« November 2006 | Main | January 2007 »
December 18, 2006
"The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield
The Thirteenth Tale, a first novel by Diane Setterfield, has been on booksellers’ recommended lists since its debut, and I think for good reason. Margaret Lea, a young woman who works in her father’s London bookshop, is contacted by famous, elderly novelist Vida Winter to write her biography. Winter is notorious for fabricating tales about her life, so Margaret is leery about taking on the project, especially since she has only written one obscure biographical article on a couple of brothers. The stories that unfold are complicated tales of twins, lies, ghosts, and family secrets – both Vida’s and Margaret’s. For book lovers, the story contains literary references, antique books, and bookstore scenes. It has the classic story ambiance of old rotting houses, dark/dreary weather, and mad relatives. One of my favorite passages in the book is:
"Do you know the feeling when you start reading a new book before the membrane of the last one has had time to close behind you? You leave the previous book with ideas and themes – characters even – caught in the fibers of your clothes, and when you open the new book, they are still with you."
This is a tale that I suspect will cling to me for a while.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7432-9802-5
Pam, reserves
Posted by jnardine at 09:09 AM | Comments (0)
December 11, 2006
"Anyone but You" by Jennifer Crusie
Nina Askews plans to restart her life after divorce at age 40 by adopting a cute little puppy to keep her company. Instead, she ends up with Fred, a sad-eyes part basset, part beagle mix. Fred, however, has hidden talents - as a matchmaker, who quickly "introduces" Nina to her handsome younger neighbor Alex. Despite Nina's fears about dating a younger man, she and Alex are drawn to each other and happily ever after ensues.
This delightful book sucked me in within the first five pages and didn't turn me loose until I read the last one. Crusie is definitely a master of the romantic comedy. She blends emotion, humor, sex and solemnity in a delicious concoction of language. Two thumbs way up for this!
ISBN: 0373771460
Jennifer, reference
Posted by jnardine at 09:26 AM | Comments (0)
December 04, 2006
"Breakup Babe: a novel" by Rebecca Agiewich
What could be more fun in terms of contemporary chick lit than a story about a smart young woman who, when dumped by her boyfriend "Loser," starts a blog about the adventures of Breakup Babe which chronicles her post-dumping exploits with various HBIBs (hot but inappropriate boys)? That's what I thought when I first picked up this book, but I had a much harder time getting through it. Although there are many witty quips, funny exploits and clever ideas within (the personification of General Celexa, and two alter egos - Needy Girl and Sensible Girl - being one of the most notable, entertaining quirks) the book as a whole didn't engage me and draw me along.
It's a decent book as far as chick lit goes, and worth wading through to the ending which is the strongest part of the story, but there are more stellar examples available if you're looking for something in this genre.
ISBN: 0345484002
Jennifer, reference
Posted by jnardine at 09:17 AM | Comments (0)