Monday, October 31, 2016

TOP TEN TUESDAY | Books for a Fantasy (as in SFF) Book Club

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme for bloggers who like books and lists.  It's awesome and is graciously hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This weeks Top Ten Tuesday Topic:
November 1: Top Ten Books To Read If Your Book Club Likes _______________ (if your book club likes historical fiction, inspiring stories, YA books, non-fiction, controversial books to debate about, or pick a specific book)
I decided to focus on a book club that wants to read only in the Fantasy genre.  This is harder than it may seem at first because Fantasy is so chock full of series which don't lend themselves naturally to a book club.  To make my list I picked mostly stand-alones (with a couple of exceptions) and books I wish I could discuss with someone (so if you ever want to discuss any of them, lemme know!).  Here goes:


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1) The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

This is a YA novel which may put some folks off but if you have a book club focused on the fantasy genre, I sure as heck hope all members would be open to YA and Middle-grade because that's where some of the best fantasy is written!  This book is based on some slightly obscure folk tales, has an incredibly evocative setting and some really interesting characters.  So. Lots to discuss.


2) The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

I just finished this book and there is so much to dig into.  The mash up of historical fiction and fantasy, the Golem and Jinni's different natures and approaches to life, the immigrant experience in New York.  I loved the book!


3) Uprooted by Naomi Novik

I am one of the few that did not love this book.  I was troubled by the romance element (not the age difference but the fact that the Dragon was a sadistic douche canoe) and I thought the story was a little meandering.  So, assuming that there might be a split in the group - most that love and hopefully a couple that don't - you could have a pretty spirited discussion.




This is another YA title but I think it does have bunch of interesting things to talk about.  The main characters are a brother and sister and they have a complicated relationship and family.  The view of fairies in the book is intriguing, especially in relation to the one teenage boy that was raised in a human family.  


5) Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

A graphic novel installment!  Super enjoyable and delightful that plays with a number of tropes.  


6) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

I loved this gorgeous novel and I think it would be fun to gush about it with others.  I know there are some who think it is too slow moving and such so hopefully there could be some feisty discussion.  Also this book is only rather subtly fantasy so it provides some variety.


7) Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (with Movie!)

This is a really fantastic middle grade novel which plays with the Cinderella fairy tale.  The fun thing would be to also watch the rather controversial movie that was made of the book and discuss both!


8) War for the Oaks by Emma Bull

This is heralded as one of the founding/standout books of the Urban Fantasy sub-genre,  so it would be interesting to discuss from that standpoint.  I also struggled a bit with the book and wouldn't mind airing my grievances and also getting some other perspectives on it.


9) Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay

This is an example of an alt-history narrative and one that falls outside of the Western culture.  It's a great book but had some problems that would be fun to pick apart.  Also on the alt-history list that would work great: The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon or Territory by Emma Bull.


10) The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

For this and the next two I'm breaking my rule to avoid series. This is a middle grade book that plays a lot with fairy tale tropes and I think you could read the first one without continuing ith the series.

11) The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie

This one is probably unrealistic for a book club but I would love to discuss the whole series with a group.  All the characters..and I mean ALL the characters... are worth an in depth dissection.  Then Abercrombie does some very interesting things across the whole series; setting up a solid epic journey fantasy and then tearing it all down and setting it on fire.  Some people hate that. I happen to like it very much:)!

12) The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

All that religious allegory to dig into!  


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That's a full year (and more) of reading for a fantasy book club!  Which books would you add to the list?

Sunday, October 30, 2016

REVIEW | Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
Publication Year: 2004
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: NA
Narrator: NA

WHY?: I never read contemporary romance and as a rather low maintenance type of lady, the whole subgenre of "Chick Lit" just causes irritation and confusion.  So I was surprised to be as intrigued by the premise of this book when it was recommended on the Get Booked Podcast as I was.  I figured if I hated it I could just DNF and go back to my safe world of Regency and Paranormal romance where the lady's kick-ass or at least chafe at the bonds of society's expectations. (Psst...I didn't hate it:). 

SYNOPSIS: Minerva (Min) Dobbs is an accountant who approaches life with a very practical and no nonsense eye.  At the start of the book, the man who she expected to marry, but whom she didn't really care about, breaks up with her because she won't put out. Shortly thereafter she hears him make a bet with his handsome friend, who is infamous for seducing women, that he wouldn't be able to get Min in bed within the month.  Min thinks she hears the handsome friend, also known as our hero Cal, agree to the bet though this is not really what happens. She's pissed and ornery, so when Cal asks her out she accepts and then makes his night pretty miserable.  Cal, who is used to doing no wrong with the woman kind, is mostly put out but also a little refreshed by Min's unique personality.  Sparks fly and complications ensue.

I'm not sure if it's just a case of right book, right time, if my reading tastes have changed or if perhaps this is a standout book but I really adored it.  So much so that I am appalled that I have been without this delightful book for 12 years (it was published in 2004). It has been my conviction, almost religious, that I do not care for contemporary romance or anything that could be classified as "chick" lit.  I don't like to shop or think about clothes or have a complicated face cleansing routine and it was my impression that this is the complete opposite of all the women that inhabit the above named subgenres.  I heard about this book on a Book Riot podcast though and the presenters don't really strike me as the overly girly types either and the premise sounded kind of awesome.  And you know what? It IS kind of awesome.  In fact it's really awesome!  I have seen the light and realize once again that having a closed mind never pays.

Minerva Dobbs is my new hero.  She's cynical, practical, except for the goofy shoes she wears, a little chubby and beaten down.  She dresses like she hates her body because she does thanks to her mother's obsession with weight and looks.  Min's also straight forward and snarky as hell - I loved her!  And while the book did have some of the hallmarks I associate with girly-girl chick lit - for one, the only thing the female characters think about is falling in love, and Min does wear high heels  - I didn't feel Min was overly girly.  I also really appreciated the focus on her female friendships and how not superficial those felt.  

Cal is the perfect hero as well.  There is lots of clever banter and he has a fantastic sense of humor.  He's also not arrogant but confident enough that while he finds Min's abrasiveness a little unpleasant it doesn't scare him off.  He's down to Earth and is the kind of man that finds women of all shapes and sizes beautiful.  Most importantly, at least as far as I'm concerned, he's not an Alpha *choirs of angles sing*.  Basically both characters in this book feel pretty real and are interesting to spend time with. 

So to recap:

  • Practical no-nonsense heroine
  • Beta hero 
  • Lots of hilarious banter  
  • Characters that are interesting and who don't act in ways that are dictated by a wacky plot

This is pretty much the check list for romances-that-make-Stephanie-ecstatic. 

FINAL VERDICT: The book was funny, light, romantic, modestly steamy and utterly delightful.  4 out of 5 Stars* 
* Star ratings are weird.  I really like them but at the same time they are hard.  This book was a delight and I think when judged against other romances, it absolutely was a 4 star reading experience but when compared to books at large I'm not sure it quite deserves that kind of rating.  Anyway, it has sparked some contemplation about how I could use star ratings that are a quick and easy way of representing how I felt about the book but also a little more descriptive.  Why, yes I DO overthink everything! How did you know:)?

Other Opinions are Available: Dear Author | Gossamer Obsessions

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Saturday in the Garden | Happy Samhain!

OUTSIDE

The weather thus far this Autumn has been insanely mild which is good for me because I have been dragging my feet on my yard and garden chores.  It's an Autumn for slackers!  Thank you weather goddesses!  I did plant the garlic today and about a third of the flower bulbs I impulse bought a few weeks ago.  The bulbs were Grape Hyacinth and Alliums that will hopefully look like the below next spring.

Allium

Grape Hyacinth


WATCHING, READING and BLOGGING

Watching 

Arrow! Season 3 now.  Oliver's just about to get shirtless on a mountain top with Ras Al Ghul.  Not that I have any particular fondness for that scene.

Reading 

Finished Since the Last Time I Posted

  • The Chessmen by Peter May:  The last in a trilogy of mysteries set on the Outer Hebrides. 
  • Fables (Vol 21 and 22) Happily Ever After and The Farewell by Bill Willingham et al.:  The last two volumes in the Fables series. Sad. 
  • Serenity (Vol. 2 and 3) Better Days and Other Stories and The Shepherd's Tale by Joss Whedon et al.:  These suddenly appeared at my library much to my delight.  I particularly liked The Shepherd's Tale though I'm not sure I buy the overall concept as Shepherd Book's back story.

Currently Reading:

  • Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury:  I'd like to try and read all of Ray Bradbury's books - I love his writing.  I thought this would make a nice Autumn/Halloween read.
  • The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker: This is The Sword and Laser book club pick for this month and it's been on my TBR for ages.  I am loving this but the audio expires tomorrow at the library and I still have a couple hours (or more) of audio.  It feel's like it is taking me forever to read but it's just a smidge under 500 pages.
  • Don't Hex With Texas by Shanna Swendsen: Book 4 in the Enchanted. Inc. series.  Much fun!

Added to the TBR:

This is a list of books that I have added to my Goodreads TBR list this week.  It helps to burn the books I want to read a little more firmly into my mind, maybe get them on some other folks TBRs and gives me a chance to recognize a lot of the awesome bloggers that add stuff to my TBR!

Nothing this week.

Blogging 

On the BLOG LAST WEEK:

It ended up being kind of a crazy week so I got nothing really posted except all my readathon posts  last Saturday.  Speaking of which the readathon was awesome and I lasted until 3 am:).

SATURDAY:


For Disney Fans

For Scary Movie Fans
Happy Halloween!

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Readathon | The Wrap Up

I made it to 3 A.M. (hour 20)!  I actually was feeling pretty good and likely could have likely made it all the way through but I had to be functional today, Boo Hiss.  When I looked back to see how this compared with the one other time I had done read-a-thon, I discovered I had actually participated twice, both in Spring and Fall 2014.  Anyway, this was the longest I had made it and I feel good about my reading though most of what I finished were graphic novels.

START TIME:  7:00 a.m.
END TIME: 3:00 a.m.
MADE IT TO: Hour 20!
TIME SPENT READING: I stopped tracking this somewhere around hour 12, lol.  I feel like my focus got a bit better in the evening so my guess would be about 13-14 hours total.
BOOKS READ: I completed one novel and 4 graphic novels and made some progress in two other books 
Finished - 
The Chessmen by Peter May
Fables: Vol 21: Happily Ever After by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha, Andrew Pepoy
Fables: Vol. 22: 150 Farewell by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Steve Leialoha
Serenity: Better Days and Other Stories by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, and Will Conrad

Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale by Joss Whedon, Zack Whedon, and Chris Samnee
Read but not finished - 
Don't Hex With Texas by Shanna Swendsen
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker


Wrap Up Survey

1) Which hour was most daunting for you?
Actually I never really flagged this year and only quit because I knew I had to be pretty function today.  It's a bummer because who knows if I will have that kind of stamina another time!
2) Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
The Lewis Trilogy of Mysteries by Peter May are incredibly engrossing and atmospheric though a little dark.  They are not overly long either (~300 pages).  
3) Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next season?
It was great!  I enjoyed participating on Twitter and the website.  Thanks for all the organizing!
4) What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
I'm sure it's always been great and this is just the first year I have really engaged with the Twitter hashtag.  I liked seeing everybody's updates and the prompts from hosts!
5) How many books did you read?
See above
6) What were the names of the books you read?
See above
7) Which book did you enjoy most?
The Chessmen by Peter May Great conclusion to this mystery trilogy though I wsh he would write more with this setting and these characters!
8) Which did you enjoy least?
I was disappointed in the very last Fables installment - Vol 22 Farewell

9) How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
Very likely! I think I like just participating as a reader... I already distract myself enough without having any responsibility!
Books on my Stack:
  • The Chessmen by Peter May  Great ending to this terrific trilogy!
  • Don't Hex With Texas by Shanna Swendsen Read Some
  • The Man with a Load of Mischief by Martha Grimes
  • Mulch by Ann Ripley
  • The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker (Audio) Read Some
  • Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (Audio)
  • Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon, Dean and Nathan Hale
  • Calamity Jack by Shannon, Dean and Nathan Hale
  • Fables: Vol 21: Happily Ever After by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha, Andrew Pepoy
  • Fables: Vol. 22: 150 Farewell by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Steve Leialoha
  • Olympians: Zeus King of the Gods by George O'Connor
  • Serenity: Better Days and Other Stories by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, and Will Conrad
  • Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale by Joss Whedon, Zack Whedon, and Chris Samnee

Hope all had a great day!

- Stephanie

Saturday in the Garden | Readathon Saturday

OUTSIDE

I did some canning last weekend which was pretty fun!  I used up all the green tomatoes in my garden and a good supply of the peppers, combined it with a few others to make a WHOLE lot of relish, lol.  Not the prettiest thing in a can and unless I develop a whole lot more uses for relish besides tuna and egg salad, I will have relish until the end of time.  If you, like me are interested in some ideas: http://www.chowhound.com/post/eat-relish-302165?page=3


The forecast here for the weekend is upper sixties and sunny - Gorgeous!  I am hoping to do some serious puttering around the yard.  Cleaning up after the dogs, mowing, clean up a spot in the garden and plant garlic, weed, clean up a spot and plant bulbs, have a nice fire in the pit from my yard waste.  I'll leave most of my garden standing over the winter for the insects.  I do likely need to clean out all my pots and move them in the garage.

GAK

Dewey's Readathon!  It's Today!  I'm participating!  I am really looking forward to a day of reading and I've stocked up on delicious food.  I'm looking forward to reading a ton, catching up on my Goodreads challenge, interacting with other read-a-thoners and just escaping from reality for a while.  
In other news, someone carved a random stump on my block into a horse.  It made me smile.  Thank you mystery wood carver/sculptor.


WATCHING, READING and BLOGGING

Watching 

Arrow! Still in the early days of season 2.

Finished Since the Last Time I Posted

  • Damsel Under Stress (Enchanted, Inc. #3) by Shanna Swendsen:  This was lots of fun.  On to book 4 which I thought was the end of the series but apparently is not.... Yay, I think.
  • Guardians of the West (The Mallorean #1) by David Eddings:  I enjoyed my re-read of The Belgariad so thought I would continue on.  Sadly I was a bit bored by this book and it is basically a regurgitation of the Belgariad except for some very small details.  It ended rather excitingly though....

Currently Reading:

  • Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury:  I'd like to try and read all of Ray Bradbury's books - I love his writing.  I thought this would make a nice Autumn/Halloween read.
  • The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker: This is The Sword and Laser book club pick for this month and it's been on my TBR for ages.  The little bit I've listened to thus far has totally grabbed me.
  • Don't Hex With Texas by Shanna Swendsen: Book 4 in the Enchanted. Inc. series.  Much fun!
  • The Chessmen by Peter May:  The last in a trilogy of mysteries set on the Outer Hebrides. 

Added to the TBR:

This is a list of books that I have added to my Goodreads TBR list this week.  It helps to burn the books I want to read a little more firmly into my mind, maybe get them on some other folks TBRs and gives me a chance to recognize a lot of the awesome bloggers that add stuff to my TBR!

Blogging 

On the BLOG LAST WEEK:

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Read-A-Thon | Midpoint Check-in


I've been a bit distracted today so I don't feel like I have much progress to report on but I'm having a lovely day and that's what matters:).  

START TIME:  7:00 a.m.
CURRENT TIME: 7:00 p.m.
TIME SPENT READING: 406 minutes - 6 hours 46Minutes
BOOKS READ: Haven't finished anything yet. About 2/3rds through The Chessmen and on Chapter 6 of The Golem and the Jinni.  While I eat dinner I think I'll dive into a Graphic Novel so I have something to report!


Mid-event Survey

1. What are you reading right now?
Still working on the Chessmen and The Golem and the Jinni.  Am going to start reading the two Serenity Graphic Novels with dinner.
2. How many books have you read so far?
0
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
Diving into the Graphic Novels below
4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
As I said above, I've been a little distracted today.  When possible I've popped on my headphones and listened to an audio.  Mostly, I just haven't stressed about it too much.
5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
How slow I read and how hard I find it to focus even if I am really enjoying the book.  I had this revelation last readathon but am once again being smacked upside the head by it.  It's a miracle I get as many books read as I do in a year!
Books on my Stack:
  • The Chessmen by Peter May
  • Don't Hex With Texas by Shanna Swendsen
  • The Man with a Load of Mischief by Martha Grimes
  • Mulch by Ann Ripley
  • The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker (Audio)
  • Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (Audio)
  • Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon, Dean and Nathan Hale
  • Calamity Jack by Shannon, Dean and Nathan Hale
  • Fables: Vol 21: Happily Ever After by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha, Andrew Pepoy
  • Fables: Vol. 22: 150 Farewell by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Steve Leialoha
  • Olympians: Zeus King of the Gods by George O'Connor
  • Serenity: Better Days and Other Stories by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, and Will Conrad
  • Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale by Joss Whedon, Zack Whedon, and Chris Samnee
Okay!  I better get back to reading now!  Hope everyone is having a great time reading!!

- Stephanie

The Readathon has begun! All Hail the Readathon!

7:43 a.m. here in the Midwest and I am deep into the mountains of the Outer Hebrides (The Chessmen by Peter May) and enjoying the sunrise lightening the world up.

My plan for the day is to (obviously) read, do some yard work (while listening to a couple of Audiobooks), post a beginning, middle and ending blog post and otherwise keep an eye on twitter!

START TIME:  7:00 a.m.
TIME SPENT READING: 30 minutes
BOOKS READ: None yet

7:48: 25 Pages into The Chessmen by Peter May (which takes place on the Outer Hebrides), and coffee being consumed.

Opening Meme:
1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
Boone, IA in the U.S. Midwest. 
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
The Chessmen by Peter May I suppose as this mystery trilogy has been really fantastic. I'm also really excited about but also a little bit dreading reading the last couple volumes in the Fables Graphic Novel series by Bill Willingham.  Honestly, I am really looking forward to all the books I've got waiting for me!
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
Chips and Queso dip.  Not very exciting but it's not something I eat on a regular basis and I've got some sausage to add....
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
The house I live in was built in 1896 and it's right around the corner from where Mamie Eisenhower grew up. Ooooh, Ahhhh, you're starstruck now aren't you;).  It is also less than a block away from the town library.  I'm originally from Virginia and even after 12 years in the Upper Midwest I still loath winter here. When I'm not readathoning, I'm a wildlife biologist for the state Department of Natural Resources and a slave to two rescue golden retrievers.

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?
I've participated in one other readathon and it was pretty great so I don't think I will make any massive changes.  I'm feeling a little stiff and sore this morning, so maybe take frequent breaks to stretch?
Books on my Stack:
  • The Chessmen by Peter May
  • Don't Hex With Texas by Shanna Swendsen
  • The Man with a Load of Mischief by Martha Grimes
  • Mulch by Ann Ripley
  • The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker (Audio)
  • Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (Audio)
  • Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon, Dean and Nathan Hale
  • Calamity Jack by Shannon, Dean and Nathan Hale
  • Fables: Vol 21: Happily Ever After by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha, Andrew Pepoy
  • Fables: Vol. 22: 150 Farewell by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Steve Leialoha
  • Olympians: Zeus King of the Gods by George O'Connor
  • Serenity: Better Days and Other Stories by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, and Will Conrad
  • Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale by Joss Whedon, Zack Whedon, and Chris Samnee
Okay!  I better get back to reading now!  Hope everyone has a terrific day!

- Stephanie

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Doing the Dew | Dewey's 24-hour Read-a-Thon | October 2016


This Saturday, October 22, 2016, is the designated Fall date for Dewey's 24-Hour Readathon.  The stars have aligned - both in my schedule and my need - to participate this time around!  I've participated only once before and I did not even try to make it the full 24 hours but it was still such a great day.  Also, Autumn is the most proper of seasons for a full day of reading without guilt.

It's supposed to be a gorgeous weekend and I do have a ton of yard/garden work to do but that shouldn't be an obstacle because I can do yard work AND read #AudiobooksfortheWin.  Otherwise my weekend schedule is open and I've been preparing by taking care of as much of the housework, that I usually do on the weekend, during this week.  I'm hoping to start the day of the read-a-thon with a clean(ish) house and a kitchen stocked with all my favorite snacks!

I've started thinking about my reading plan and setting goals and such and have a few vague ideas.  I doubt I'll set any rigid goals.  I don't read fast so setting a "number of books read" goal is tricky though I would like to catch up a little bit to my Goodreads Challenge goal (I'm 8 books behind).  I'm also not going to make myself stay up 24 hours though I will start at the specified start time (7am) and go for as long as I can. 

I have a few books in mind I think I will "target" on the day:

AUDIO

IN PRINT/DIGITAL

That gives me some good variety:).  I think I will also see if I can pick up a couple of Graphic Novels at the library.  

I am super ready and psyched for a day devoted to reading with a little bit of garden work in the mix.  It sounds like the perfect Saturday. 

So how about you?  Are you going to join in on the Read-A-Thon?  You can sign up at: http://www.24hourreadathon.com/

Whatever you do this Saturday I hope it makes you happy and peaceful. 

Monday, October 17, 2016

TOP TEN TUESDAY | Book Characters Who I'd Name Stuff After

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme for bloggers who like books and lists.  It's awesome and is graciously hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

The topic this week is fluffy and fun and not one I'd given much thought to.  It is:
October 18: Ten Characters I'd Name A Child/Dog/Cat/Car/Etc. After -- we did this topic back in 2011 and thought it might be fun to revisit it...feel free to spin it how you need!
I have no kids nor any plans to spawn but I don't have a problem speculating about names of imaginary children.  And it's not entirely true that I have no kids.  I have two of the furry canine variety.  In fact one of my fur babies is named Jasper and I named him thus around 7 years ago when Twilight was a thing.  I had read the first book and knew there was a character named Jasper and not being a fan, I was horrified that folks would think I named him after this character.  I DID NOT:).   I just liked the name and it suits him.  So every time I tell people his name I make a big deal of telling them he's not named after the character in Twilight and they're all Wha? Huh? because Twilight hasn't been a thing now for several years and most of the people I am telling this to don't have it on their radar screen anyway.  It's a fun little joke for me and only me:).
Jasper "Not From Twilight" Shepherd, shortly after receiving his name
So the list below will be names I like and would consider bestowing on some other thing I am called upon to name.  It was harder than I thought actually....

***********

1) Rowl from The Aeronauts Windlass by Jim Butcher

I would give this name to a big old tomcat that decided to call my house home.  In the books it's the name of a cat and the cats in this world are sentient and their speech is understood but they are still cats in the best senses of the word.  It's delightful.

2) Ronan Lynch from The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

I have a bit of Irish heritage and I really like the name Ronan.  I also really love the character of Ronan in The Raven Cycle books by Maggie Stiefvater and would be thrilled to have such a foul-mouthed, smart ass but ultimately loving and loyal son.  Or perhaps an Irish Wolfhound.

3) Augustus "Gus" McCrae from Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

I actually briefly had a cat named Gus!  I would totally name another beloved pet Augustus after one of my favorite characters in literature.

4) R.F. Jackaby from Jackaby by William Ritter

So I can't really remember Jackaby's first name, I just really like his surname Jacakby.  It's fun and spunky sounding and I also really like the name Jack so automatic cool shortening.

5) Sherlock Holmes or Watson from the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle

I'm a big fan of the Sherlock Holmes Universe and have always wanted to name a pet either, Holmes (guinea pig?), Sherlock (Lock for short - Springer Spaniel?) or Watson (Cat?).

6) Marian Halcombe from the The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

I'm not even that fond of the name Marian but the lady of that name in Woman in White is absolutely the best.   Maybe a bulldog?

7) Poppet and Widget from The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

I love this book, I love these characters and I would totally name two gigantic floppy eared rabbits after them.

8) Ella from Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

This is a great story and great female role model and it's also a really lovely name.  If I had a daughter this would be in the running.

9) Lucy from Multiple (The Drake Chronicles by Alyxandra Harvey and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis)

I like the name Lucy and I can think of two different characters with this name that I really like.  It comes with good vibes.  I think this would work for most female pets actually.

One of my favorite incarnations of Arthur. #who's got the coconuts)
10) Arthur from any and all Arthurian Legends

I love the Arthurian legends and Arthur is my favorite of the characters.  I think it would make a great name for a dog.  The only problem is how to shorten it?  Art is not acceptable.

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So do you have any pets or children you named after a literary character?  Do Tell!


Sunday, October 16, 2016

REVIEW | Tiger Eye by Marjorie Liu

Tiger Eye by Marjorie Liu
Publication Year: 205
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Dirk & Steele #1
Awards: None
Format: Paperback from Library
Narrator: NA

WHY?: It was recommended on Book Riot's podcast, Get Booked by (I think) none other than Sarah MacLean herself when she was a guest on the show.  The premise sounded pretty interesting and it is the start of a series. Catnip!

SYNOPSIS:  Dela is an artist on a business trip in China, when a street vendor practically forces her, under weird circumstances, to buy a riddle box.  When Dela gets the box back to her hotel room and starts examining it, a very large handsome man with multicolored hair appears out of it.  Dela is a little freaked by this but not perhaps as violently as you'd suspect as she herself has magic.  This man turns out to be Hari, a 3000 year old shape-shifter who was imprisoned in the box by an evil magician and who is cursed to serve who ever frees him from the box until that person's death.  Dela vehemently wants nothing to do with this and Hari is surly but when there is an attempt on her life and then the evil magician who cursed Hari shows up, the two agree to work together to figure out what is going on.

I really, really hate to admit I dislike a book recommended by the fabulous Sarah MacLean but this book was not my cup of tea at all.  In fact, I find myself in the weird position of wishing it wasn’t a romance novel.  The set up/premise is really cool and has all sorts of potential for cool adventures.  Unfortunately, because this is a romance novel, the first third of the book is spent covering ¾ of a day where very little happens except Hari and Dela meeting and getting to know each other.  And the getting to know each other?  They get way too cozy way too fast for my taste. They “meet” (Hari is released from a riddle box ala a genie and Dela has to wrap her head around that this kind of thing exists in the world) around lunch time and by the time they turn into bed that night they’ve had to flee a restaurant in shame because of their inappropriate erotic kisses and they are both contemplating whether they have found “the one”.  And these are supposed to be two characters that don’t trust other people very much.  Soooo, too fast.  If I had my druthers this would have been an urban fantasy/adventure novel with a b plot slow-burn romance.  The romance isn’t precisely insta-love or developed badly, I just wanted something different because of personal preferences.

At 3/4 through, the book had become a slog and I admit I didn't even quite finish it.  I got about 30 pages from the end and it was overdue at the library so I just chucked it at that point because I just really didn't care what happened. I may have skimmed through just to see how things wrapped up. Anyway, I honestly feel like this was a really interesting and exciting story idea that through clumsy execution and poor characters became...boring as hell.  So what didn't I like:

1 - The characters - ALL OF THEM - are insanely vanilla.  Even the four "bad boys" who are Dela's BFFs and protectors - we are supposed to believe they have tortured pasts like Hari and yet all of these men are kind, thoughtful, nurturing, loyal...you get the picture.  It's boring and unrealistic.  Hari and Dela are also insanely perfect, always knowing the right thing to say to each other and falling in love within 24 hours simply because there both just such darn nice people, how couldn't they.  There is zero spark, zero conflict, zero excitement.  I mean I feel bad complaining about guys that are respectful and sweet and in touch with their feminine side but you can give them complexity without making them raging misogynists.  They ALL had Hearts of Gold and it's just too much.

2- Nothing happens.  For a book whose plot outline promises non-stop action, this book disappoints big time.  All the characters are passive, just moving from point A to point B and sitting around until they are attacked.  At 3/4 of the way through, they are just doing the first (okay maybe second) proactive thing. Other then that it's just been a lot of sitting around, having a meal, chatting, ogling each other.  YAWN.

3 - Dela.  So I find that the romance heroines that work best for me, and this is 100% my quirk, are underdogs or ones who have suffered some kind of setback or challenge in life that has kept them from romance.  A character who evokes sympathy and makes you root for her to find some happiness and someone who adores her.  Dela does not pass this test for me at all.  Liu tries to make the case in the beginning that Dela is a "loner"  but it's not quite clear why besides her magic powers which didn't seem like much of a barrier. She's confident and friendly and generally good with people.  And as we find out she's adored and fussed over by a whole passel of men who are all very attractive and special.  We also finally meet a woman friend, who herself is an extremely talented musician who  Dela met at an art gallery.  No normal old childhood friends for Dela.  All her friends are special and delightful and allow her access to and get her the best seats at the most exclusive night clubs in San Francisco.  Dela's also fabulously wealthy and a world-renowned artist. And while Liu tells us that Dela doesn't trust easily, this doesn't play out in action - she and Hari are BFFs and kissing within like 3 hours of him being out of the box.   So..... not really feeling too much sympathy or engagement with the heroine.

4 - Though the copyright on this book is 2005, it reads like it was written in the 1980s.  It is seriously schmaltzy and cliched from the situations to the writing.

5- It's not funny.  It's not what I would call a particularly angsty book but it does take itself way too seriously for a paranormal romance.  What humor there is I found predictable and not funny.  No spicy witty banter to be seen for miles.  I have very specific romance tastes and one of them is that the book must have humor.

I could probably go on, pointing out the fact that the motive behind the assassination attempts on Dela is pretty far-fetched among other things but I think I've griped enough!  I feel bad trashing a book that has a very emotionally healthy central couple and relationship as that is a breath of fresh air and is to be commended but there were just too many misses for me to like this book.  The series, it appears, goes on to focus on those protective bad boy "big brothers" of Dela's and that killed any notion of me giving the series another shot.  I have no interest in reading further about any of them.

FINAL VERDICT:  This was a complete miss for me with a boring story that missed potential to super vanilla characters, topped off with a schmaltzy writing style.  2 out of 5 Stars.
Other Opinions are Available: Talk About My Favorite Authors | Gosssamer Obsessions*

* Gossamer Obsessions, though sadly no longer very active, is my favorite romance review site so I was relieved that she had many of the same problems as I did with this one (Yay! I'm not alone!) though her review is MUCH more entertaining.  However she mentions that she is a fan of Marjorie Liu and first encountered her through books 8 and 9 of the Dirk and Steele series which she thought were really excellent SO perhaps I will reconsider my not-reading-any-more-in-this-series-no-way-you-can't-make-me stance.