Books II

This is what I've read since January 8th:

Dark Voyage, Alan Furst
WWII, Dutch Naval Intelligence, subterfuge, boats...what's not to love!

Faerie Wars, Herbie Brennan
A bit silly (perhaps because I am not the intended audience). I was happy to read about a character in a "fantasy" type novel who wasn't perfect. Usually they're insanely virtuous, could never do wrong, and are pure of heart, spirit, etc. Our protagonist here is almost perfect, but does have trouble with himself now and then.

Rejuvenile, Christopher Noxon
There are some books that just don't need to be written. I love social science, but I don't think that paying any special heed to the fact that adults today enjoy doing things that they did when they were children means anything. The author didn't have much to say, other than providing evidence that adults now enjoy such things as....cupcakes (!), kickball (gasp!), and...and...cartoons!

Epileptic I, David B
A *graphic novel* about a boy, and growing up with an epileptic brother. Some of the witch doctor-esque cures his family seeks are really interesting to read about.

Grayson, Lynne Cox
My hopes were too hight for this little book. Lynne Cox is a swimmer, and has swum just about everywhere (even Antarctic waters). In "Grayson" she tells the story of when she encountered a baby whale, and waited with his for his mother to return.
This read like more of a motivational speech for young athletes than anything else.

America's Best Nonrequired Reading 2002
Good stuff. I had checked it out of the library back in 2002, but didn't get to finish before the due date (that was when I was a very busy girl).

Stuart (A Life Backwards), Alexander Masters
Homelessness and poverty in England, a very sad biography. Told with much wit!

Eragon, Christopher Paolini
Another fantasy protagonist who has flaws! Yay! I am more amazed by the author than I am by the book, he's really really young. Enjoyable, a little predictable now and then.

Throne of Jade, Naomi Novik
This is the second book in a series about fighting dragons, Napoleon, French Naval warfare, etc. It's a totally different setting for a dragon book, and I think they're really interesting. It is possible, though, that this could have been shortened down, I felt like it took a LOT of pages for not that much to happen. Time had to pass for us to understand the changes in the characters, but it's still a tad heavy.

The Natural Disorder of Things, Andrea Canobbio
Translated from Italian, and beautifully written! I found many many phrases I wanted to write down and share with you, but eventually there were too many. Read it! The protagonist is a landscape architect, he has some intriguing clients, and so on.

My Dirty Little Book of Stolen Time, Lis Jensen
Time traveling harlots! WOAH! Quite funny, and not written in the "fantasy" genre style at all.

Fragile Things, Neil Gaiman
I have to say, I was a little disappointed. I think that I prefer Gaiman's writing in longer forms, such as novella or full-length novel. I feel that with short stories, or little posies, that you don't get into the world as much as you'd want to. I should say, as much as *I* want to, because who am I to impose my values on you, dear reader?

The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stores, Susanna Clark
An excellent follow-up to Clark's previous novel, the successful "Johnathan Strange & Mr Norell". J.S. makes an appearance in one of these tales, as does the Raven King, and several others we'll remember from JS&MN. This edition (1st) has lovely images, and bears a handsome cover. Highly recommended.

His Lovely Wife, Elizabeth Dewberry
The day before Princess Diana's death, the protagonist is accidentally mistaken for her. Afterwards, she is shocked by how much P.D.'s death effects her, and goes a little crazy. There is an interesting weaving of string theory (physics) and a narrative about a woman who realizes she isn't happy where she is. Interesting read, but not amazing (I did it in 2.5 hrs).

Night, Elie Wiesel
What can I say? A first-person account of being sent to concentration camps, Wiesel determined it was his duty to bear witness to the horrors he experienced. Included in this new translation (2006) is his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize (BEAUTIFUL!) and a new preface, both were highly appreciated.