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diannamorganti's reviews
439 reviews
Dearly Devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
4.0
I really enjoyed it, and it certainly lived up to the first book. The TV show really jumped the shark early on (late season 1 - early season 2) when it deviated from the books. The second book finds a lot more character development with Dexter, some roaring hilarity, suspense, and some great plot lines. The tie-up with Sergeant Doakes at the end really has me looking forward to book 3! I finally gave up on the TV show altogether mid-season 2 because of his storyline(s).
The Three Coffins by John Dickson Carr
5.0
I picked The Three Coffins (aka Hollow Man) up when, after I started reading the Poirot mysteries, Adam mentioned the term "Locked Room Mysteries". Having not read many classic mysteries before, I was ignorant of the genre. So, what does any internet-savvy person do when they want a superficial introduction to a subject, of course I Wikipedia-ed it (you can burn me later). Anyway, this book was listed as the epitome of the locked-room mystery.
This book is actually a fantastic way to get acquainted with locked-room mysteries, because the main character (the grumbling mumbling Dr. Fell whose employ is unknown) considers himself an expert on literature in general, and the concept "the locked-room mystery" in specific, and goes on a chapters-long diatribe about its conventions in literature and their applications to the mystery at hand. He figures to solve the crime by treating it as if it were a piece of literature. This diatribe, I believe, is what got the book voted as best.
This was such a fun book. I had to read slowly and re-read sections - I wanted to savor the character descriptions and plot twists. In such a celebrated mystery, I knew I'd want to analyze and try to figure it out myself rather than simply reading through it for plot and letting the characters sort out the mystery.
If I hadn't in recent months declared I'd stop starting new series (gees, I hardly have time for non-series reading anymore), I'd go through these from number 1 on up. If you're looking for a great classic mystery series, this one is great. Dr. Fell is just as lovable as Inspector Poirot.
This book is actually a fantastic way to get acquainted with locked-room mysteries, because the main character (the grumbling mumbling Dr. Fell whose employ is unknown) considers himself an expert on literature in general, and the concept "the locked-room mystery" in specific, and goes on a chapters-long diatribe about its conventions in literature and their applications to the mystery at hand. He figures to solve the crime by treating it as if it were a piece of literature. This diatribe, I believe, is what got the book voted as best.
This was such a fun book. I had to read slowly and re-read sections - I wanted to savor the character descriptions and plot twists. In such a celebrated mystery, I knew I'd want to analyze and try to figure it out myself rather than simply reading through it for plot and letting the characters sort out the mystery.
If I hadn't in recent months declared I'd stop starting new series (gees, I hardly have time for non-series reading anymore), I'd go through these from number 1 on up. If you're looking for a great classic mystery series, this one is great. Dr. Fell is just as lovable as Inspector Poirot.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
4.0
Having read Fahrenheit 451 via audiobook during exercise and bus rides, I definitely need to sit down and read the end again. It was a perfect audiobook for a while, because the plot is slow and contemplative for a long time. But the last 30-45 minutes went by in such a blur, I found myself rewinding a lot until I finally decided I need to grab the book off the shelf and read the end - perhaps the whole thing again.
I enjoyed the slow, contemplative pace of most of the book not only because it lent itself to audio, but also because it was appropriate to stop every 45 minutes or so and think about it for a few days. I usually enjoy very long books for that same reason.
I also savored the fact that I did most of my "reading" at the medical center walking park, which is adjacent to a firehouse. I wonder if the firemen there have read it? Does it offend their sense of self? I have a friend who's quite the philosophical fireman, perhaps I'll pose this question to him.
In the mean time, I'm a bit confused about the ending: who led the bomb attack against the city? I understand the phoenix reference, but who gave the orders, who flew the planes? When the group of men discussed the war that would begin and end in an instant, I didn't think it was literal. Dream and reality seemed very mixed near the end, but that was not a dreamed bombing. I guess I know what I'm reading on my lunch break today - move over Eve Dallas, Guy Montag and I have a few things to clear up.
I did not at all get the impression that the message was about censorship in the least, which is what I thought before I started reading it. It's definitely rather about the degradation and homogenization of society by mass media. I hope that when we do the Big Read on it next year that we run with that theme. I think it's something that many families want to hear, and it's something that really promotes the library.
I enjoyed the slow, contemplative pace of most of the book not only because it lent itself to audio, but also because it was appropriate to stop every 45 minutes or so and think about it for a few days. I usually enjoy very long books for that same reason.
I also savored the fact that I did most of my "reading" at the medical center walking park, which is adjacent to a firehouse. I wonder if the firemen there have read it? Does it offend their sense of self? I have a friend who's quite the philosophical fireman, perhaps I'll pose this question to him.
In the mean time, I'm a bit confused about the ending: who led the bomb attack against the city? I understand the phoenix reference, but who gave the orders, who flew the planes? When the group of men discussed the war that would begin and end in an instant, I didn't think it was literal. Dream and reality seemed very mixed near the end, but that was not a dreamed bombing. I guess I know what I'm reading on my lunch break today - move over Eve Dallas, Guy Montag and I have a few things to clear up.
I did not at all get the impression that the message was about censorship in the least, which is what I thought before I started reading it. It's definitely rather about the degradation and homogenization of society by mass media. I hope that when we do the Big Read on it next year that we run with that theme. I think it's something that many families want to hear, and it's something that really promotes the library.
Bump in the Night by Ruth Ryan Langan, Mary Blayney, J.D. Robb
3.0
Around book 22 the series started getting better. Obviously, since I've stuck in there, it didn't get too bad, but it definitely started getting better. This is a good short. Murderer posing as a vampire, and the suspicion of Eve's friends and colleagues are what keeps her alive in the end.
The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
4.0
I really enjoyed the mood of the book; it's got a very realistic feel despite the perhaps-mystical plot. You never feel as if you're in a different world or anything. The plot is like Chuck Palahniuk meets Audrey Niffenegger. The syntax jumps fluidly between characters, and the author did something good ol' C.P. just couldn't do for me: made me really like a failed porn star.
Assuming you're a very logic-based and skeptical human like I am, have you ever listened to someone talk about something very non-logical and inwardly dismissed them, but a bit more inwardly wondered about the possibility? If so, this book is totally for you.
If you're a mystical "I'm exploring my past lives" person, perhaps this book will help you deal with how the world sees you... i.e. schizo. (Sorry, it's probably true though).
The main thing that kept me from giving 5 stars is that it's just plain too short. I would have preferred some more time between the last January and April in the book. The big event near the end, while purposefully abrupt, could have used some more buildup, imo. Much writing was spent on the time during manic episodes, but I would have liked more during the times between.
Still, 2 unburnt thumbs up.
I also enjoyed the book, because it let me revisit one of the favorite jobs I've ever had from a different perspective: working in a burn unit.
Assuming you're a very logic-based and skeptical human like I am, have you ever listened to someone talk about something very non-logical and inwardly dismissed them, but a bit more inwardly wondered about the possibility? If so, this book is totally for you.
If you're a mystical "I'm exploring my past lives" person, perhaps this book will help you deal with how the world sees you... i.e. schizo. (Sorry, it's probably true though).
The main thing that kept me from giving 5 stars is that it's just plain too short. I would have preferred some more time between the last January and April in the book. The big event near the end, while purposefully abrupt, could have used some more buildup, imo. Much writing was spent on the time during manic episodes, but I would have liked more during the times between.
Still, 2 unburnt thumbs up.
I also enjoyed the book, because it let me revisit one of the favorite jobs I've ever had from a different perspective: working in a burn unit.
Wraith by Phaedra Weldon
3.0
Okay, take the paranormal mystery/romance formula:
(1.) Quirky, likable 20-something girl who sees herself as just average with unique abilities (astral travel in this case)
(2.) Something strange piques her curiosity, and against logic and advice decides to go digging on her own (in this case, I quote "oogy" feeling about a building)
(3.) when she gets in over her head (witnesses a murder in said "oogy" building), her friends/family come in and help "as long as she stays put"
(4.) repeat 2 and 3 ad nauseum until mystery is almost unraveled
(5.) (anytime during number 4) Enter handsome man who knows nothing of the supernatural, inciting the libido of heroine (In this case, cop who is investigating murder, and get this, his partner just got shot... oh goodness...)
(6.) (also anytime during number 4) Enter supernatural man who may or may not be evil, also inciting same libido (there's a couple of these, one of which she indulges with)
(7.) mix up 5 and 6
(8.) Big event endangering everyone (including normal handsome man) where the maybe-evil supernatural man saves heroine
(9.) Repeat 3
(10.) Heroine begins asking herself if she's becoming evil because of what she did (both sexual and supernatural) with said supernatural man prior to and during the big event.
(Ending) Cliffhanger, but no one important dies of course. This is a "cozy" paranormal mystery/romance
This book follows the formula to a 'T'. It reads like it was written by that quirky girl you know with a fun imagination, but terrible vocabulary, grammar, and spelling.
Think: "If I'd of had a weapon..." and "I wonder who Jack is and why his mom married a dude with the last name Shit...". Every page has 2-3 of these type of eye-rolling sentences.
Ugh. Alright, I'll admit, the parts that made it a bad book (of the 'jack shit' kind, not grammar mistakes) also made it fun to read. I enjoyed it, and despite my better judgment, I plan to read the rest of the series. It's only one short novella and one more book, so it's not a huge waste of time (unlike the stupid 31-part IN DEATH series - Damn you JD Robb!!!).
(1.) Quirky, likable 20-something girl who sees herself as just average with unique abilities (astral travel in this case)
(2.) Something strange piques her curiosity, and against logic and advice decides to go digging on her own (in this case, I quote "oogy" feeling about a building)
(3.) when she gets in over her head (witnesses a murder in said "oogy" building), her friends/family come in and help "as long as she stays put"
(4.) repeat 2 and 3 ad nauseum until mystery is almost unraveled
(5.) (anytime during number 4) Enter handsome man who knows nothing of the supernatural, inciting the libido of heroine (In this case, cop who is investigating murder, and get this, his partner just got shot... oh goodness...)
(6.) (also anytime during number 4) Enter supernatural man who may or may not be evil, also inciting same libido (there's a couple of these, one of which she indulges with)
(7.) mix up 5 and 6
(8.) Big event endangering everyone (including normal handsome man) where the maybe-evil supernatural man saves heroine
(9.) Repeat 3
(10.) Heroine begins asking herself if she's becoming evil because of what she did (both sexual and supernatural) with said supernatural man prior to and during the big event.
(Ending) Cliffhanger, but no one important dies of course. This is a "cozy" paranormal mystery/romance
This book follows the formula to a 'T'. It reads like it was written by that quirky girl you know with a fun imagination, but terrible vocabulary, grammar, and spelling.
Think: "If I'd of had a weapon..." and "I wonder who Jack is and why his mom married a dude with the last name Shit...". Every page has 2-3 of these type of eye-rolling sentences.
Ugh. Alright, I'll admit, the parts that made it a bad book (of the 'jack shit' kind, not grammar mistakes) also made it fun to read. I enjoyed it, and despite my better judgment, I plan to read the rest of the series. It's only one short novella and one more book, so it's not a huge waste of time (unlike the stupid 31-part IN DEATH series - Damn you JD Robb!!!).
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
3.0
Typically I can't stand teen books. The angst... OH the angst. Luckily this is a mostly angst-free book. The heroine is either too mature for it or perhaps she's too young.
For the most part it follows the supernatural romance formula, but it's only 2/3 of a book. She ends the book in the middle of the action, which is just a gimmick to get you excited about the second one. I'm not keen on gimmicks, but I really like her adult series, and I'm just curious enough about whether they'll tie-in that I'll probably pick up the second one next year.
For the most part it follows the supernatural romance formula, but it's only 2/3 of a book. She ends the book in the middle of the action, which is just a gimmick to get you excited about the second one. I'm not keen on gimmicks, but I really like her adult series, and I'm just curious enough about whether they'll tie-in that I'll probably pick up the second one next year.
Perdido Street Station by China Miéville
2.0
I'm sorry, I just couldn't get into it. I gave it a long time, but there's just not much going on. I'm not all that curious about the hallucinogenic worm or the mish-mashed crime boss, and those have been the only hints at plot so far. I read beyond the half-way point.
I agree that it's a neat way to write science fiction. The whole idea of science fiction is that you invent new things, worlds, etc. Mieville does a good job of not using any of our conventional ideas of sci-fi, but rather than being a story, the book is just (lengthy) description about this world. I've heard that the sequel is better, so I may pick that up at some point. But, I've gotta let go of this one.
I agree that it's a neat way to write science fiction. The whole idea of science fiction is that you invent new things, worlds, etc. Mieville does a good job of not using any of our conventional ideas of sci-fi, but rather than being a story, the book is just (lengthy) description about this world. I've heard that the sequel is better, so I may pick that up at some point. But, I've gotta let go of this one.