Review: Hook's Tale

Note: Top Shelf Text received a copy of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!

Here's one thing I love about being a teacher: the constant sense of nostalgia. When I see a student come in with Nancy Drew in hand for the first time, or can chat with another about our shared love for Disney princesses (and for Belle in particular), it makes my heart happy. Childhood is a precious season of life, and my theory is that when we can return to that season through books, we experience a state of contentment. When the team at Scribner books sent me this title, I just knew that it would be a return to a world that I loved as a young reader. I am so excited to share it with you all today because this story had me completely charmed.

Hook's Tale is a new take on an old villain -- a redemption story, if you will, and written for the adults who wish they could go back to experience the world of Neverland all over again. It's written from the first-person perspective of Captain Hook himself, who left behind an extensive diary detailing the real story behind the events that were terribly skewed by the writer whom Hook refers to only as "that Scotsman." In it, we meet Hook as a young boy -- back then, he went by his given name, James Cook, and learn about the sorry circumstances of his teenage years. 

Appearances are made by some of the major players in Peter Pan, including Tiger Lily, Peter, Wendy, and (my favorite character), Smee. I absolutely loved how Pielmeier (the "editor" of Hook's diaries), took these beloved characters and this world and turned them completely upside down. A lot of what made this reading experience fun was seeing the characters and scenes pop up in unexpected ways, and even though there was a great deal of sorrow in Hook's life, this was one of those books that I hugged (yes, literally) after finishing. If you're a fan of the original, you might want to add this to your list. (And just a warning, for those who might want to pass it along to younger readers. This is most certainly a tale for adults. Not recommended for anyone under the YA age bracket, despite it's nostalgic tendencies.)

Bottom-Line Rating: 5/5

Title: Hook's Tale: Being the Account of an Unjustly Villainized Pirate Written by Himself

Author: John Leonard Pielmeier

Publisher: Scribner Books, 2017

Price: $17 on Amazon

ISBN: 1501161059

Format: Hardcover

Source: Scribner Books

Review: The Enemies of Versailles

image via Goodreads

If you know me in real life, you may have recently heard me raving about this historical fiction trilogy, of which the final installment was released just yesterday. The Enemies of Versailles continues the story of King Louis XV's reign through the lens of his last mistress. With this last look at the many women behind his throne, Sally Christie once again completely captivated me and had me dreaming of life at Versailles. If you're interested in starting from the beginning (I highly recommend it -- every detail is worth reading), you can find my review of the first here and the second here. 

This series is one of those that managed to transport me -- while reading, there was little to distract me from the delicious details, incredible scandal, and suspense of the court of King Louis XV. In this third installment, Christie examines the last period of Louis XV's reign from the perspective of his final mistress, a woman named Jeanne Bécu. Jeanne eventually becomes the Comtesse du Barry, but her origins are far from noble. Early on in life, Jeanne was recruited to be a prostitute for wealthy men. Jeanne's charm and flirtatious manner win her the attention of friends to the king, and eventually she finds herself with an apartment in Versailles and the object of the king's adoration. 

There was a pretty stark difference between the Comtesse du Barry and the woman that came before her, the intimidating and powerful Marquise de Pompadour. (For more details on her, read the second book.) Jeanne was far more frivolous in nature, and therefore not as interested in controlling the throne, but she did have a significant adversary in the king's eldest daughter. The novel switches back and forth between the perspective of the mistress and the daughter, and that is what made it so interesting. The stark contrast between the pious, spinster daughter and the bold, flirtatious mistress highlighted the dissonance of Versailles -- a court that tried desperately to uphold tradition but was known for its outrageous parties and rampant infidelity. I also loved that this novel gave the reader a different perspective on the reign of Marie Antoinette and the decline of the nobility due to the revolution. 

Christie manages to make this reading experience one that's both entirely educational -- the scope of her research is clear -- and marked by heart-pounding scenes of suspense and scandal. I adore this series and predict that any historical fiction lover would not be able to resist this story after reading the first few pages.

Bottom-Line Rating: 5/5

Title: The Enemies of Versailles (The Mistresses of Versailles #3)

Author: Sally Christie

Publisher: Atria, 2017

Price: $16.00 (Paperback)

ISBN: 1501103024

Format: E-book

Source: Net Galley

Note: Top Shelf Text was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!

Review: Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader

{on Goodreads}

You know that feeling of wanting to read a quick, relatively cheerful, and enthralling book? I tend to feel that at the end of each November, after I've spent two to three months knee-deep in gothic literature. I love fall reading, but when December arrives I'm always in need of a breath of fresh air. Enter my new bookclub! Anne Bogel, our fearless (bookish) leader, chose Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader for our December book and it was the perfect antidote to all my fall reading.

I flew through this slim collection of essays in just a day or so and reveled in the bookish-ness of it. Like myself (and you, dear reader), Anne Fadiman has been a bookworm for her entire life. Unlike me, Anne reads the heavy stuff. She speaks of Chaucer and Dickens with ease and has such an intense love for the English language that reading her prose made me feel smarter by proxy. I love her enthusiasm for all things literature, and I remarked recently that her tone reminded me of a grown-up Anne Shirley (if you know Anne of Green Gables, then you know that's high praise).

Fadiman's essays range from thoughts on marrying her library with her husbands (a huge milestone), to her family's background in being grammar snobs, to her thoughts on "You-Are-There Reading," plagiarism, and the inheriting of libraries. I can't help but think this book would make a perfect stocking-stuffer for the bookworm in your life. It's one that I'll certainly return to throughout my reading life.

Bottom Line Rating: 5/5

Title: Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader

Author: Anne Fadiman

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1998

Price: $8 on Amazon

ISBN: 0374527229

Format: Paperback

Source: Amazon

Review: The Empress of Bright Moon

{on Goodreads}

It's safe to say that historical fiction is my favorite genre. I love getting lost in other times and places, and I love the knowledge that I ultimately gain from immersing myself in different time periods. Right now, my fourth graders are working on writing their own historical fiction stories, and going through that writing process with them has helped me to appreciate the enormous task of crafting a well-written historical fiction novel. The Empress of Bright Moon is one of those novels that I've told my students about during this process because while reading it, I was fully immersed and caught up in every moment/emotion. I mentioned before that I generally lean towards European stories, but I've found myself increasingly interested in historical fiction set in Asia, so I jumped at the chance to read The Empress of Bright Moon. 

The story follows Mei, a former talent (aka concubine) to an elderly emperor, after she is exiled from the palace when her lover, the son of the emperor, comes into power. She is transported to a buddhist monastery, where she is expected to live the rest of her days in quiet contemplation. Mei defies her exile, however, when she hears that Pheasant (her lover and the now emperor) is visiting a nearby monastery. There, they are reunited, and he brings her back to the palace. Throughout the years of his rule, Mei has to navigate the dangers of court. Not only does Pheasant's regent uncle constantly undermine his power, he has teamed up with Pheasant's wife, who wants nothing more than for Mei to disappear. The story is based upon true events, and Mei eventually goes on to become the only empress of China. 

Here's what I loved about this book: sometimes in historical fiction, knowing the actual history can ruin the book. In this case, knowing that Mei becomes empress did nothing to mitigate the tension that I felt while reading. There were times when things seemed to be going so well for her, but during those parts I had the uneasy feeling that it was all too good to be true. And most of the time, it was. The story contains love, incredible heartbreak, and the kinds of intrigue and backstabbing that only comes with being royalty. Mei herself was a great character: she was headstrong, clever, fiercely loyal, protective, and, like many of the women in history that I admire, an excellent ruler. 

I will mention that I read this without having any idea that it was the second in a duology. This novel is actually the sequel to The Moon in the Palace, which I hadn't read before, but I absolutely think it can be read on its own. I did enjoy it quite a bit, so I have put the first in the duology on my to-read list. If you're interested in rich historical fiction, I'd definitely recommend giving this a try when it's released on April 1st. There's still time to get the pre-order price on Amazon!

Bottom Line Rating: 4/5

Title: The Empress of Bright Moon (Empress of Bright Moon #2)

Author: Weina Dai Randel

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark, 2016
Expected Publication Date: April 1, 2016

Price: $15.99 (post-release price)

ISBN: 1492613592

Format: e-book

Source: Net Galley

Note: Top Shelf Text was provided with a copy of this text by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!

Review: My Life on the Road

{Find it on Goodreads}

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had joined a few online book clubs and I'm loving how they've encouraged me to stretch my reading in different directions. Lately I've been sticking to only a few genres and have been working my way through this favorite mystery series, so when Emma Watson's book club elected to read My Life on the Road, I knew it would be out of my comfort zone for a number of reasons. First, I've read very few memoirs, as usually when I venture into non-fiction I tend to pick historical books or biographies of ancient historical figures, so a contemporary memoir was a new field for me. Second, I didn't really know who Gloria Steinem was; I recognized her name but wouldn't have been able to tell you a single thing about her before reading the book. I felt that this made me a great candidate for judging her book, because through my reading experience she was speaking to a first-time audience member. 

Though my pace was slower and I wasn't enthralled in the same way that I am when reading fiction, I came away really liking this book. In it, she talks about everything from her childhood to her experiences attending sacred (and secret) Native American ceremonies, to standing by a friend's side as she battled cancer. I found it to be a really full account of a life -- everything from her biggest, career-making moments to the smaller, meaningful moments that happen in the everyday. In this book, I found another great female role model. Steinem tended to tackle feminist causes in places where female voices were barely whispers, planting confidence and passion where it could grow into movements and long-lasting change. Though I am moving into a professional field dominated by women, her movements made me think a lot about the power of a group of people who believe in making change for the benefit of everyone, even those who fight against it. 

By far, my favorite section of the book was Steinem's forays into Native American culture. I found her peek into their lives truly fascinating and came away from the book wanting to know more about how the culture is fighting to stay alive in modern times. I'm still searching for a book to help me learn more, so recommendations are welcome! 

In the end, I was so glad that I read this book. I felt uplifted by Steinem's words and admired her character. I'd recommend this for any book club who is looking for a non-fiction pick, to women of any age, and to any reader looking to learn more about what it means to be feminist. 

Bottom Line Rating: 4/5

Title: My Life on the Road

Author: Gloria Steinem

Publisher: Random House, 2015

Price: $16 on Amazon

ISBN: 0679456201

Format: Hardcover

Source: Public Library

Review: The Kingdom of Little Wounds

{Click here to view it on Goodreads}

While reading this book, I thought to myself that it was going to be rather difficult to describe it to my readers in a simple but effective way. When I finished reading the story (which had me in total thrall, by the way), I read through the author's comments at the end. In her comments, Cokal described her own story as "a fairytale about syphilis." And I think that's a pretty fair description. But let me also say this: The Kingdom of Little Wounds may just be the best book I've read this year, and I almost didn't even read it. I took it off the shelf in the library on whim, because of the first sentence:

"It is while I stitch together the Queen's gown, on the night her eldest daughter is to die, that I first sense an easy power."

That sentence got me, but despite my interest, I let this book sit on my shelf and almost returned it without reading it. I let it sit there because I'm not typically a fan of Young Adult fiction, but I am into fairytales, so I picked it up again one night and fell head-over-heels into this strange and dark fairytale. It's the story of three women who live in the Scandinavian city of Skyyggehavn: Ava, a needlewoman on the Queen's staff, Midi, a dark-skinned maid from a foreign land, and Queen Isabel. The tale is so complicated that it's hard to explain, but there are twists and turns, secrets, spies, poisons, and the supernatural. It's set in a time when power was negotiated through spymasters and the futures of kingdoms rested in the cribs of infantile princes and princesses. This particular royal family is one of the most unique that I've encountered; I loved the way that Cokal filled the roles of the King and Queen with these characters that are so incredibly flawed but are worshipped by a society in which their subjects care more about their bloodlines than their leadership. Ironically enough, it was their bloodline that became the fatal flaw of the family, and as the three women narrate their perspectives, they must each strive to survive the terrible power struggle that takes place in the castle that they call home.

This book is full of intrigue, of shame and dark secrets and of manipulation. It's a fantastic creation and a nod to the grim and violent tradition of classic fairytales. (Did I mention it all starts with the prick of a needle? -- I loved that detail.) I felt so many emotions while reading this book: indignation at the things these women had to endure, disgust for the social norms (and hygiene), pity for many, hatred for a choice few, and just plain old bafflement and admiration for these extremely well-made characters. I loved everything about it: the adoration for the royal family, the lurking villains behind the mask of the seemingly innocent, the reverence for and fear of the heavens, and the crippling superstitions and customs.

I couldn't find a single thing to criticize about the story itself, but I will say this: I have no idea who decided to market this book to a YA audience, but that was a very poorly made decision. This book is way beyond anything I would recommend to a typical YA audience (which starts at age 13). This is not for readers under the age of 16 (or maybe even older, in my opinion) because it deals with all sorts of violent, graphic, and revolting matters that I would not put in the hands of young teens. It's just too inappropriate.

I do have one last thing to say, and I think it's important because it has to do with the nature of loving a book. I think we get caught up in reading books that teach us something: strategies for being an effective human, manuals for raising the perfect child, memoirs of those who have gone out into the world and done great things. We get caught up in reading things that make us better people, but sometimes it's okay to read a book simply because you love it. Sometimes I get caught up in trying to pick books that I think you (my readers) will find interesting too, so when it comes to stories like this, I hesitate, because I wonder how many others will feel the same way. I love books about magic and princesses and gothic themes, and I know those aren't for everyone. This book didn't teach me anything, it didn't make me feel like I need to change the world, and it wasn't a story about people that I can relate to.  I want to applaud Cokal for her imagination, research, and ability to put pen to paper in a way that had me captivated and sad to turn the final page. It's not a Pulitzer Prize-winning piece of fiction, sure, but it's an incredible story, and that makes it enough for me.

Bottom Line Rating: 5/5

Title: The Kingdom of Little Wounds

Author: Susann Cokal

Publisher: Candlewick, 2013

ISBN: 0763666947

Format: Hardcover

Source: Public Library

Price: $9.75 from Better World Books

Review: The Winter Palace

{on Goodreads}

The Winter Palace is the first in a series about Catherine the Great, the longest-ruling female leader of Russia. Stachniak's telling of Catherine's reign starts at the very beginning, when Catherine is a only a girl, just-arrived at the palace of Empress Elizabeth. She is soon wed to Elizabeth's nephew and heir, Peter, and thus assumes the role of Grand Duchess. Her relationship with Peter (while cordial to begin with) is less than amorous, and the court constantly frets over their inability to produce an heir to the Prussian throne. Catherine is cast aside by both the Empress and the Grand Duke, who both underestimate both her ambition and her ability to charm others into following her. Told from the perspective of one of the Empress's tongues (aka spies), Varvara, the plot follows Catherine from her arrival at the palace to her coup d'état and succession to the throne. 

Although Catherine is the subject of this series, in this first novel, Varvara is both the narrator and main character. It is through Varvara's lense that we witness change in the rule of Russia. This book reminded me quite a bit of this historical fiction novel (which I loved), as I think it's easier and far more intriguing when the perspective is that of someone who is considered "invisible" within the castle walls. I find it so sad how, during this time in history, women were married without their consent (for the sake of politics) and then were only considered as good as their child-bearing abilities. Catherine is not treated well by her new family, and finds friendship and loyalty elsewhere. The relationship between Catherine and Varvara is unusual, because although Varvara's loyalty lies with Catherine, she is a close confidante of the Empress Elizabeth as well, who considers Catherine to be an unimportant and foolish. I really enjoyed witnessing the rise of this leader through the eyes of someone who was more objective but also had much at stake. Varvara is a character that is easy to both identify and empathize with: she is a devoted mother, loyal, intelligent, and doing everything she can to ensure her own family's survival in a time of upheaval. I love this type of story within the historical fiction genre because it really highlights how powerful women were, not only in public roles, but also behind the scenes. I'd recommend this to fans of Elizabeth Freemantle, Michelle Moran, and Phyllis T. Smith. I will certainly be following this series!

Bottom-Line Rating: 5/5

Title: The Winter Palace: A Novel of Catherine the Great

Author: Eva Stachniak

Publisher: Bantam, 2012

Price: Used copies only $3.98!

Format: Hardcover

Source: Public Library

Review: The Painted Bridge

{on Goodreads}

The Painted Bridge is the story of Lake House, just one of the private asylums scattered across London in the mid-nineteenth century. In a time when women were committed for maladies like "hysteria," Lake House operates on the premise of bettering women with treatments that are far from proven. Anna, a newlywed, is committed to Lake House by her new husband, after she foolishly tells him of a vision that plagues her. Anna knows that she is completely sane, and spends her time at the asylum plotting her escape and sympathizing with the other patients. While there, she also meets a doctor who believes that the new science of photography can help to reveal the true diagnoses of the patients at Lake House. The longer she stays at Lake House, the weaker her grip on her sanity, and the more desperate her plans for escape. When she befriends the daughter of Lake House's lead doctor and proprietor, Anna finds an opportunity for her freedom. As she fights to convince the outside world that she's sane, Anna finds that her passive acceptance of her former life's path has only given her more cause for misery. A growing sense of determination leads Anna to drastically alter her own circumstances while also shedding light on the lives of those around her. 

I am particularly smitten with stories in the modern gothic genre, so this made it onto my currently coveting list for February. Although I liked the book, I didn't fall head-over-heels for it. I liked that Anna was a strong character in a time when women had so little control over her life, and after reading Miramont's Ghost, I was glad to read an ending that wasn't quite so tragic. I think my biggest problem with the story was that the characters I wasn't supposed to like, I really didn't like, and the characters that were supposed be more appealing were not super attractive to me. I wished that some of the relationships were more hashed out, as I felt that the book could have been much more dramatic in the way that the characters related to each other. I tried to think of some of the "big picture" questions that this book brought up for me, but a week after reading it, I didn't have much to reflect on. That being said, I did find it to be a quick and relatively enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to other fans of the genre. {Here's another book in the same genre by an author that I love.}

Bottom Line Rating: 3/5

Title: The Painted Bridge

Author: Wendy Wallace

Publisher: Scribner, 2012

Price: I purchased a used copy for only $3.98

Format: Hardcover

Source: Better World Books

Review: Miramont's Ghost

{on Goodreads}

Miramont's Ghost is the story of Adrienne Beauvier, a young woman of privilege, but also of fearsome talent. From the time she was little, Adrienne knows things before they happen. At first, her clairvoyance is taken as an active imagination, but soon it becomes the subject of town gossip. Adrienne's beloved grandfather seeks to protect her, while her own mother ignores her and her malicious Aunt Marie watches her with disdain. The loss of her grandfather sends Adrienne into a dark, inward spiral, and she hides her gift from her family and community. For a time, it seems as though Adrienne has a chance at true love and will be able to escape the oppressive atmosphere of her childhood home. Her Aunt Marie, however, is far more evil than Adrienne predicted, and she finds herself falling for Marie's carefully plotted traps. 

I downloaded this book with the Kindle First subscription and I'm so glad I chose it because it was one of those books that just completely sucked me in right from the start. I felt so strongly for the character of Adrienne; I sympathized with her loneliness and had empathy for her fear of being herself. Many of the characters were in the background, but the relationship between Adrienne and Marie was very intense. I wouldn't necessarily call this a scary story, but reading the passages about Marie's wickedness in the dark with only the backlight on my Kindle had me feeling like I might have nightmares. I don't want to give away the major twists of the novel, because they are of the no-way-I-did-not-see-that-coming, gasping-out-loud type. I can say that I found myself in such despair over this story and Adrienne's misfortunes that I had to explain my terrible mood to my boyfriend when he pointed out that I had been acting sad. I just can't help but feel that Marie is one of the most villainous characters I've ever encountered. I later found out that the setting of the story, Miramont Castle, is actually a real place, and located in Maintou Springs, Colorado. The castle was built by Father Jean Baptiste Francolon, who shows up in Miramont's Ghost as Adrienne's cousin and Marie's only, beloved son. Like his mother, he was a character that I found wholly disturbing. The Miramont Castle is now a historic landmark and rumored to be haunted; I'd love to read some nonfiction about the supernatural events at the castle and the history of it. The only writing-related criticisms that I have are that some of the characters fell a bit flat (I would have liked to see a more well-developed mother for Adrienne) and that I was sometimes confused by the direction of the plot. This would be one that I recommend to readers who enjoy mysteries, thrillers, and historical fiction.

Bottom Line Rating: 4/5

Title: Miramont Ghosts

Author: Elizabeth Hall

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing, 2015

Price: $10.99 {for a paperback on Amazon, only $4.99 for Kindle!}

Format: E-book

Source: Free with Kindle First subscription

Review: Yes Please

{on Goodreads}

Yes Please, Amy Poehler's first book, is a recipe for inspiration and girl power. From her childhood in Burlington, Massachusetts, to the start of her comedy career in Chicago, to her hilarious roles and writing at SNL, Amy Poehler writes about her success and fame with humor and an honesty that's rare and raw. She looks back on her career with transparency; it wasn't all laughs, it wasn't all success, and it wasn't all-good-all-the-time. Case in point: during a high point of her career, hosting the Golden Globes with real-life bestie Tina Fey, she was also going through a heartbreaking divorce with husband Will Arnett. While she was making millions of people laugh with her skits on SNL, behind the scenes she was dealing with motherhood, her body image, and other issues that women deal with every day. She makes it clear that her successes were due to hard work, long hours, and sacrifice, but she also tells her story with a clear sense of gratitude for the friendships, opportunities and recognition that she's found along the way. She writes about her mistakes with humility and about moments that gave her perspective when she felt lost. Everything that Poehler has to say shows that she moves through the highs and lows of life with both grace and good humor, and that she is deserving of her status as a role model for women and young girls. 

My boyfriend gave this to me as part of my Christmas gift this year after he had patiently listened to me obsess over it from the moment that I first heard about it (you may remember it made it onto my list for November's currently coveting). Not only do I love the cover image, but I also love the messages that came with it. I am a huge fan of Amy Poehler (Parks and Rec is one of my favorite shows) and I especially love her work with Tina Fey (I may be the only person that can basically recite the lines from Baby Mama -- funniest movie ever). In essence, I am an automatic fan of everything that she does, including her work with Amy Poehler's Smart Girls. I find that she is one of those celebrities that just never loses her sense of real-ness, and as a fan I appreciate that she is open and honest about issues that all women face, especially those concerning career and family, body image, and perceptions of women in society. This would make a great gift for any time of the year, and is one that I think will appeal to a wide-ranging audience, from teenagers to mothers and grandmothers. It would also make a great last-minute gift for your bestie (or yourself) on Valentine's Day! (I've also seen it on a few lists of best books for getting over a break-up, for those who are currently anti-Valentine's Day advocates.)

Bottom-Line Rating: 5/5

The Stats:

Title: Yes Please

Author: Amy Poehler

ISBN: 0062268341

Price: $18 on Amazon (find more links to purchase online on Goodreads)

Format: Hardcover

Source: Gifted

Length: 329 pages

Review: Kingdom of Lies

{on Goodreads}

Kingdom of Lies is the first mystery in a series featuring Keen Dunliffe, a gruff Enlglish Inspector with an honest-cop complex. Dunliffe is going through a dull and somewhat depressing period in his life (recent divorce, stalled career, etc.) when he is assigned to a case that seems ordinary at first but soon requires him to confront more danger than he's used to in his small, quiet village. A woman attending a local academic conference is found naked, floating in the pond on the grounds of a wealthy aristocratic family's estate. At first, Dunliffe expects this to be an open-and-shut case of an accidental death due to drunken skinny-dipping. Then Dunliffe gets a call, asking him to cozy up to the victim's close friend, Jillie Waltham, an American academic who has an inkling that there's more to the case than she's been told. As Keen and Jillie work together in London to solve the mystery, their personal relationship becomes more complicated, the case becomes more dangerous, and they realize that its implications are far reaching, both in history and in scope.

I picked this up on a whim after the spine caught my eye on a library shelf. My book rut has been somewhat ongoing, and I was looking for a read that would pull me in, even if it meant picking a cheesy mystery. Though this book doesn't have great ratings on Goodreads (3.26/4 from 72 ratings), I wouldn't hesitate to pick up the next in the series. I wouldn't say I'm going to become an avid fan of the series, but there are a few choice reasons that I can say that I'll probably look for the next one: (1) Keen Dunliffe is a great character. I love that he's full of flaws. For me, he's a different take on the classic, over-confident type of cop character that one usually sees in this type of story. (2) I couldn't guess the ending, or the "who done it" for the life of me. It caught me totally off guard, and that's always a plus for me when it comes to mysteries.

Bottom Line Rating: 3/5

Title: Kingdom of Lies

Author: Lee Wood

Publisher: Minotaur Books, 2005

Price: {Not available directly from Amazon or B&N, I'd suggest the library}

ISBN: 0312340303

Format: Hardcover

Source: Public Library

Book #1 of 2015

Review: Euphoria

{on Goodreads}

I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did, but it's certainly on my list for best books of this year. It tells the story of three anthropologists in 1930-a time when anthropology was an emerging field and the greats (Boas, etc.) were establishing their reputations and laying claims to their areas of expertise. Inspired by the life and work of Margaret Mead, it follows the newly famous Nell Stone, her husband Fen, and an acquaintance turned friend, Andrew Bankson. The three have been working in the territory of New Guinea, studying tribes and immersing themselves in the culture while feverishly recording their ethnographies. Bankson, having botched his own suicide and at a plateau with his work, happens upon Nell and Fen, freshly traumatized from their time with a bloodthirsty tribe, and introduces them to a new tribe in the hopes of keeping them close. Bankson craves company- and soon the trio are entwined, both professionally and emotionally. As tensions grow and break, Bankson realizes that the jungle holds more than just the mysteries of the native tribes, but also the complicated truths of his own choices and the precarious future of all three anthropologists. 

If you're going to read just a few books this year, make sure this one is on your list. I waited forever to borrow it from the library (for brand new titles, I'm often on the holds list for over a month) and flew through it in just two afternoons. At first, I wasn't completely drawn in, but by the time I hit the middle, I couldn't put it down and was reacting out loud to every big moment in the story. Anthropology is an area of interest to me (I think it comes with the territory of being a psychology student) and the background knowledge on ethnographical studies and the founding fathers of the field were really useful while reading. I'm not exaggerating when I say that this book transported me straight to the setting, and I felt every moment of heartbreak alongside the characters. At less than 300 pages, it's especially good for readers who avoid the typical summer-reading tomes. I can't rave enough about it.

Bottom Line Rating: 5/5

Title: Euphoria

Author: Lily King

Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2014

Price: $15.81 on Amazon

ISBN: 0802122558

Format: Hardcover

Source: Public Library

Book #31 of 2014

Review: The Quick

{on Goodreads}

As children, James and Charlotte were close companions, but an incident in their youth and the separation from James's days at boarding school left their relationship to grow distant. Now James is living in London, exploring the city from the perspective of a young writer and discovering companionship in unexpected places; that is, until the day he disappears. Charlotte, living on a small estate in the country, feels compelled to venture into the intimidating landscape that is London to find out what's happened to her brother. When she arrives, she finds an impossible change has taken place and realizes that the world is far bigger (and scarier) than she ever thought. The shocking discoveries she makes bring her together with an unlikely group of heroes and form into a most dangerous and uncommon path, one that she pursues to make things right for the sake of her family.

You may recognize this cover from my currently coveting feature for July. I put myself on the library's waiting list for this book and was thrilled when my turn arrived quickly. I have been on a Victorian-era kick lately (it's one of my favorite time periods) and I was craving another dark and brooding story with plenty of plot twists. What I didn't realize about the story and would like to emphasize here is that the supernatural element plays quite an important role. I hadn't expected that, but ended up really liking the book anyway for many different reasons. The author's style is sophisticated without being pretentious, and the characters are quiet in their strength. I was impressed that this is the author's first published novel, and look forward to seeing more from her in the future. I'd recommend this to readers who like a quiet thrill and the slow, winding plot that is the mark of this era in historical fiction. Amazon suggests it for fans of The Historian and I wholeheartedly agree with the recommendation.

Bottom Line Rating: 4/5

Title: The Quick

Author: Lauren Owen 

Publisher: Random House, 2014

Price: Varying, usually in the $20 range

ISBN: 0812993276

Format: Hardcover

Source: Public Library

Book #29 of 2014

Review: A Beautiful Blue Death

{on Goodreads}

Charles Lenox is a wealthy aristocrat in Victorian London, and though he genuinely enjoys the leisures of his class, he differs from his peers in one aspect: he's also an amateur detective. In A Beautiful Blue Death, a new take on the Sherlock Holmes formula, Finch brings us a detective whose talents far surpass the local police and who relishes in the chase of London murderers. When a maid in an acquaintance's household is found poisoned, Lenox takes the case-- not only to find closure for the girl's fiancée, but also to appease his closest friend, the widow Lady Jane Grey. As Lenox's primary suspect becomes a victim, he finds that he must carefully navigate the aristocratic and political circles that comprise his highly influential suspect pool and that he must solve the case quickly as he finds himself threatened and in danger.

I've had this book on my to-read list since March, and finally decided to seek it out at the library. I was craving a good mystery and can't say that I was disappointed. This is a good read for those who like to follow characters through a series, as it really laid the groundwork for the development of character relationships in future books. I took a liking to Lenox and his solitary, quiet ways, and liked that there is just a hint of a potential love story worked into the plot. As for the mystery aspect, I was unable to guess the culprit, so the surprise was definitely there at the end. Personally, I'm drawn to Victorian-era settings, but the biggest draw for me was the comparison to Sherlock Holmes. I'd recommend this to fans of old-fashioned mysteries (though it was quite subdued, nothing like an Agatha Christie). As a bonus, the second in the series looks especially good and I can't wait to follow along.

Bottom Line Rating: 4/5

Title: A Beautiful Blue Death

Author: Charles Finch

Publisher: Minotaur Books, 2007

Price: $10.60 (on Amazon)

ISBN: 0312359772

Format: Hardcover

Source: Public Library

Book #28 of 2014

Giving Up on a Book

The end of the semester had me reading much less than usual and spending zero time thinking about the blog. Thankfully, summer is here and I can focus on reading what I love rather than what's required (ahem, physics textbooks). 

When I was younger, I always felt like I had to finish each and every book that I started. Sometimes it worked out and I'd find myself hooked unexpectedly and end up loving the book. Other times, well, I'd be trudging through it. Dragging through a book gives me perspective on why some people don't like to read. It's painful to admit, but sometimes reading can be....boring.

Take this book for example:

{on Goodreads}

I purchased this book on my Kindle, in an effort to read more non-fiction books this year. I have a newfound interest in the time of Henry VIII, not just because he fascinates and disgusts me all at once, but also because I read this book earlier this year and still haven't stopped thinking about it. I thought this would be a great way to look at this time from a purely historical perspective. 

At first, I loved how much I was learning from this book, but then my interest began to wane. I logged onto Goodreads one day and found that I had put it on my "currently reading" shelf fifty days ago. Fifty days? Not to be obnoxious, but it never takes me that long to read a book. Considering that I haven't even picked it up since before final exams started, I'm going to declare this one a dud. 

As soon as I mentally checked it off as gave-up-on, I felt a little twinge of guilt. But then I stopped to think about it. Yes, I did start it with the intention of reviewing the book for the blog. Can I give it a fair review when I'm stopped at 51%? Not really. Should I be wasting my time on a book that I don't love, when I could be giving my readers a review of a book that is amazing and worth picking up? (Rhetorical question.) 

Anyways, I've renounced my guilt. I picked up a book that interested me and I don't regret it one bit. Giving up on a book isn't an insult to an author, or to the subject of that book (because really Anne Boleyn is fascinating), it's just that reading is one of those things for which you need to find the right fit.

Review: Where'd You Go, Bernadette

In the running for favorite book this year!

{on Goodreads}

Where'd You Go, Bernadette is the story of fifteen-year-old Bee and her eccentric mother, Bernadette. Bee achieves perfect grades in school and claims as her reward a family trip to Antarctica. She's been studying it all year and is eager to see the vast white plains in person. Her mother agrees to the trip but realizes that such an adventure means leaving her house, a feat that she's rarely achieved since moving to Seattle. Bernadette is not like other moms; she has a virtual assistant in India run all of her errands and is uninterested in the PTA politics of her fellow private-school mothers. As the trip draws closer and Bernadette approaches a mental meltdown, the family dynamic begins to change and suddenly, Bee finds herself with a mom that's MIA. Told through e-mails, faxes, letters, and the perspective of Bee, this novel brings together themes of family, identity, and accepting people regardless of their quirks.

I loved this book. It was so different than I expected and kept me laughing until the last page. The characters were perfectly crafted, the plot ridiculous and yet all of it was so believable. Maria Semple did an especially good job capturing the voice of each character through their different mediums: the PTA moms' gossipy interchanges via e-mail, the fed-up school administrator via memos, and Bernadette through her rambling e-mails to her virtual assistant. Bee's voice was especially strong and I applaud Semple for nailing the adolescent point of view in all of this chaos. This would be a great bookclub read and one that I hope to pass around to friends and family to hear more feedback. The idea that a person can have a literal meltdown and come out of it with a new direction and a new sense of purpose is the best part of this read. It left me feeling empowered, knowing that whatever happens, I can always face it with all of the grace and humor of Bernadette. Not to mention, the cover is perfect and it happened to match my nail polish color the day it arrived in the mail (it's the little things in life). 

Bottom Line Rating: 5/5

Title: Where'd You Go, Bernadette

Author: Maria Semple

Publisher: Back Bay Books/ Little, Brown and Company, 2012

Price: $14.99

ISBN: 9780316204262

Format: Paperback

Source: Amazon

Book #16 of 2014

Review: Homicide in Hardcover

{on Goodreads}

Brooklyn is a book conservationist, having studied under the finest professional in the country. Growing up in a commune, she was surrounded by an eclectic group of people, but each of one them has come to mean a great deal to her- especially Abraham, who introduced her to the book business when she was only eight years old. Brooklyn attends an event at the prestigious Covington library, where Abraham has been working on restoring Goethe's Faust, which is supposdely cursed. At the Covington, Brooklyn finds Abraham sprawled on the floor of his workroom, a victim of murder. She is hastily signed on to complete his work, but she finds herself distracted by the mystery of his murder, and puts herself in several dangerous situations as a result of her determination to solve the mystery. Navigating the murder case on her own is risky enough, though she is soon aided by a handsome British security agent. Brooklyn knows that she's missing an important piece of the puzzle, and while she searches for the clues that Abraham left behind, she encounters a number of ill-meaning adversaries. It appears that whoever the murderer is, Brooklyn's the next target. Is finishing the conservation of the Faust worth her life? Perhaps the curse has more power than she thought...

Like Killer Librarian, I picked this book because it's a Bibliophile Mystery. I did enjoy reading about the book binding process and loved the sinister provenance of the Faust. I had some trouble connecting with Brooklyn; her humor was forced throughout the book, and I found her constant need to eat junk food as an odd choice for her defining characteristic. There was room for more literary moments, and I would have appreciated those in place of the many cheesy clichés and similes. That being said, I did not correctly guess the identity of the murderer, and I was pleasantly surprised by the resolution. Though this mystery is not a feat of literary genius akin to the work of Agatha Christie, I'll certainly follow the series, as it gave me a nice break after having finished a heavier work of historical fiction. 

Bottom Line Rating: 3/5

Title: Homicide in Hardcover

Author: Kate Carlisle

Publisher: New American Library, 2009
Price: $7.19
ISBN: 0451226151
Format: Paperback
Source: Public Library
Book #5 of 2014

Review: Queen's Gambit

{on Goodreads}

Queen's Gambit is the story of Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII of England. Henry is one of the most infamous kings in British history, with his first five wives either deceased or divorced after having suffered his terrible temper. Katherine is twice-widowed and over the age of thirty when she becomes the new object of Henry's affection. She can hardly imagine the king interested in marrying her- she has never been able to bear a child and is unlikely candidate for providing an heir. She believes that his attention will pass, and in the meantime falls in love with the charming Thomas Seymour, with whom she hopes to finally achieve a love match. Unfortunately the king has other plans and soon announces his intention to marry Katherine. She is unable to deny his request- to deny the king's wishes would mean death to her and her family. Katherine manages to maintain an air of happiness as she reluctantly weds Henry. During the course of their marriage, she brings together the king's neglected daughters (Mary, daughter of Catherine of Aragon and Elizabeth, daughter of Anne Boleyn), becomes a mother to his heir (the solemn young Edward VI, son of Jane Seymour), and and is named Regent. She believes herself to be an agent of change, hoping to bring Henry around to the new faith; but the balance of power is fragile, and Henry is not fond of outspoken women. Told from the perspective of Katherine and her loyal servant, Dot, this is an enthralling account of Katherine's reign as Queen of England- the only queen to survive her marriage to King Henry VIII.

I can already tell that this book will be hard to beat for favorite read of 2014. It's definitely the book that sparked the biggest (emotional) response in me this year (albeit I have only read eight books so far). To put it simply, I loved this book. Katherine and Dot were both pillars of strength in their time, and despite the vast difference in stations, their relationship is the closest that Katherine had throughout her time as Queen. Katherine had so few people that genuinely cared for her happiness- Dot being one of them. Katherine was barely allowed more than a brief moment of happiness in her third marriage and I greatly admire her willpower and perseverance. Books of this era can sometimes feel tedious but I was caught up in every moment of the story. This is one of those books that I'll be recommending all year long.

Bottom Line Rating: 5/5 {Read it now!}

Title: Queen's Gambit

Author: Elizabeth Freemantle

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2013

Price: $19 (on amazon)

ISBN:147670306X

Format: Hardcover

Source: Public Library

Book #5 of 2014

Review: Killer Librarian

{on Goodreads}

Killer Librarian is the first in a series featuring Karen Nash, a small-town librarian who devours mystery novels and fantasizes about one day walking in the footsteps of her favorite literary characters. Nash plans a trip to England with Dave, her boyfriend and the "love of her mid-life". Only hours before they are set to leave, Karen receives a devastating phone call from Dave. Suddenly, he feels that their four-year relationship isn't going to work out. Karen gathers herself and decides that nothing will stop her from an enjoying her long-awaited trip. She heads to England, only to discover that Dave is also still going--with another, younger woman. She fantasizes about Dave's demise during the first few days of her stay at a charming Bed and Breakfast run by the quintessential English gentleman. As she finds herself caught up in the charm of rainy London, Karen soon realizes that perhaps Dave wasn't the best boyfriend she's ever had, and maybe he doesn't deserve to die. It's too late though--she has accidentally set a shady, (possibly) criminal character on him and his new girlfriend, and she has to find this mysterious man before something bad happens. In the midst of getting lost in British museums, browsing bookshops, drinking English tea, and fretting over Dave's potential danger, another guest in the B&B passes away and Karen suspects that it wasn't an accident. She decides to emanate her favorite sleuths and solve the mystery at hand. 

Like many other readers, I had mixed feelings about this book. I borrowed the book from the library (the librarian chuckled when checking it out for me) with the expectation that it would be a dark and winding, good old-fashioned mystery. It actually turned out to be quite a light read, even the deaths seemed as though they had little effect on the characters. Not too serious, not too challenging, and with little focus on the mystery at hand. Rather, romance (and revenge) took the front seat, but not in a suspenseful way. In spite of its deviation from my expectations, I did enjoy reading the book. I finished it in just a few hours, realizing that perhaps I haven't given this type of lighthearted read as much attention as it deserves. What I loved most about the book was the setting: London, and the idea of spending a holiday (as the British would put it) perusing antiquarian bookshops, cafés, museums, and pubs. It was the understanding between reader and writer, that books hold such a special place in our hearts, that drew me in. I wouldn't say that I loved the book, but it's hard to resist a novel whose title practically calls out to a bibliophile like myself. And it's that feeling, that this is a book meant to be read by the fire on a dreary day, that makes me eager to read the next in the series.

Bottom line rating: 3/5

Title: Killer Librarian

Author: Mary Lou Kirwin

Publisher: Pocket Books, 2012

Price: $7.99

ISBN: 978-1-4516-8464-3

Format: Paperback

Source: Public Library

Book #58 of 2013

*Note: I have since read the second book in this series, Death Overdue, in which Karen must clear her new boyfriend's name after there is a terrible death at the bed & breakfast. I enjoyed this one even more than the first book, and had a harder time guessing who the culprit was. I'd recommend the second for any fans of the first, and would even go so far as to say that the second could stand alone. 

Review: Cleopatra's Daughter

{on Goodreads}

Cleopatra's Daughter is the story of what happened after the famous suicide of Cleopatra. Her remaining children, twins Alexander and Selene, are brought to Rome to live with the (future) imperial family. Their upbringing in Rome is pampered, and yet the children yearn to be returned to Egypt as the rightful King and Queen. Living with Octavian's sister Octavia, they are privy to all of the sights of the most wealthy children in Rome. They visit and make bets at the Circus, learn from a skilled Magister, and dine alongside the likes of Vergil. But they also see the darker side of Rome- in which slaves are killed for the smallest mistakes, babies are abandoned on a whim, and a rebel leader by the name of the Red Eagle threatens Octavian's already fragile reign. Alexander and Selene are two of the most well-educated children in their time, and Selene proves herself to be one of the most talented young architects in Rome, but will that prove to Octavian that she is more valuable alive than dead? While they bide their time in Octavian's home waiting for their futures to be decided upon, Octavian becomes Emperor Augustus, the slaves and plebians threaten a revolt, and the twins begin to question whether they will ever be set free from their gilded cage.

I was a Latin student for six years, and as such I translated many speeches and poems that were written during this time period. I had always had such a liking for Octavian Augustus, as he is considered one of the greatest rulers in history and was responsible for a Golden Age in Rome. This book, however, made me question my love for him. Moran portrays Octavian as a ruthless leader, with fragile health and an overwhelming sense of superstition. It is an interesting perspective to take, after so many years of unwavering admiration for Augustus, to suddenly find myself slightly put off by his nature. I loved the character of the Red Eagle, although he was not historically accurate (as Moran writes in the Historical Notes), he brought an element of mystery to the story, and I was genuinely surprised when his identity was revealed. I found myself most enchanted, however, by Selene. I had no idea that Selene was such a strong presence in her time, and I thought at multiple points throughout the book that her mother, whom I've always admired as a incredible female figure in history, would have been so proud of her vivacious character, unwavering sense of integrity, and exceptional intellect. Moran is quickly becoming a favorite author for me when it comes to considerable female characters throughout history. She has a great talent for portraying these time periods in such a way that it is remarkably easy to find yourself transported and completely immersed in the story. 

Bottom Line Rating: 5/5

Title: Cleopatra's Daughter
Author: Michelle Moran
Publisher: Crown, 2009
Price: $25.00
ISBN: 978-0-307-40912-6
Format: Hardcover
Source: Public Library
Book #2 of 2014