The Evolution of Mara Dyer

I was so ecstatic to learn that the sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was out that I set aside a great book I was reading in order to devour it. As I began reading I realized how much of the first book I had forgotten, but still I pressed on. I wasn't crazy about the flashbacks to her grandmother in India with whom she appeared to have an inexplicable link, but the writing wasn't bad and the flashbacks were sparse. I found myself a tad annoyed with Mara in this book (it was how insistent she was that she was sane when the craziest things were happening) and yet I continued. And the further along I got in the book, the more difficult it was to put down. The novel took a turn that I certainly didn't see coming and it was gripping, though I had a hard time buying it, which soured my feelings on this sequel. I still want to read the next book, likely as soon as I can get my hands on it, as I like the characters and I enjoy Hodkin's writing, and know she can deliver a book that gets you to keep turning pages. Though I've lowered my expectations after this book, I'm hoping the next installment will not disappoint.

Flight Behavior

I'm a huge fan of Barbara Kingsolver's work and was psyched to learn she had a new novel coming out, Flight Behavior. Yet, I waited (im)patiently for the novel to be available at the library. I began reading it with the anticipation of a book you've waited too long for and found immediate satisfaction, which only lasted the first chapter or so. I began to get bored with the novel; it wasn't really grabbing me, and had I not waited three months for it, I would have abandoned it. Instead I pressed on and was glad I did. Once I hit page 100 or so I was into it again. The novel is about a small town that experiences a miraculous occurrence, one that is a direct result of climate change. Though I do love when authors tackle social or environmental issues in their work, had it not been for Dellarobia's storyline, I wouldn't have enjoyed it much. Dellarobia is a young woman who has two young children and a marriage that came too soon. She is the person who stumbles upon the 'miracle' and the events that follow change her. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and think fans of Kingsolver won't be disappointed.

Jane Eyre

I drive a lot for work, sometimes logging as much as eight solid hours a (work) week in my car. I have written on my other blog about how questionable my driving can be when I am jamming to music I love, so I decided to seek out a book on CD for my listening pleasure on those frequent out of town trips. I was scanning titles at the library and came across Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, a book I absolutely loved and have wanted to reread for ages, but never actually have. I figured it was the perfect way to "reread" it.

And I wasn't wrong. It was delightful to listen to the British actress read the novel and I was captivated much more than I think I may have been if I had picked up the book. I know how my mood can interfere with my enjoyment of even the most wonderful book, which of course Jane Eyre is. If you think about the historical and social context in which the book was written, you realize what a radical book it must have seemed. It is the story of Jane, a young woman who strives for more than she is told she can or will get in life. Her passion and drive are inspiring and I couldn't help but love this character. It's not exactly a page-turner as the nineteenth century pacing is so different than what we're used to today, but I still found myself loving it enough to look forward to uninterrupted time in the car. It made several arduous trips bearable as I was grateful to have Jane as a companion, narrating her story to me. I had remembered little about the book besides that I loved it and I must say my love for it grew with this second 'reading.'

Love In Infant Monkeys

A couple of months ago I responded to a flyer of someone new to town looking to start a book club. I suppose officially I joined, but have yet to make it to a meeting and still haven't met anyone in it. I am hoping to remedy this situation this month as we discuss the first book selection I've actually finished--Lydia Millet's Love in Infant Monkeys. Millet's writing is simple, yet flawless and her collection of short stories all revolve around famous people and animals. The stories are inspired by actual events, yet are all works of fiction. The collection is slim and the stories are quick but interesting reads exploring the relationship between man and animal.  My favorites were the title story and "The Lady and the Dragon." There were none that I did not like, though I wanted to like "Tesla and Wife" more than I actually did. Nothing in the collection blew me away and yet I found it a fast, enjoyable read.

Sick Puppy

I have enjoyed everything I've read by Carl Hiaasen, though it's all been his kids books. I knew he was first and foremost a novelist for adults so I wanted to read some of his adult novels. I started buying them when I'd find them used and Alan gobbled them up. He kept telling me I should read some of them as he really enjoyed them and thought I would too. So I eventually picked up Sick Puppy. I enjoyed it but put it down as I felt it got to be a bit much after a while. I wasn't connecting with any of the characters and my lack of empathy for pretty much everyone involved made me need a break from it. But after finishing Fifty Shades Darker I did finish it. It's a funny book and quite entertaining, but if you are looking for rich character development (as I always am) you'll need to look elsewhere. Hiaasen has many virtues as a writer but the ability to create layered characters that the reader ends up feeling for is not one of them. That said, I think that Hiaasen's books have a strong dose of testosterone in them and that they'd largely appeal more to a male audience. It may be a while before I read another of his books, but I'm sure I will again at some point as he is good at providing entertainment.

Fifty Shades Darker

My mom gave me the entire Fifty Shades trilogy for Christmas. I held off for a while before diving into the second installment, Fifty Shades Darker. Then I got hungry for an easy read that I could get lost inside. And lose myself I did, the series' popularity is likely in part due to the way the books provide such a nice escape from one's life. Well written? Definitely not. Gripping and addictive? Completely. If it wasn't for the fact a hold for a book I've been waiting months for was available for pick up, I would've read the next book.

It's funny how fast I read this book when I've been averaging no more than 20 pages a day lately. I was reading no less than 50 a day (sometimes as much as 100) with this book. It's nice to be overtaken by a book like that, pushing aside everything to find out what will happen. I'm looking forward to getting through my 'to read' pile and getting back to the last installment of this guilty pleasure reading.

The Measure of a Man

I bought a copy of Sidney Poitier's The Measure of a Man: a spiritual autobiography at a used book sale. Though I admired Poitier's work in A Raisin in the Sun and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner- to be honest, it was the Oprah Book Club sticker that got me to pick it up.

I used to be an Oprah Book Club snob, as in I wouldn't read anything with the sticker because it seemed too --?-- (I don't even remember anymore what I had against them.) But time (and prodding by Alan) got me to actually try reading some of the book club books and in doing so, realized that with very few exceptions, they are all gripping and well written, so now the sticker prods me to pick up books I might otherwise pass by. I'm thankful for this new policy as I'm happy I read Poitier's book. It's part autobiography, part his philosophy on life. Poitier's life is fascinating and the book is insightful. It's a short book and easy to get through, yet a worthwhile read.