Interested in the new SHOMI line from Dorchester?
What's that, you say?
How about: cutting-edge, genre-crossing, speculative action adventure reading entertainment.
The stories range from apocalyptic tales, to time-travel, to cyber-reality, to manga-inspired showdowns.
Apprentice Writer's list of must-reads includes
HIDDEN by Eve Kenin
DRIVEN by Eve Kenin
COUNTDOWN by Michelle Maddox
The Book Binge is having a month-long spotlight on this new line, and challenging readers to give it a try. As an incentive, the Bingers are giving away a seven-book Shomi library.
Take a look atBook Binge: **CONTEST ALERT** I Showed You Mine, Now You Shomi Yours
Monday, August 25, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Lightning Reviews x 3
1. MELUSINE
by Sarah Monette
FANTASY
Why Picked Up: On recommendation from a friend at 'GoodReads', and was absolutely blown away. A Ph.D. in English doesn't always translate to a compelling or elegant or convincing writing style; in this case, however, it did in spades. No scene was overwritten, not once did the reader confuse which character held point of view due to clear and adept distinction between education level, personal experience, and personality of protagonists. The author is a master of the most basic writerly rule of all: 'Show, don't Tell'. The story takes place in a world with unfamiliar calendar, currency, time measurement, languages and slang, social order, etc. etc. but the story hurtles ahead in full expectation the reader will grasp what is going on. Somehow, it works.
Cover: Another of the bare-chested male variety, but this one thankfully has a head, and for a change, is facing away and looking over his shoulder. Both the multi-colored tatoos running up to his elbows and his red mane are critical to the story. Apprentice Writer wouldn't particularly have been drawn to this cover without word-of-mouth, but neither does it repel her. The title itself gives precisely zero clues about the content; Apprentice Writer kept wrongly thinking of 'Melisande' (as in, the French ballet) instead.
Thoughts: The author tells this first of a series of connected tales in dual first person, through the eyes of Felix the wizard and Mildmay the cat burglar. Both live in the magical city of Melusine, a Dickensian place with a brutal suvival-of-the-fittest philosophy that forces everyone to live by whatever wits and skills they have or be trampled. Despite his strength as a wizard, ties to the brother of the Lord Protector (somewhat like a king), and dwelling in the priviliged area of the Mirador (inhabited by the upper class/wizards), circumstances expose Felix to a physical and psychological sadist who commits crimes that severely destabilize the city and then pins them on Felix. Due to abuse suffered and spells cast upon him, Felix cannot tell anyone what truly happened, and keeps slipping back and forth across the fine line of madness - made all the worse by attempts of various parties to punish him and force him to give up information.
Like many in the Lower City, Mildmay was sold to a brutal and exploitative Keeper in early childhood and has grown up with underworld talents and internal as well as external scars proving the high cost of staying alive. Despite the horrendous things he was forced to do, Mildmay (known as the Fox due to his red hair) has somehow developed an innate sense of justice and decency. Fleeing the city, the two main characters' paths eventually cross and make them journey across the empire together. They meet many human and magcial creatures along the way in their search for political sanctuary and healing for Felix. When the story ends, there remains many a loose end; but at 477 pages, it is understandable that author chose to bring this instalment to a close, and at an emotionally satisfying and significant moment.
Based on this book, seek out this author again?
Absolutely.
Apprentice Writer cannot recommend this book highly enough. Be warned: Though the abusive scenes are not explicit, it is nevertheless always abundantly clear what is going on. AW's friend described it has 'hardcore', and AW took care not to leave the novel in a place where her children might pick it up.
2. GAMES OF PLEASURE
by Julia Ross
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Why Picked Up: Had seen the author praised by other authors in cyberlandia.
Cover: Bland landscape. Generic title. AW would never have picked this up on her own.
Thoughts: The author is indeed talented at evocative description. She described objects, landscapes and people in ways this reader had never encountered before. This is a wonderful talent, but AW is of the school of thought that a person's greatest strength can also be their greatest weakness; in this case, there came a point when she wished there might not be quite so much description of everything all the time.
The story involves a highly influential British arisocrat rescuing a young woman from drowning. She turns out to be a courtesan who claims to have committed a murder she can't quite remember and from who the rescuer must distance himself lest he be tainted by association with her crime. He, however, is convinced that she has been wronged and was only defending herself. Thus the two journey across England incognito, to evade her assailants and puzzle out who and why really committed the murder.
The story is entertaining and well-written, and the characters engaging enough (apart from the heroine's much-repeated refusal to provide information about what happened or accept assistance growing very tedious). Reading was fine up until the ending, when there was a triple blow to this reader's suspension of disbelief. The first two (having to do with reaction of noble families to liaisons of their firstborn sons with couresans, and manner of a rescue) were of a nature that Apprentice Writer was more or less willing to tolerate for the sake of the story and the drama provided. The third, however, made her snort "Oh, please. Enough already." It involved the same biologically so-improbable-it-should-be-impossible pet peeve that diminished AW's enjoyment of Elizabeth Hoyt's The Raven Prince.
Based on this book, seek out this author again?
The author writes well and overall the story was entertaining. She would not mind reading more, but other works will not fly to the top of the TBR list.
3. THE PERFECT KISS
by Anne Gracie
HISTORICAL ROMANTIC COMEDY
Why Picked Up: Kept encountering author's name in cyberlandia.
Cover: Rose petals, a letter, a necklace. Title clues reader in that it is part of a series of 'Perfect's from this author. Apparently, this is the (or one of the) last of the series, and the aspect that binds them - protagonists being taken in by a non-relative and trained as servants despite their aristocratic background, or something like that - was not quite clear to this reader.
Thoughts; A perfectly (ha!) pleasant, quick and breezy read. Pairings and ending can be seen a mile away but that's not the point of such a story: it's how the characters get that that matters, not the final destination. And as promised, there were funny bits.
Based on this book, seek out this author again? Similar to above, AW enjoyed the writer's style and wouldn't mind reading more, but the story wasn't unique enough for further works to kick other books out of its path on the way to the top of the TBR pile.
Any Gentle Readers have an opinion on these stories? Please share!
by Sarah Monette
FANTASY
Why Picked Up: On recommendation from a friend at 'GoodReads', and was absolutely blown away. A Ph.D. in English doesn't always translate to a compelling or elegant or convincing writing style; in this case, however, it did in spades. No scene was overwritten, not once did the reader confuse which character held point of view due to clear and adept distinction between education level, personal experience, and personality of protagonists. The author is a master of the most basic writerly rule of all: 'Show, don't Tell'. The story takes place in a world with unfamiliar calendar, currency, time measurement, languages and slang, social order, etc. etc. but the story hurtles ahead in full expectation the reader will grasp what is going on. Somehow, it works.
Cover: Another of the bare-chested male variety, but this one thankfully has a head, and for a change, is facing away and looking over his shoulder. Both the multi-colored tatoos running up to his elbows and his red mane are critical to the story. Apprentice Writer wouldn't particularly have been drawn to this cover without word-of-mouth, but neither does it repel her. The title itself gives precisely zero clues about the content; Apprentice Writer kept wrongly thinking of 'Melisande' (as in, the French ballet) instead.
Thoughts: The author tells this first of a series of connected tales in dual first person, through the eyes of Felix the wizard and Mildmay the cat burglar. Both live in the magical city of Melusine, a Dickensian place with a brutal suvival-of-the-fittest philosophy that forces everyone to live by whatever wits and skills they have or be trampled. Despite his strength as a wizard, ties to the brother of the Lord Protector (somewhat like a king), and dwelling in the priviliged area of the Mirador (inhabited by the upper class/wizards), circumstances expose Felix to a physical and psychological sadist who commits crimes that severely destabilize the city and then pins them on Felix. Due to abuse suffered and spells cast upon him, Felix cannot tell anyone what truly happened, and keeps slipping back and forth across the fine line of madness - made all the worse by attempts of various parties to punish him and force him to give up information.
Like many in the Lower City, Mildmay was sold to a brutal and exploitative Keeper in early childhood and has grown up with underworld talents and internal as well as external scars proving the high cost of staying alive. Despite the horrendous things he was forced to do, Mildmay (known as the Fox due to his red hair) has somehow developed an innate sense of justice and decency. Fleeing the city, the two main characters' paths eventually cross and make them journey across the empire together. They meet many human and magcial creatures along the way in their search for political sanctuary and healing for Felix. When the story ends, there remains many a loose end; but at 477 pages, it is understandable that author chose to bring this instalment to a close, and at an emotionally satisfying and significant moment.
Based on this book, seek out this author again?
Absolutely.
Apprentice Writer cannot recommend this book highly enough. Be warned: Though the abusive scenes are not explicit, it is nevertheless always abundantly clear what is going on. AW's friend described it has 'hardcore', and AW took care not to leave the novel in a place where her children might pick it up.
2. GAMES OF PLEASURE
by Julia Ross
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Why Picked Up: Had seen the author praised by other authors in cyberlandia.
Cover: Bland landscape. Generic title. AW would never have picked this up on her own.
Thoughts: The author is indeed talented at evocative description. She described objects, landscapes and people in ways this reader had never encountered before. This is a wonderful talent, but AW is of the school of thought that a person's greatest strength can also be their greatest weakness; in this case, there came a point when she wished there might not be quite so much description of everything all the time.
The story involves a highly influential British arisocrat rescuing a young woman from drowning. She turns out to be a courtesan who claims to have committed a murder she can't quite remember and from who the rescuer must distance himself lest he be tainted by association with her crime. He, however, is convinced that she has been wronged and was only defending herself. Thus the two journey across England incognito, to evade her assailants and puzzle out who and why really committed the murder.
The story is entertaining and well-written, and the characters engaging enough (apart from the heroine's much-repeated refusal to provide information about what happened or accept assistance growing very tedious). Reading was fine up until the ending, when there was a triple blow to this reader's suspension of disbelief. The first two (having to do with reaction of noble families to liaisons of their firstborn sons with couresans, and manner of a rescue) were of a nature that Apprentice Writer was more or less willing to tolerate for the sake of the story and the drama provided. The third, however, made her snort "Oh, please. Enough already." It involved the same biologically so-improbable-it-should-be-impossible pet peeve that diminished AW's enjoyment of Elizabeth Hoyt's The Raven Prince.
Based on this book, seek out this author again?
The author writes well and overall the story was entertaining. She would not mind reading more, but other works will not fly to the top of the TBR list.
3. THE PERFECT KISS
by Anne Gracie
HISTORICAL ROMANTIC COMEDY
Why Picked Up: Kept encountering author's name in cyberlandia.
Cover: Rose petals, a letter, a necklace. Title clues reader in that it is part of a series of 'Perfect's from this author. Apparently, this is the (or one of the) last of the series, and the aspect that binds them - protagonists being taken in by a non-relative and trained as servants despite their aristocratic background, or something like that - was not quite clear to this reader.
Thoughts; A perfectly (ha!) pleasant, quick and breezy read. Pairings and ending can be seen a mile away but that's not the point of such a story: it's how the characters get that that matters, not the final destination. And as promised, there were funny bits.
Based on this book, seek out this author again? Similar to above, AW enjoyed the writer's style and wouldn't mind reading more, but the story wasn't unique enough for further works to kick other books out of its path on the way to the top of the TBR pile.
Any Gentle Readers have an opinion on these stories? Please share!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Quotes of the Day
A pair of unrelated quotes that struck Apprentice Writer's fancy:
From the human nature department:
There are three kinds of people: those who arrive early, those who arrive on time, and those who arrive late. In general, the early ones are anxious, the punctual ones are obsessive, and late ones are hostile.
Unknown
From the author department:
In fact, if romances are fantasies of love, and mysteries are fantasies of justice, I would now describe much SF as fantasies of political agency.
Lois McMaster Bujold
Gentle Reader, do you agree?
From the human nature department:
There are three kinds of people: those who arrive early, those who arrive on time, and those who arrive late. In general, the early ones are anxious, the punctual ones are obsessive, and late ones are hostile.
Unknown
From the author department:
In fact, if romances are fantasies of love, and mysteries are fantasies of justice, I would now describe much SF as fantasies of political agency.
Lois McMaster Bujold
Gentle Reader, do you agree?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
RITA - or, the Oscar of Romance
This past weekend in San Francisco, a few thousand published and aspiring writers gathered to learn, schmooze, and celebrate all things romantic. The gathering culminated in awards presented to published and not-yet creators of works in many different categories (in the latter, called 'Golden Heart' rather than 'Rita').
Apprentice Writer doesn't know who the original Rita was, nor was she in attendance at the gala (though some of her IRL and cyberfriends were, and seem to have had a blast, one and all). Of the works that made the finalist lists she has only read a few, and regarding these, it seems that her views diverge from those of the romance-judging powers that be.
Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas finalled in the HISTORICAL category. Ms. Kleypas is a Big Name in the industry, all of her titles arriving with much buzz and storms of reviews. Of her previous work, AW read and greatly enjoyed Devil in Winter due to a fantastic hero and unexpected but well-matched herioine. In MTM, the hero is likewise a compelling character, not least due to his Gypsy, or Roma, heritage. AW welcomed such an unusual hero choice, and felt the author did a great job in providing background about a culture usuallly mentioned only in passing and usually derision (in accordance with the then-prevailing view) in much historical fiction. So strongly was the character written, though, that the pendulum began to swing too far in the other direction for this reader. Cam Rohan is not only goodlooking, smart to near-genius level, wildly competent, insanely wealthy, etc. etc. but solves every single problem that comes the heroine's way to the point that the heroine seemed bland and ineffective. It never seemed clear to AW what drew this unique man to a more or less average heroine. Not only did she not stand out to this reader, but at the beginning of the book St. Vincent, Cam's employer and said hero of the delicious 'Devil in Winter' goes so far as to recommend to him that if he is tired of sophisticated fare (referring to his romantic interests) he should try something 'plain' for a change. MTM did not win in its category, but to this reader it seemed odd that of all the titles available, this was considered one of the best historicals. The winning title was 'Lessons of Desire' by Madeline Hunter, which AW has not read.
In the REGENCY category (which is the only time period to get such special treatment), The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn, another Big Name, not only finalled but won. Gentle Readers of this space will know that AW disliked this novel so intensely she did not finish it. In her view, it had the opposite problem of MTM: likeable heroine, unattractive hero. Yet here it is, decorated with a Rita.
What does it all mean?
That people inclined to lay bets on the outcome next year should ignore AW's predictions?
Probably.
That AW is a strange and unpredictable creature?
Definitely.
That AW should not pay attention to the finalist lists at all?
Well, no, she would not go that far. The precise details of who gets included or left off as a finalist will always be a matter of debate, but it has not yet happened that she found no interesting titles to add to her TBR list.
This year, the ones that looked most promising included
Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourne (Winner, Novel with Strong Romantic Elements)
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (Winner, Young Adult)
Untouched by Anna Campbell (Finalist, Regency)
and the work of my lovely blogger buddy Julia's cousin -
Surrender to a Scoundrel by Julianne MacLean
What about you, Gentle Reader - what did you think of this year's awards?
Apprentice Writer doesn't know who the original Rita was, nor was she in attendance at the gala (though some of her IRL and cyberfriends were, and seem to have had a blast, one and all). Of the works that made the finalist lists she has only read a few, and regarding these, it seems that her views diverge from those of the romance-judging powers that be.
Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas finalled in the HISTORICAL category. Ms. Kleypas is a Big Name in the industry, all of her titles arriving with much buzz and storms of reviews. Of her previous work, AW read and greatly enjoyed Devil in Winter due to a fantastic hero and unexpected but well-matched herioine. In MTM, the hero is likewise a compelling character, not least due to his Gypsy, or Roma, heritage. AW welcomed such an unusual hero choice, and felt the author did a great job in providing background about a culture usuallly mentioned only in passing and usually derision (in accordance with the then-prevailing view) in much historical fiction. So strongly was the character written, though, that the pendulum began to swing too far in the other direction for this reader. Cam Rohan is not only goodlooking, smart to near-genius level, wildly competent, insanely wealthy, etc. etc. but solves every single problem that comes the heroine's way to the point that the heroine seemed bland and ineffective. It never seemed clear to AW what drew this unique man to a more or less average heroine. Not only did she not stand out to this reader, but at the beginning of the book St. Vincent, Cam's employer and said hero of the delicious 'Devil in Winter' goes so far as to recommend to him that if he is tired of sophisticated fare (referring to his romantic interests) he should try something 'plain' for a change. MTM did not win in its category, but to this reader it seemed odd that of all the titles available, this was considered one of the best historicals. The winning title was 'Lessons of Desire' by Madeline Hunter, which AW has not read.
In the REGENCY category (which is the only time period to get such special treatment), The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn, another Big Name, not only finalled but won. Gentle Readers of this space will know that AW disliked this novel so intensely she did not finish it. In her view, it had the opposite problem of MTM: likeable heroine, unattractive hero. Yet here it is, decorated with a Rita.
What does it all mean?
That people inclined to lay bets on the outcome next year should ignore AW's predictions?
Probably.
That AW is a strange and unpredictable creature?
Definitely.
That AW should not pay attention to the finalist lists at all?
Well, no, she would not go that far. The precise details of who gets included or left off as a finalist will always be a matter of debate, but it has not yet happened that she found no interesting titles to add to her TBR list.
This year, the ones that looked most promising included
Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourne (Winner, Novel with Strong Romantic Elements)
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (Winner, Young Adult)
Untouched by Anna Campbell (Finalist, Regency)
and the work of my lovely blogger buddy Julia's cousin -
Surrender to a Scoundrel by Julianne MacLean
What about you, Gentle Reader - what did you think of this year's awards?
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Apprentice Writer, A.K.A. ....
SPAGHETTI NECK STELLA WHEELIE-GIG
This is Apprentice Writer's official Geriatric Biker Name, according to debut author Angie Fox's 'THE ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER' name bestowing gadget. AW does not know, at this moment, what geriatric Harley riders have to do with slaying demons, but with cool names like this, how can the book go wrong?
This is Apprentice Writer's official Geriatric Biker Name, according to debut author Angie Fox's 'THE ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER' name bestowing gadget. AW does not know, at this moment, what geriatric Harley riders have to do with slaying demons, but with cool names like this, how can the book go wrong?
Friday, July 18, 2008
Laughter Reviews #20
TWIN REVIEWS: ABANDONED WOMEN
UNPREDICTABLE
by Eileen Cook (Women's Fiction)
&
THE BRONTE PROJECT
by Jennifer Vandever (Women's Fiction)
Title
Excellent. Apprentice Writer adores one-word titles, elegantly capturing content with economy.
*
Intriguing. There is currently a powerful Austen wave rolling through print- and celluoid entertainment. Due to contrary nature, this naturally meant AW was fascinated by the Bronte label. The title (and cover) were sufficient on their own to make her purchase.
Cover
Beautiful cover in gorgeous scarlets and creams. Would have drawn Apprentice Writer's eye even without buzz.
*
Interesting mirror image of a modern young woman and a historical young woman each writing at what looks like the same desk. Plus, the font is very cool.
Premise
Abandoned woman's efforts to convince her fiance to return lead to the launch of psychic career.
*
Abandoned woman's efforts to convince her fiance to return lead to change in academic career.
Sophie is not a particularly deep thinker or given to planning. She makes things up on the spot as she goes along, meaning she often has to bear the consequences of her lack of foresight by wiggling out of yet another awkward mess. This is part of her charm, but may also wear thin quickly for some readers, even those who like her but wish her penny would drop with a little more acceleration.
This reader also never quite understood what it was that drew the fiance back at a certain point, and there was an 'Are you kidding me?' moment when no-one but the villain objects to her plan to get in a car and drive herself down an unfamiliar mountain road in the dark within seconds after coming to following a fainting episode. Of all people, her mother - her mother!- is the one to hand her the keys and encourage her to go. Apprentice Writer considers herself generous in suspending disbelief for the sake of a story that is unfolding well, but this put too large a nail in the coffin (tire?) for her.
*
For Sara, the only aspect AW objects to is in how the story ends. Not because it should have ended differently - it ended exactly right in terms of this particular character and how she had developed. But because this reader would have loved to have had an epilogue or glimpse or SOMETHING to hint at what became of the heroine and the quriky cast of secondary characters following 'The End' (the Gentle Reader will not be surprised to learn that the epilogue in 'A Fish Called Wanda', where the hero and heroine are said to have 13 children and found a leper colony while the villain becomes a government minister in South Africa and fixes the state lottery, is a favorite). All she can do is hope that the author will write another book that satisfies her rampant curiosity.
But does it make you laugh?
YES & YES - on different levels.
If you like your heroine as a hapless everywoman with a dash of slapstick, take a look at Sophie. At first, she simply gets swept along with the tide, making impulsive, opportunistic use of what fortune sends her way, but by the end she has learned that she can actually steer the course of her life. There are some laugh-out-loud moments and physical humor.
If you like your heroine more intellectual, with a gift for seeing parallels between literature and real life, take a look at Sara. At first, she stands somewhat apart from contemporary events around her, focussing more on the bygone lives of the Bronte siblings, but by the end she has gained the passion to live more directly and became a participant/actor rather than primarily on onlooker/acted upon. The humor is more cerebral than laugh-out-loud, but no less effective in this reader's view.
UNPREDICTABLE
by Eileen Cook (Women's Fiction)
&
THE BRONTE PROJECT
by Jennifer Vandever (Women's Fiction)
Title
Excellent. Apprentice Writer adores one-word titles, elegantly capturing content with economy.
*
Intriguing. There is currently a powerful Austen wave rolling through print- and celluoid entertainment. Due to contrary nature, this naturally meant AW was fascinated by the Bronte label. The title (and cover) were sufficient on their own to make her purchase.
Cover
Beautiful cover in gorgeous scarlets and creams. Would have drawn Apprentice Writer's eye even without buzz.
*
Interesting mirror image of a modern young woman and a historical young woman each writing at what looks like the same desk. Plus, the font is very cool.
Author
Debut author, who will soon release her next title and maintains a lively internet presence via her personal website and one she shares with a number of other debut authors.
*
Debut author, who appears to have no follow-up book in the pipeline and who maintains no internet presence that AW could detect. It seems she has returned to her film roots.
Premise
Abandoned woman's efforts to convince her fiance to return lead to the launch of psychic career.
*
Abandoned woman's efforts to convince her fiance to return lead to change in academic career.
Epigraphs
Chapters open with astrological forecasts that foreshadow upcoming scenes.
*
Chapters open with apt quotes from Charlotte Bronte's correspondence, one phrase of which is also chosen to act as chapter title.
What Works
“I’m crouching under the utility sink in the laundry room, clutching Doug’s socks. Not all his socks, just one from each pair, to slowly drive him insane or better yet, drive him back home. I consider trying to stuff myself into the one empty dryer, I consider standing next to the wall (to) blend in with the surroundings, (then I) dive to the floor, pull the stacked laundry bags out (of their shelf), tuck myself in, and pull them back over me. The door opens and Doug walks in.”
The heroine, Sara, is expressed in third person and undergoes character testing both via fiance departure as well as interactions with a great, quirky cast of secondary characters. AW's favorites among them were a French poet who refuses to write any of his work down so as to avoid opinions of others and also due to a wish to include 'everything' in his living poem that he experiences, and the fascinating, aggravating character of a rival academic who heads the 'Princess Diana studies' department.
The writing also appealed, with something funny, thoughtful, or both appearing on almost every page:
"...Sara favored colors that, as her mother liked to point out, occurred naturally in bruises - blacks, blues and grays - while (on) Claire even black looked red."
"...Sara sat on a panel Claire conducted in stony silence. After an hour of tepid debate among the other panelists about quilting and women murderers, Claire turned to Sara and asked if she was giving a demonstration of 'Victorian feminine silence.' Sara mumbled something incoherent about corsets..."
"...'There's a promising young filmaker next to that column,' (the publicist's young female assistant) said. 'Doric or Ionic?' Paul asked. The young woman stared at him, uncomprehending, then ran a hand down the front of her suit. 'Donna Karen. Where have you published?' 'Mostly in Hungary and the back of men's magazines.' She frowned slightly. 'Right now I'm editing "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Complete Idiot's Guide," Paul said. 'What about you?' she wheeled around to Sara. 'Working on my thesis.' 'On?' 'The Bronte sisters.' She thought, cross-referencing with speed-dial celerity. 'I love that old Motown stuff!'..."
Sophie is not a particularly deep thinker or given to planning. She makes things up on the spot as she goes along, meaning she often has to bear the consequences of her lack of foresight by wiggling out of yet another awkward mess. This is part of her charm, but may also wear thin quickly for some readers, even those who like her but wish her penny would drop with a little more acceleration.
This reader also never quite understood what it was that drew the fiance back at a certain point, and there was an 'Are you kidding me?' moment when no-one but the villain objects to her plan to get in a car and drive herself down an unfamiliar mountain road in the dark within seconds after coming to following a fainting episode. Of all people, her mother - her mother!- is the one to hand her the keys and encourage her to go. Apprentice Writer considers herself generous in suspending disbelief for the sake of a story that is unfolding well, but this put too large a nail in the coffin (tire?) for her.
*
For Sara, the only aspect AW objects to is in how the story ends. Not because it should have ended differently - it ended exactly right in terms of this particular character and how she had developed. But because this reader would have loved to have had an epilogue or glimpse or SOMETHING to hint at what became of the heroine and the quriky cast of secondary characters following 'The End' (the Gentle Reader will not be surprised to learn that the epilogue in 'A Fish Called Wanda', where the hero and heroine are said to have 13 children and found a leper colony while the villain becomes a government minister in South Africa and fixes the state lottery, is a favorite). All she can do is hope that the author will write another book that satisfies her rampant curiosity.
Overall
Enjoyed Sophie's story as a quick, breezy read.
*
Absolutely loved Sara's story as a satisfying story,peppered with well-thought-out observations on the nature of love and loss, and poking well-aimed fun at popular culture, literature, and the people who populate highter academic instituions. One of AW's best impulse book buys ever.
But does it make you laugh?
YES & YES - on different levels.
If you like your heroine as a hapless everywoman with a dash of slapstick, take a look at Sophie. At first, she simply gets swept along with the tide, making impulsive, opportunistic use of what fortune sends her way, but by the end she has learned that she can actually steer the course of her life. There are some laugh-out-loud moments and physical humor.
If you like your heroine more intellectual, with a gift for seeing parallels between literature and real life, take a look at Sara. At first, she stands somewhat apart from contemporary events around her, focussing more on the bygone lives of the Bronte siblings, but by the end she has gained the passion to live more directly and became a participant/actor rather than primarily on onlooker/acted upon. The humor is more cerebral than laugh-out-loud, but no less effective in this reader's view.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Summer Reading Galore: CONTEST
The published authors of Toronto Romance Writers are not just talented, but generous.
They are giving away a monster collection of signed books to one lucky summer reader, all the way from
dark gothic (Eve Silver),
to blockbuster & debut urban fantasy (Kelley Armstrong, J.K. Coi),
to award-winning series (Molly O'Keefe),
to funny paranormal (Michelle Rowan, Teresa Roblin),
to multi-flavor historical (Margaret Moore, Kate Bridges, Michelle Ann Young, Amy Ruttan),
to multi-flavor contemporary (Kayla Perrin,Kimber Chin)
to steamy (Christine d'Abo, Wylie Kinson)
and more.
Learn more here: http://www.torontoromancewriters.com/giveaway.html
They are giving away a monster collection of signed books to one lucky summer reader, all the way from
dark gothic (Eve Silver),
to blockbuster & debut urban fantasy (Kelley Armstrong, J.K. Coi),
to award-winning series (Molly O'Keefe),
to funny paranormal (Michelle Rowan, Teresa Roblin),
to multi-flavor historical (Margaret Moore, Kate Bridges, Michelle Ann Young, Amy Ruttan),
to multi-flavor contemporary (Kayla Perrin,Kimber Chin)
to steamy (Christine d'Abo, Wylie Kinson)
and more.
Learn more here: http://www.torontoromancewriters.com/giveaway.html
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