Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde (6 out of 10)

The real title of this book is Thursday Next in Lost in a good book: a novel. I actually read this almost a month ago and somehow forgot to review it. The book is a sequel to the first Thursday Next book (reviewed on 2-23-05) and begins with Thursday trying to get her husband back. There are some interesting Orwellian tones that I really enjoyed in the beginning of the book. However, just when the political stuff gets interesting, Thursday is introduced to the characters of “Jurisfiction.” After that the realities of living in a police state are blown away as her ability to "lose herself in a good book" increases. This book still contains lots of tongue in cheek literary references and is a fun read. The part that sticks with me best is the invention that helps you see when entropy is decreasing. I could use one of those.

Originality-8

Characters- 6

Themes- 4

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I just finished Jane Eyre and was impressed with its feminist heroine. I won’t presume to review it like the other books but thought instead I would offer why Jane is so great.

Why Jane is my Hero.

• Jane’s antidote to self pity is learning.
• Jane knows that the true test of character is during times of greatest temptation.
• Jane values substance over appearance.
• Jane is completely honest with herself.
• Jane is a role model of self reliance and self determination, despite living in the nineteenth century.

The Summons by John Grisham (4 out of 10)

I have read other John Grisham books before and they were pretty compelling. However, The Summons was not compelling at all and I had to force myself to finish it.

Usually Grisham gives us a little guy to root for. In this case his protagonist is a middle aged law professor who finds 3 million cash in his deceased father’s house. (How is this guy sympathetic?) The story further centers around the professor's investigations about the money and someone else’s attempts to take it.

The most interesting character is the drug addict brother who is neglected until the very end of the book. The rest of the book features the typical Grisham legal types (old boy lawyer, greedy lawyer and competent private eye.) This book would have been much more enjoyable if Grisham had done more with the character's family.

Originality-4

Characters- 4

Themes- 4

Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon (8 out of 10)

The Fiery Cross is the fifth installment in the Outlander series, which is a story to live in. The original premise has a post WWII nurse time-travel to 17th Century Scottland where she meets the man of her dreams. Adventure and romance are combined with themes about how to save lives when you have information that is out of time.

The author does such a fantastic job of creating a detailed world and characters that this is the book to read when your life is extremely miserable or boring. I especially enjoyed doing this one in an audio-book format. The narrator, Davina Porter’s crisp English accent really enhanced the tale. If you haven’t read any of this series, start with Outlander.

Fiery Cross picks up with the Frazier clan in Virginia and foreshadows the coming of the revolutionary war. With her 20^th century knowledge Claire tries to figure out how to keep her family safe. Other realities of the time are nicely illustrated and the story of Roger and Brianna is further developed. The only complaint I have about this story is that Gabaldon’s characters seem to have unusually high libidos.

Originality -8

Characters-9

Themes- 7

What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sony Sones (7 out of 10)

Once again I found my self looking for something in print to read and ended up reading my daughter's YA book. Both of my daughters (ages14 and 11) read this book rather fast so I was a little curious about what was so compelling. What My Mother Doesn't Know tells the story of a young high school student who is artistic and boy crazy. The book is written in a poetry format and is extremly quick to read. The character discovers some things that many adults are still trying to figure out about love. It was a little racier than what I would prefer my eleven year old reading but not worse than what she probably sees on TV.

Originality 8

Characters- 6

Themes- 7

Griffin and Sabine by Nick Bantock (7 out of 10)

This book is highly original. Griffin and Sabine tells the story of metaphysical love through letters and postcards. Because the book has actual envelopes with stamps, the reader’s disbelief is quickly suspended. The art work is an added bonus.
I must say another "thank you" to my friend Rose, who lent me the book. I was able to read it in about 30 minutes during our commute to work

Originality 10

Characters- 6

Themes- 5

A story for your reading pleasure.

A couple goes on vacation to a fishing resort in northern Minnesota. The husband likes to fish at the crack of dawn. The wife likes to read. One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance,anchors,and continues to read her book. Along comes a game warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says,

"Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?"

"Reading a book,"she replies, thinking "Isn't it obvious?"

"You're in a restricted fishing area," he informs her.

"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing; I'm reading."

"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up."

"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault," says the woman.

"But I haven't even touched you," says the game warden.

"That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment."

"Have a nice day, ma'am," and he left. .

MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's probable she can also think.

I do not know who wrote this but it gave me a chuckle. Thanks to Karen B who passed this on to me in an email.

Why I like Janet Evanovich (6 out of 10)

Review of To the Nines by Janet Evanovich

For someone who purports to value originality, why do I find myself reading the Stephanie Plum series? Evanovich clearly uses a formula to write each book. (This is the ninth installment.) I was unsure what the appeal was and needed something to defend my reading this series.
Stephanie is a bumbling, bond enforcement agent/ Jersey girl. She is also extremely endearing and the other characters in the book are a hoot. The sexual content is pretty goo. After thinking this through and trying to find a way to defend my reading of the series I finally came up with what I think is a good theme. Stephanie represents in all of us the insecure and incompetent qualities yet the faith that things will turn out okay.

Originality- 3

Characterizations- 8

Themes (see above)-7

link to the library

Galesburg Public Library