alive. It is a perfect blend of history and fiction to the point where it is impossible to distinguish between the two. One can smell the unwashed bodies, the fear and panic associated with the Terror, the sewage from 1790 Paris. Better yet, it is unlike any French Revolution novel previously read. It not only focuses on the politics behind the Revolution but also presents the human side, how panic and hunger fueled the rage and impacted the anonymous individual in addition to the nobles. It is a fresh look at an old history lesson.

Andi truly makes Revolution. She is a remarkable, talented young woman who is in so much pain that her distress is unbearable, as is her struggle to survive. Her inability to find the music towards the end is enough to reduce the reader to tears. The guilt behind her brother's death, her inability to escape the depression that has wracked her since then, her fractured relationships with friends and family - they all help to bring to life a woman who wants to survive but is facing the ultimate battle to do so. The reader fights her fight, feels her pain, and suffers alongside Andi.

This connection to Andi, and Andi's subsequent connection to Alexandrine makes for a unique reader experience. Breathtaking in its scope and attention to detail, the reader becomes completely immersed into Andi and Alex's experiences. The line between the two heroines blurs many a time. Better yet, their experiences and understanding of those experiences sheds new light on the political implications of revolution in general and the ongoing battle for liberty, equality, and fraternity. Can one person truly make a difference? Does the world always win?

Revolution has been garnering much praise, and it is completely worth all the superlatives. It leaves a reader aching in pain, breathless with worry and more importantly, thoughtful about certain "well-known" history lessons. Its combination of old and new, demonstrated through Alex and Andi, modern-day Paris and the Paris of old, as well as Andi's thesis on the evolution of music connects history and its impact in a way not typically considered. Add to that, Andi's emotional turmoil and the end result is a novel that touches a reader to the core and fundamentally changes the way a reader views life. Revolution is a definite must-read and will rank among the top reads for 2010, if not all time.



I received this novel from the publisher at the 2010 GLIBA trade show.

REVIEW - The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery

Title: The Blue Castle

Author: L. M. Montgomery

Synopsis (Courtesy of Indiebound): "At twenty-nine Valancy had never been in love, and it seemed romance had passed her by. Living with her overbearing mother and meddlesome aunt, she found her only consolations in the "forbidden" books of John Foster and her daydreams of the Blue Castle. Then a letter arrived from Dr. Trent -- and Valancy decided to throw caution to the winds. For the first time in her life Valancy did and said exactly what she wanted. Soon she discovered a surprising new world, full of love and adventures far beyond her most secret dreams."

Thoughts: I have always had a special infinity for Valancy. Growing up, Ms. Montgomery's Anne stories were wonderful and idyllic, but Valancy is the character with whom I related the most. Her family is odd and overbearing. She is ignored and considered inconsequential by all family members, including her mother. She is bored, lonely and resigned to her fate as the family spinster.

The fact that she opts to do something without consulting the family and even forgoes the family doctor is the first sign that there is more to Valancy than initially appears. From the moment she receives that fateful letter from Dr. Trent, sparks fly, and the rest is pure magic. Valancy's new release on life is hilarious, refreshing and absolutely inspiring. Who hasn't wanted to tell certain family members exactly what one thinks about them? Who hasn't wanted to ignore convention? Surrounded by eccentric but lovable characters who provide her the love and support she has craved all her life, she is no longer afraid to live and does so with such gusto, one cannot help but fall in love with her.

As a child reading The Blue Castle I never knew Ms. Montgomery's biography. I knew she wrote wonderful novels but never took the time to discover who she was and what inspired her. Now that I have taken the time to read her history, the fact that Ms. Montgomery wrote this particular novel shortly before her suicide makes the story more poignant for me. Knowing how depressed Ms. Montgomery was for most of her life, I can't help but wonder just how much of Valancy is Ms. Montgomery's own cry for help. Was she trying to find her own happiness by writing about someone who struggles but eventually attains it? Did Ms. Montgomery view herself as Valancy does in the first half of the novel? If Ms. Montgomery were able to overcome her own demons, would she have been half as successful a writer? Was her search for happiness the impetus for her characters' own personal searches? Valancy is all about searching out and making her own happiness. It isn't easy for her, but she ultimately succeeds by finally being herself. It is unfortunate that Ms. Montgomery was not able to succeed as well.

Once Valancy decides to live for herself, happiness follows. As a young girl, this is such an impressive lesson to learn. Even better, the lesson never gets old no matter how many times one re-reads it. Having read this most recently with my book club, it was an absolute delight to see the reactions and life-changing epiphanies that so many fellow members had while reading The Blue Castle. Written by one of the most beloved children's authors, it truly does appeal to people of all ages. Having re-read it more often than the Anne series, it was one of my all-time childhood favorite novels and remains one of my all-time favorite stories today.

REVIEW - A Star Curiously Singing by Kerry Nietz

Title: A Star Curiously Singing

Author: Kerry Neitz

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "In a future ruled by sharia law, machines are managed by debuggers, who in turn are owned by masters. Sandfly is a level 12 debugger. He is sent into Earth orbit to repair a robot - a robot that went on an experimental flight into deep space... and tore itself apart. As Sandfly digs into the mystery aboard the space station, he discovers what the bot heard around that distant star. He discovers that the bot heard...singing. As Sandfly pieces together the clues, the masters spread the trap before his feet. Everyone is racing to the same conclusion, but only one side welcomes what the singing represents."

Thoughts: This was another novel selected for the INSPY speculative fiction shortlist. Rather than focus the idea of eternal life, A Star Curiously Singing focuses on God's message and doing what's right versus eternal life, like in Eternity Falls or The Last Christian. Sandfly's struggles to do what is right within his capabilities and without alerting the Abduls was fascinating. The debugger back story is quite intriguing and well-developed. One truly cares about Sandfly and his problems.

The issue is the implied message about the Abduls. They are the masters and can inflict pain on the debuggers any time they want. They control everything. Everyone must "believe" in Allah, and they have found a way to incorporate their belief system into everything they do, from greetings to inspirational quotes and other phrases. Prayer rugs are in corners in every room. Yet, they are quite simply the bad guys. They do everything to circumvent Sandfly's ability to solve the mystery, and the constant threat they present to debuggers everywhere creates an insidious tension that never truly ends.

The tension adds to the story, but I absolutely have a problem with the idea that Muslims are the bad guys. I do not appreciate this same message when any religion is portrayed as better than any other and think the implications behind this message are extremely dangerous. To me, any religious faith should promote tolerance - of all people and of all religions. This is A Star Curiously Singing's biggest fault.

The message that the Muslim faith is not just wrong but evil truly detracts from a great story. Character development is strong, and the world created by Kerry Nietz is vivid. The mystery behind the malfunctioning robot is intense and intriguing. Sandfly's curiosity and his caution are palpable. Unfortunately, the discussion on faith, both overt and hidden, left quite a bit to be desired. However, A Star Curiously Singing keeps one thinking - about science, about possibilities, about staying true to one's self. It is one novel where my true feelings are hopelessly divided between admiration for a well-written story and disgust at some of the lessons to be learned.

REVIEW - Eternity Falls by Kirk Outerbridge

Title: Eternity Falls

Author: Kirk Outerbridge

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "It wasn't supposed to happen. People who took the Miracle Treatment weren't supposed to die - ever. Especially not the famous movie star spokesperson for the Treatment. And yet, that's exactly what's happened. The stunning starlet Greta Darling, who looked 22 but was really 89, has suddenly died. Of natural causes. Desperate to assure their billions of clients that the Miracle Treatment really does work, company executives call in private investigator Rick Macey. Macey's job is to find out what really happened to Greta Darling - or, failing that, to simply come up with some other explanation for how she died. Macey is a war veteran with very special abilities, and his own reasons for taking this case. What exactly is so wonderful about living forever? Who is really pulling the strings here? What do the religious clues at the crime scene mean? And who will be left standing...when eternity falls?"

Thoughts: Christian science fiction was, to me, quite the oxymoron. Christianity and science have not had the healthiest of relationships, so it stands to reason that faith-based science fiction would not exist. However, Eternity Falls pleasantly proved me wrong.

Taking place approximately 100 years into the future, Eternity Falls revolves around technology that sounds completely plausible based on today's technology. Unfortunately, the technology piece of the science fiction also became the most cumbersome in that it was quite difficult to follow at times. This is especially true for the action sequences, which quickly became too cerebral to be thoroughly enjoyed.

Eternity has always been of interest to humanity. Eternity Falls feeds off of this desire to end death, making it sound like a dream come true. Yet, it also reveals the downside of eternity. What does one live for when one lives forever? This is where the faith discussions come into play. These were done in such a way as to find a nice balance between believers and non-believers, focusing on the idea of forgiveness versus vengeance. It still sends the message that only those that believe in God specifically will go to heaven, which I personally find disconcerting. Still, Mr. Outerbridge presents some very thought-provoking ideas about faith and humanity's fear of death.

Overall, Eternity Falls is a decent stab at Christian science fiction. The science was plausible but not overly realistic while being the backdrop for the real weight of the novel, the exploration of faith in a technology-driven society. The characters are a bit one-sided, and while character development is minimal, it does not detract from the suspense and pure action of the story. The language is simple and easy to follow, except for some of the technical jargon. The result is a pleasant action adventure that posits certain ideas about faith.

REVIEW - The Last Christian by David Gregory

Title: The Last Christian

Author: David Gregory

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "A.D. 2088.

Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.

But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether—but at what expense?

As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity."

Thoughts: Another INSPY read, The Last Christian failed to thrill and raise questions of faith in what I would consider an appropriate manner. It concerns itself with the struggle for eternal life, both spiritual and physical by asking if living forever physically truly means losing one's connection with God. This is presented in the context of a future American society in which Christianity has supposedly died out. While Mr. Gregory presents some great arguments as for the reasons why Christianity failed to exist beyond the 21st Century, the probability of this occurring to a country founded on Christian ideals is low; as a result, The Last Christian loses some credibility with its premise.

Unfortunately, the story itself is weak. Almost all the main characters are self-righteous with little to no character development. The reader is forced to accept the idea that someone growing up in a tribal culture with no access to the modern world would adapt as quickly and as successfully as Abby does. Add to that a plot line that contains more pontificating than it does action, and the novel quickly spirals downward.

As for the faith aspect of the story, it contains a very limited view of what it means to be a Christian, one in which the Bible states all of the rules, regardless of the inconsistencies contained within. No other religion is acceptable; I even felt this attitude to be applicable towards other Christian religions, like Roman Catholicism. It is a disturbing, isolationist approach to faith that does more harm than good and is the reason why the idea of Christian living holds negative stereotypes.

This was not a novel that I felt promoted Christian ideals in a harmonious light but rather did more to confirm the divide between "Christians" and non-Christians. This is so unfortunate  because the message of the story is quite special, this idea that one person can make a difference in this large world of ours. Unfortunately, the delivery of this message is so exclusive that it turns off a large majority of the world's population. As a result, The Last Christian is not a novel I can recommend to anyone in good faith. There were too many disturbing aspects of the faith discussion to be able to promote this as a book that people should read.

Motivate Me: Week 4

The scale still sucks. I don't know what to do about this now. I gained even more weight this week. I've even started looking at the newly updated Weight Watchers plan; I have had excellent results following the plan in the past. I've also failed spectacularly. This may be the way I go after the holidays.

On the plus side, I continue to keep plugging along with my Couch to 5K mission. I have finally broken my week 4 barrier and crossed into new territory. I've discovered that as long as I rest in between runs, my shins stay pain-free. I was bothered last week with random muscle pain and joint aches, especially in my legs. It was quite uncomfortable and one of the reasons I did not run for three days in a row - well that and the fact that my shins were screaming after running two days in a row, and I was not going to push the issue. The random aches and pain did not quite disappear but running seemed to help on Thursday. I'll continue to watch the situation to see if it warrants a trip to the sports medicine clinic. I also need to get better about drinking water. I suspect a lot of the aches and pains would disappear with more hydration. I know it would help my itchy skin too; two showers per day in winter weather is not helping my skin any!

I'm looking forward to pushing myself as I run farther and longer. I feel SO good when I finish; it is such a sense of accomplishment to know that I can actually do this. I definitely need to find a race to run after I finish the program to celebrate!

Friday - Rest
Saturday - Couch to 5K Week 4
Sunday - Couch to 5K Week 4
Monday - Rest
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - Couch to 5K Week 4
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Couch to 5K Week 5 Day 1
Sunday - Rest

The Sunday Salon - December 12, 2010

I'll admit - I haven't been able to find my holiday spirit lately. I have no desire to decorate the house. I do not find holiday shopping enticing. I really don't even want to bake goodies. I'm slowly getting into the spirit. Most of the holiday shopping is done. I bought ingredients to bake certain cookies. I may even get around to decorating the house a bit this afternoon. Still, there seems to be so much more to worry about this year than decorating or the holidays. Even if I were in the holiday spirit, one trip to any particular store is enough to undo everything. People are insane this time of year - cutting people off in line, pulling out in front of others, ignoring stop signs, pushing people out of the way in aisles at stores. One day shopping was enough to make me question what has gone wrong with the holidays and why people get more evil instead of actually embodying the spirit the holidays are supposed to represent. All I know is from now on, my shopping is being done online.

One of the things that has helped me get into the spirit of things was a package I received on a gloomy day two weeks ago. The lovely Jennifer from Rundpinne was my Secret Santa from this year's Book Blogger Holiday Swap, and she was more than gracious!

Book Blogger Holiday Swap goodies!

The handwritten note made my day, and the M&Ms keep me company at work to help brighten a tough work environment these days. Both of these books were on my wish list, and I cannot wait to read them. Thanks, Jennifer!

In addition to being rather "bah humbug" about the holidays, I'll admit I've been feeling the same towards blogging these days. Part of it I believe is due to the new work schedule. I hate getting home after 6 PM each night as it makes the evenings SO short. By the time I get truly settled and fully relaxed, it is time to get ready for bed. I really need to get better about writing reviews and posts in advance and start scheduling them. It might help me get back into the blogging spirit.

In spite of my general blogging malaise, I have been reading some excellent books: Ted Gup's A Secret Gift, Gail Carriger's oh-so-fun Blameless, Charlotte Bronte's powerful Villette, Dennis Lehane's dark Moonlight Mile, Rachel Vincent's interesting My Soul to Keep, and John Verdon's excellent Think of a Number. Connor rounded out the week with his reaction to Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games. I also had an epiphany about personal behaviors and continue to share my efforts at getting healthy through my Motivate Me feature.

With that, the snow is falling, and the house is clean and warm. I think it is time to go bake some cookies. If the snow and the smell of spicy goodness can't get me into the holiday spirit, then I don't know what will!

Have a great Sunday, everyone. Happy reading!

Connor's Corner - The Hunger Games

Every year, in a country called Panem, 12 districts come together in an event called the Hunger Games, in which two tributes from each district compete against each other for survival. There have been many Hunger Games, but this year's will be the most memorable yet. This year, the two tributes for District 12 are Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. They each share the same memory from the past, but their adventures are just beginning. Will Katniss be able to survive the Hunger Games? Or will she slowly suffer death in the arena?

The Hunger Games - a title that says it all! Now, I'm going to admit, this book was probably not the book for me. It was violent and perilous. I still enjoyed reading it, mainly because of its descriptive detail (alliteration!). I'd also recommend this book for ages 12 - 80, or however how old people live to be. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm getting kind of hungry.