Sunday, October 26, 2008

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly


Rating: 4/5


Review: This was an interesting story about a boy who goes on an adventure to a dark and mysterious world. And it is very dark at times, let me tell you. There were a few disturbing moments in the book, but overall it was a good read. I suggest, however, that you not read it while in a down mood, because this story does not induce happiness. In fact, I'm really not sure what made the book so good for me, since it never really had a happy ending. I suppose it was the writing style, the interesting characters, and the determination and wit of an twelve-year-old boy. The book drew me in right away, and I still think about it. I do wonder what kind of childhood this author had, though. Hmmmmm...


Book Description: High in his attic bedroom, twelve-year-old David mournsthe death of his mother, with only the books on his shelf forcompany. But those books have begun to whisper to him in thedarkness. Angry and alone, he takes refuge in his imaginationand soon finds that reality and fantasy have begun to meld. Whilehis family falls apart around him, David is violently propelledinto a world that is a strange reflection of his own -- populatedby heroes and monsters and ruled by a faded king who keeps hissecrets in a mysterious book, The Book of Lost Things.
Taking readers on a vivid journey through the lossof innocence into adulthood and beyond, New York Timesbestselling author John Connolly tells a dark and compelling talethat reminds us of the enduring power of stories in our lives.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson



Rating: 5/5

Review: This was a wonderful surprise of a romance. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did, and I thought the premise was going to be silly. It turned out to be a wonderfully sweet romance, and a great story that has a great ending. A woman who has been in the shadow of her mother all of her life, runs into her imaginary friend from her childhood, and they fall in love. Sound hokie to you? Well, it turns out to be quite good, trust me. It's about enduring love, believing in miracles, believeing in yourself, and opening yourself up to possiblities.

Book Description: As a little girl, Jane has no one. Her mother Vivienne Margaux, the powerful head of a major New York theater company has no time for her. But she does have one friend--Michael--and no one can see him but her. But Michael can't stay with Jane forever, and on her eighth birthday, her imaginary friend must leave her. When Jane is in her thirties, working for her mother's company, she is just as alone as she was as a child. Her boyfriend hardly knows she's there and is more interested in what Vivienne can do for his career. Her mother practically treats her as a slave in the office, despite the great success of Jane's first play, "Thank Heaven." Then she finds Michael--handsome, and just the same as she remembers him, only now he's not imaginary. For once in her life, Jane is happy--and has someone who loves her back. But not even Michael knows the reason behind why they've really been reunited.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

The Devil You Know by Mike Carey



Rating: 3.5/5

Review: This was interesting, suspensful, and had a good ending. So, why the heck did I have such a hard time trying to finish the book? I'm not quite sure. The main character, Felix, wasn't exactly boring. Perhaps it was just the writing style. I found myself caring about the characters, but too bored to find out what happened next. Of course, I was curious enough to keep returning to the book, but there was never an intense need to get right back to it. I'll only reccomend this one to the die hard paranormal fans who really love a good ghost story and the occasional succubus out for some male libido.

Book Description: Felix Castor used to cast out demons for a living. But in a time when the supernatural realm is in upheaval, his skills are in renewed demand. The one final, well-paying assignment he accepts, however, is rapidly turning into a "who can kill Castor first" competition, with demons, were-beings, and ghosts all keen to claim the big prize.