Review: Leslie Marmon Silko – Ceremony

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Rose Herbert

Ceremony

Leslie Marmon Silko

Tayo has survived his beginnings as an outcast of both white and Native American society, only to be sent off to fight a war that he can’t hope to survive intact. As his childhood, war memories and ceremonial present come to the fore, Tayo must make a journey to bring the rain back to the land.

This is one of the novels I was assigned for American Literature. It’s filled with figurative language (images & symbols) and a really heart rending story. The beginning is quite confusing and the time changes irritating, but eventually you get used to Silko’s style.

I found it to be a really rich spiritual journey, one that is so nicely articulated and accessible even for me, a white Australian! I felt quite moved after I had finished reading it, and immediately had to write down some of my impressions for my essay writing.

One of the main things I took away from this novel is that we must all be responsible for our own actions. That’s what Tayo must come to terms with (and does, with Harley’s death) in order to deal with Rocky’s death (which Tayo feels responsible for.

I only wish I felt the same sort of connection to the land and the family that Tayo does. I probably wouldn’t reread this novel, but it certainly gave me some things to think about once I had finished reading it. Even if you’re a bit nary of American Literature, if you need to choose something to read you should choose this one over Tender is the Night or Daisy Miller (both of which I also read for this unit).

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Review: Leisel K. Hill – Persistence of Vision

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Rose Herbert

Persistence of Vision

Leisel K. Hill

Some authors just have a spark in them that makes their worlds come alive in new and exciting ways. Leisel Hill is one of those authors. This is her first novel that I have read, and man, I can’t wait to get my hands on the other ones in this series.

When I wasn’t reading this novel, such as when I was at work, I couldn’t resist thinking about it and mulling over what would happen next. I could say I was captivated by it! However, the attraction wasn’t so strong that it overcame my willpower to work – which is actually a good point for me.

Maggie’s character is so nicely realised. Her actions speak so much louder than her words, yet her words are natural and fit well with the rest of the dialogue. The whole concept (which I don’t want to spoil for you) of losing time and memories is a fascinating one, particularly when there are others that know what has happened – and things are understandably awkward because of this.

I think there was just one section where things didn’t add up for me, and this was the Trackers sent out to find Nat. Now that I’ve perked your ears up for that, you can keep an eye out and see if you notice the same discrepancy. Other than that, the twisting story and what each character knows about each situation is kept strictly under wraps, which adds an element of surprise, as well as being the reason you keep reading.

I never knew I could enjoy a dystopian sci-fi so much! The concepts were really fascinating, and I really could see how the world we are currently inhabiting could go the way of this novel. It wasn’t unbelievable, and the science that was included fitted with what I know already.

This is a novel written by an author who knows what the formula for a good book is, yet has adapted it to produce a great book. I follow Leisel’s blog, and she often posts about how to write good novels, and she has used those techniques to great effect in her work.

The ending was just as good/bad as I hoped. Good, because it was satisfying, bad because this book is only just being released, and I want more right now!!! There were some nice additional twists that got me onto the edge of my seat, and everything was just awesome.

I requested this novel from the author, and was lucky enough to receive a beautiful paperback of it. This has in no way influenced my review, although I have promoted this novel on my blog as much as possible because it’s a great book.

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Review: Michael Santolini – The Rainbow Stick Boy

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Rose Herbert

The Rainbow Stick Boy

Michael Santolini

This is a cute little children’s book which extols the virtues of being different, and finding that someone special to share it with you. Rainbow Stick Boy is different from all the other people in his village because he’s multiple colours, not only one. But there’s something else special about him anyway.

This is a cute little picture book, but not a particularly unique one. There are plenty of others in this genre for kids (‘The Rainbow Fish’) that are better. I didn’t get any requests for a reread – I’d say let your local library buy a copy, and borrow it for your children to read.

I liked the straws he used! That was the highlight of the book for me, and gave me something to laugh about. It was also popular with my young audience.

I’d suggest to the author that although the artwork is as good as other picture book I’ve read, the prose could use some work. Also the title made me think this was a picture book for teaching children about LGBT children and adults, but it wasn’t at all.

I received this novel free, but this in no way influenced my review.

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Review: Marie Brennan – Lies and Prophecy

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Rose Herbert

Lies and Prophecy

Marie Brennan

Kim is majoring in divination, but it doesn’t mean her life is clear cut. There’s signs that things aren’t going smoothly, but with no way to turn, and piles of college work, Kim doesn’t really have enough time to devote to her budding romance as well

I really liked the beginning pages and opening chapters of this novel. They drew me in, and kept my interest up. This hints and things were exactly as you should set up a novel. However The middle of the text felt like it was dragging somewhat, which I found annoying.

As always, the fact that this novel is set in a university for fascinating for me, and held my interest in the same way that the early Harry Potter books did. I just love learning things! I dabbled in some tarot and runes when I was younger (as well as wicca) and I think that this novel is quite accurate in its portrayal. Of course there is not enough there for a whole training in it though.

Although the majority of the text is told for Kim’s point of view, some is from Julien’s, which becomes more important as the text progresses. I would have found the final scenes very jarring had I not had any insight into him before. However his narration is more of a limited kind as you feel less feelings from him.

The ending was less inspiring than I had hoped. I kept checking, going “Uh oh, only 20 pages left and I don’t think they’re going to solve the problem in that time and I don’t think this is a series” and indeed it wasn’t, and I wasn’t satisfied! Yes, the hurdles they overcame made sense and made things work out well though, but there wasn’t any real resolution of conflict.

I did finish this novel, and think that I wished something had been different, but it wasn’t a bad book by any means. I wonder whether there will be more in the series, and I’ll totally read them if I can get my hands on a free copy. I probably wouldn’t opt to buy this for myself. Recommended for teenagers.

I received this novel as a free copy from somewhere (no idea where any more), but that has in no way altered my review.

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Review: Jean Haus – In the Band

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Rose Herbert

In the Band

Jean Haus

Welcome to Reading Addiction Blog Tour’s stop for ‘In the Band’.

Riley was supposed to go interstate for a drumming scholarship, but has instead stayed home with her increasingly dysfunctional family. When she tries out for a band, she’s a shoo in, but will the sparks that fly between her and Romeo destroy the chemistry of the band?

The official blurb:

When family problems push Riley Middleton into giving up a percussion scholarship in another state and attending college from home, her friends push her to try out for a local rock band. Of course, Riley makes the band. She rules at the drums.

Riley soon finds out rock bands have a different dynamic than marching bands, especially when each of her male band mates has a major ego and is a major player. Two of them relentlessly flirt with her. The other—a dark, sexy rock god she can’t help being attracted to— is a total jerk and pushes her to quit. She becomes determined to ignore his rudeness and his hotness. Even if she was interested in jerks, a hook up would probably get her booted out of the ego-ridden band, and playing keeps her sane. Behind the drums, the world and her family’s troubles evaporate.

If she wants to stay in the band, Riley just has to ignore the growing sparks between her and her band enemy. But as she gets to know the man behind the stage persona, ignoring him proves to be more difficult than flowing through a time sig shift.

My review:

This novel was great. There was a main storyline which was really powerful without being cloying – the chemistry between Romeo and Riley. At the same time there are plenty of other romance storylines happening at once – so much drama!

Sex scenes in this one, and plenty of groping, but it’s not too bad. Really this one is in the category of young adult for a good reason. There’s plenty of swearing as well, which I learnt to ignore eventually.

I felt Riley as a person. I wanted to cry with her when some things happened, and other times I just wanted her to beat the crap out of other people. Romeo was understandable too, and frustrating.

Band dynamics are always interesting to see and interpret. It’s strange to me for over 18 shows (which are I suppose opposed to over 21 shows in the US), and the bribing the bouncer to get in. But I guess I never did that, so it didn’t make sense to me.

I hope to see more from this author in the same genre, with the same mix of heavy teenage issues. I really enjoyed this one, and was gripped right to the end.

I didn’t approve of the ending, but then I guess this is a romance, so love is supposed to trump all. And they were pretty miserable before that. But the band! Music! Music should be the priority! I can understand about family though. Sigh.

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About the Author

Jean Haus lives in Michigan with her wonderful husband and son who, other than cooking, have taken over homemaking duties since she started writing more. When Jean isn’t writing, she’s usually reading. Anything from young adult to historical fiction as long as there is a bit of romance, she’ll load it on her Kindle. She loves to cook, and someday she will create the world’s best potsticker.

You can find her at:

http://jeanhaus.com

http://www.facebook.com/jean.haus

http://twitter.com/JeanHaus

Not sure if you like my opinion? Good thing this is a tour! You can look at some other things at:

January 14 – Reading Addiction Blog Tours – Meet and Greet

January 15 – Coffee Books and Lipgloss – Review

January 16 – YA Reviews and News – Review

January 17 – Up All Night Reviews – Review

January 18 – My Devotional Thoughts – PROMO

January 19 – The College Crawl – Review

January 20 – TE Garden of Books – Review

January 21 – Mom With a Kindle – PROMO

January 22 – Diane Mulligan – PROMO

January 23 – For the Love of Film and Novels – Review

January 24 – Delirious About Books – PROMO

January 25 – Oh The Books That You’ll Read – Review

January 26 – Tana Rae Reads – Review

January 27 – Reader Girls -Review

January 29 – Lauries Thoughts and Reviews – PROMO

January 30 – My Reading Addiction – PROMO

January 31 – Just A Booklover – Review

February 1 – A Date With a Book – Review

February 2 – Andi’s YA Books – Review

February 3 – Rampant Readers – Review

February 4 – Book Lovin Mama’s – PROMO

February 5 – My Bookmark Blog – Review pan>

February 6 – Doodle’s Book Blog – PROMO

February 7 – Bibliophile’s Thoughts -PROMO

February 8 – The Cosy Dragon – Review

Review: Victoria Simcox – The Black Shard (review and giveaway)

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Rose Herbert

The Black Shard

Victoria Simcox

I originally read and reviewed The Magic Warble, the first book in this series, and said it reminded me of Enid Blyton’s ‘The Faraway Tree’. This novel is listed as a ‘middle-grade’ read, ages 9-13. It has 1-2 images every chapter.

Kristina is getting older, but she still remembers the fun times she had in her fantasy land Bernovem. Even as she writes about them in her journal, and others who went with her tell her she is stupid, she still perseveres with her memories.

The language of this novel could have done with a little more polishing for my liking. Certain things such as “Davina and Hester bonded together like lint on sticky glue.” made me giggle, but others just seemed as if the book hadn’t had enough editing.

The beginning of the novel was quite slow, but things quickly heated up. I found some elements to be similar to Lord of the Rings, which can only be a good thing! Introducing younger readers to fantasy early is always good.

Once again, the plot points are quite transparent to me, but it wouldn’t be as obvious to younger readers. I’m glad I read this novel – seeing Kristina and Werrien develop is wonderful. I hoped for more development from the antagonists, but it wasn’t quite there for me…

I received a free copy of this book after I previously reviewed The Magic Warble, and then offered to do a review and another giveaway for the author. This has in no way influenced the review I have given.

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Review: Barbara Kingsolver – Animal Dreams

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Rose Herbert

Animal Dreams

Barbara Kingsolver

Codi is from Grace, but has spent years running from her past. With the departure of her sister for war-torn lands, Codi can return to Grace and make a new life for herself – but only after she has salvaged her childhood.

This is another American Literature book I read, and the essay question with it was with Ceremony. I can understand why these two books were paired together – they are both filled with symbolism and strange narrative forms. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this novel.

Although some of this novel is memories, particularly the sections by Homero, the rest shows a drive towards Codi reclaiming her memories in the present. This process takes place over two years, between three All Souls’ Days. For me, this process was fascinating, and I really didn’t know what I expected Codi to do until near the end of the novel – making it a strangely compelling page-turner.

I think if I go on to do further studies in literature of some kind, I would choose American Literature to work on. My only regret of this degree is that English literature (as in, Britain) is not represented in the major. I also really enjoyed Irish literature. Give me something with a decent history and anything but Australian literature.

Although I couldn’t recommend this for fantasy readers, if you naturally enjoy general fiction I would definitely recommend it. I’m not even sure precisely why I would, but I just would! I enjoyed it. The neuroses of Codi, her memories, and the unforgettable Loyd – it’s just so powerful, losing a mother, a daughter and a sister.

I would even venture to say that if I was required to read some more general fiction for some reason, I’d choose a Kingsolver novel to do it. Yay, Kingsolver! Seriously, go ad borrow it from your local library – you’ll find yourself enjoying it despite any preconceived notions you might have.

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Review: Stephen Chbosky – The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Rose Herbert

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Stephen Chbosky

Charlie hangs on the outskirts of teenage society. Initially, instead of connecting with his peers, he sends letters to an unnamed ‘friend’, and these are the medium through which his burgeoning social life is explored.

This novel has recently been made into a ‘major motion picture’. I’m not really sure why. It felt like I had read the novel, and not felt anything. Maybe other people felt more profoundly for Charlie’s situation and everyday life – I just wanted to know what was wrong with him and get on with it.

I was not satisfied by the ending, or the rational behind Charlie’s behaviour. I thought that for sure he had Asberger’s (recently publicised for all the wrong reasons), or some other form of social ineptitude What happened to him doesn’t explain his behaviour rationally enough for me.

It’s well written enough, although I don’t really go for the letter format usually, as it restricts the point of view so much. I think I have a preference for third person omniscient narration, but I digress. Charlie’s individual voice is certainly developed through the novel, although the letter format would have worked equally well as a journal format.

It’s marketed as coming of age, if you can say sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll are part of every teenager’s upbringing. Molestation at a young age, various family abuses and also being queer in the 1990s was covered. It’s hard to think of these things when I was just a little kid back then! If I was into those types of things, I would have said I was born too late, but as it is, if that’s a typical scenario of that time, I’m glad I missed out.

I guess after reading this one I felt pretty indifferent. I should have been reading my literature novel, and honestly, I feel that that one was on the same par, if not better! That isn’t a good sign. I’d like my time back please.

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Review: F Scott Fitzgerald – Tender is the Night

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Rose Herbert

Tender is the Night

F Scott Fitzgerald

Tender is the Night is the tale of Nicole and Dick Diver’s marriage deterioration, which is precipitated by Rosemary Hoyt. Told from changing perspectives, it offers insights into a schizophrenic’s eyes, against a deteriorating and increasingly pedophilic man who is obsessed with young innocents.

Younger readers would have come across Fitzgerald because of his other text, The Great Gatsby. In Australia, it’s basically on every school English curriculum at some point. I found it preferable at least to the Australian literature texts I studied last term.

Surprisingly, I found myself quite enjoying this novel in a way that I didn’t expect, given that it was a literature text. However, when I got to Book II< the perspective of the novel started changing quite rapidly and confusingly, and this put me off. I couldn’t believe how stupid Dick and Rosemary were, and how quickly Nicole could deteriorate. Well, actually, I could understand how she could deteriorate, but I was a bit questionable about whether her character was an accurate representation of schizophrenia as it is categorised today.

The narrative points of this novel were fascinating. The perspective starts as Rosemary, and then moves onto Dick and often shows focalising of other characters. I actually wrote my essay on this, although I struggled to link the ‘meaning and distinctiveness’ of the novel to the narration.

I’ve sworn to myself to try and finish all of the set texts for my last literature course, but we’ll see how successful I am. Anyway, you should expect to see at least 5 more American literature text reviews coming in the next 9 or so weeks.

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Review: Rod Englert – Blood Secrets: Chronicles of a Crime Scene Reconstrutionist

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Rose Herbert

Blood Secrets: Chronicles of a Crime Scene Reconstrutionis

Rod Englert

This novel attempts to explain some background for blood splatter interpretations and the majority of the text is made up by anecdotes. There is also some very interesting background information about the author’s youth, and his career progression.

This book is not in my usual genre, my partner recieved it as a Christmas gift at a family Boxing Day party, and I snaffled it ot read so I wouldn’t have to do any awkward conversation. I was pleasantly surprised and found myself not wanting to put it down – I finished it in a day.

For me, each of the human interest stories which were logically set out were great. It’s like crime short stories for me – yay, no waiting to find out who did it! I’m not patient enough to read a real ‘crime’ novel.

I didn’t really appreciate the images of blood splatter that my partner will probably find the most interesting pages out of the whole book. The case studies were way more interesting – I guess it just reflects that I’m more of a fiction reader than a non-fiction one.

I did have one squeamish moment, but funnily enough it wasn’t about the blood, it was a mention of someone’s toenails being ripped off. Ouch! I feel kinda squeamish right now just thinking about it.

The author of this memoir is passionate about his topic and it shows throughout the text. His cowriter/editor combination pulls things into fascinating detail, and makes the whole lot work. I only wish that I can find something that I am so passionate about when it’s time for me to enter the workforce proper.

I’m totally going to give this book 4 stars. I probably won’t reread it, but I did find myself enjoying a genre that I don’t usually read, and that makes a huge difference. Maybe there is hope for crime after all!

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The Cosy Dragon

Books, Dragons and a good cup of tea. Fantasy, YA and Queer Book Reviews

Category Archives: Book Reviews

Review: Leslie Marmon Silko – Ceremony

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Review: Leisel K. Hill – Persistence of Vision

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Review: Michael Santolini – The Rainbow Stick Boy

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Review: Marie Brennan – Lies and Prophecy

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