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Surrounded by Books
I read historical fiction, mystery, foodie memoir, and well-crafted YA (sometimes other genres).
The Magicians: A Novel
Quentin is what would happen if Holden Caulfield went to Hogwarts. Quentin is surrounded by magic and fantastic opportunities, in all senses of the word.And yet, he spends much of the book complaining and howling about how miserable he is, and lashing out at his friends to make himself more miserable. In a world where he gets to go to a magical college, and then have the fantasy land adventure that he's been dreaming of and hoping for all his life. He gets everything he wanted. And he is a jerk about this, and squanders the opportunities.I lost patience with Quentin early on, and it's just lucky I was assigned to read the book. Because, as my instructor says, the last third or so is somewhat better than Quentin just moping around.
Pink
I really liked this. Was assigned to read it for the class discussion about GLBTQ literature in my YA genre class.What I liked best is that it's a book about a teenager who's a lesbian, and she's already come out. Now she has to navigate all kinds of universal teenage stuff about image and cliques...I was impressed, also, that the book resisted pigeonholing roles for its characters.
Tighter
A shivery and spooky ghost story. I have my doubts about the ending, but I enjoyed the ride. And finished it in practically one sitting.
Sunshine
I've read this so many times. A combination of fantasy, adventure and food writing. With bonus vampires, and really interesting urban magic.
Bumped
On the one hand, dystopian settings kind of freak me out. On the other hand, once I got into this, I zoomed along reading and I'm peeved that it ends all unresolved and waiting on a sequel!
Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin Trilogy Series #1)
The fact that I'm assigned to read this for class makes me feel like I'm getting away with something. It was so good! Historical fiction with pre-Christian gods in Brittany, dealing with France wanting to take over Brittany. An assassin serving those elder gods, now called saints to fit in with the Christian dictates.If I didn't know this was historical fiction, with real place names like Nantes, I'd have shelved it under fantasy. There's a supernatural/magic element going on with Ismae, the assassin. Which absolutely worked for me.
An Irish Country Courtship
I love this series. They're ideal audiobooks, because I love the Irish accent of the reader, and the way he does voices for a very character-driven novel setting.I don't know why I find novels about retro small town doctors so lovely as ways to fall asleep. I loathe hospitals and am squeamish about all things medical. But, make it a doctor who practiced in a small town before I was born, with an accent from somewhere in the British isles, and I will cuddle right up with that story in my ears.This, from a girl too squeamish to watch "Scrubs."I mystify myself.
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The Name of the Star (Shades of London Series #1)
Oh I loved it!Set in a British boarding school, with a spooky touch of Jack the Ripper... Really interesting to see how the threat of a Ripper style killer would play out in the YouTube and laptop age.The supernatural elements took a while to grow on me, but once I bought in, I was in.Can I have a sequel? Please?
Another Piece of My Heart
I'm really not a fan of chick lit as a genre, but this had enough emotional complexity that the fantasy wasn't easy, without feeling like the drama was too contrived.
The Iron King (Iron Fey Series #1)
Urban fantasy with faery folklore and a reasonably kickass heroine. Of course I enjoyed it. Off to track down the sequels!
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No Cheating, No Dying: I Had a Good Marriage. Then I Tried to Make It Better.
Reviewing for the Star-Ledger.
The Grimm Legacy
Set in a library in New York, with magic elements based on fairy tales. YA with a strong ensemble cast. (One of whom is named Elizabeth and doesn't have a sense of direction...) There are so very many reasons I loved this book. LOVED it!Got it out of the library, want to own it. So I can reread it and lend it to people.
Science Fair Season: Twelve Kids, a Robot Named Scorch... and What It Takes to Win
Accessible narrative journalism, with a great cast of characters- earnest, oddball, really brilliant teens. Here's my review
