Dancing on Thorns by Rebecca Horsfall (3 out of 10)

This novel was not one that I picked out but given to me for review. In case you think I am the Paula Abdul of book reviewers and only give positive reviews, rest assured I am more critical than that. Dancing On Thorns tells the story of a talented male dancer and his soap opera life. I didn't feel sympathetic towards any of the characters and thought the book was too long. The theme of the artist who sacrifices intimacy for his work is not new and this book did not add anything.

Originality 3
Characters 3
Themes 3

Great Mortality by John Kelly (Non Fiction: 7 out of 10)

The Great Mortality : An Intimate History of the Black Death, the Most Devastating Plague of All Time was interesting and not as gruesome as it could have been. It did a decent job of explain how climatic, geological and societal conditions created an environment ideal for the outbreak of the plague. Additionally it interpreted some effects that the plague had on European civilization.

Interest 8
understandability 8
applicability 5