Initially, I really enjoyed this book. It opens up and immediately grasps readers with its unique perspective - the book is narrated by one sister dirInitially, I really enjoyed this book. It opens up and immediately grasps readers with its unique perspective - the book is narrated by one sister directly to her deceased sister, catching her up on what has been happening since her death. It really gives an interesting frame to the novel and its actions. There is a lot of emotion in this book - and Lupton does a wonderful job of conveying a realistic relationship between these two sisters.
Unfortunately, the ending spoiled the entire book for me. It is one of those manipulative endings with a surprise so shocking that it completely detracts from the entire build-up of the book. The final conflict and resolution are rendered pointless. Despite the manipulative end twist, other parts in the plot felt predictable, which slowed the action down quite a bit in sections. Lupton introduces a lot of interesting information about cystic fibrosis here which adds a lot to the overall storyline, but her betrayal to the reader just soured the book past the redeeming point for me. I don’t like books that seem to revel in tricking the reader, and it just felt especially disappointing have such a promising beginning (and middle) of the book....more
Though omnibus editions are great in some ways for convenience, they fail in a lot of ways, by their sheer size. This hefty novel weighs in at over 12Though omnibus editions are great in some ways for convenience, they fail in a lot of ways, by their sheer size. This hefty novel weighs in at over 1200 pages, and unfortunately, my edition contains an unfortunate misprint, so I missed out on a chunk of the story. But, since they were originally published separately, I will take a separate look at each of the ten books this omnibus contains:
Nine Princes in Amber:
The series opens with an interesting hook. This first slim volume in the series originates from the early seventies, and I admit that the vocabulary dates the book. It definitely has a dated feel. And I can see why the book are not reprinted separately - this first “book” feels closer to a novella, and most certainly is not a complete story. Our narrator is likable, and his family is quite fascinating - and the structure of the magic described is certainly original. I am definitely curious to see where Corwin’s story will develop - his past certainly seems fascinating, so I hope that more is revealed there as well as future adventures throughout the next nine novels.
The Guns of Avalon:
Now that the introductions are made, this second book in the Chronicles of Amber feels even more enjoyable! As the family ties become more convoluted, the entire storyline becomes more fascinating! Zelazny has clarified more about the organization of magic in this series, which makes the storyline itself feel more coherent. This is a very unique series and the plot definitely holds some unpredictable twists. And what a cliffhanger of an ending! I am so happy that I have only to turn the page to begin the third book!
Sign of the Unicorn:
Zelazny has a real knack for ending these novels on cliffhangers, which reiterates my joy in having an omnibus. As this saga progresses, the mystery and intrigue deepens with each plot twist and turn. And many of these complexities to the plot come along quite unexpectedly. The characters, so far at least, are strong and I love how unique the entire storyline feels.
The Hand of Oberon:
In this novel, my misprinted copy does not contain about thirty or so pages, so this book on the whole feels a bit spoiled to me. At least the thrilling ending remains, though I am sure it would have been even more exciting with all the previous pages. Still, this one, like the three before it, ends on a cliffhanger. I hope that I am not missing anything too significant to the overall plot, because I am quite enjoying this intriguing storyline.
The Courts of Chaos:
I must admit, this fifth volume in the series feels more like a finale than a halfway mark. For the first time, Zelazny does not end it on a cliffhanger, and a great many of the lingering questions and mysteries are resolved here. Perhaps this is the original conclusion of the series? I like Corwin’s story, and am excited that there are five more books remaining, but I cannot begin to predict what they will be about!
Trumps of Doom:
Unfortunately, this sixth novel in the series really comes as something of a shock. In this omnibus edition, there are no descriptions or any sort of introductions into the next book. And while this is fine for the first five novels, as they all run together rather smoothly from one cliffhanger ending to the next scene. This one, however, is also told in the first person, but Corwin is no longer the narrator. Now the focus has moved to Merlin, Corwin’s son. And once over the initial shock and confusion, this book is an exciting and interesting start to a whole new plotline. And the cliffhanger endings are back, too!
Blood of Amber:
The plot thickens here, but despite interesting new developments, the ending here is rather convoluted. These later books are starting to reflect the past novels, creating new/old problems that are both fresh and familiar. Merlin is likable enough, I suppose, but I really miss Corwin. I hope that the series will shed more light on him...
Sign of Chaos:
These later volumes in the series simply are not as compelling as the earlier books. Maybe this is because I much prefer Corwin to Merlin, or maybe because I am wearying of the lack of resolutions in each individual novel. The cliffhanger endings add to the overall fun, but as the series progresses, I am finding it less and less satisfying.
Knight of Shadows:
Though a lot happens in this ninth book, it is hard to imagine that the entire series will be satisfyingly concluded in the last volume. Some missing characters turn up here, which makes for a pleasant surprise. And the more I see that Mandor, the more I like him. I am curious to see how it will all turn out in the next and final volume in the series - but I am also a bit hesitant, because I feel like it won’t be as complete of a conclusion as I am hoping for.
Prince of Chaos: Though exciting, this book is hardly the grand finale that I expected. So many questions are left unanswered, and I ultimately, the beginning of the series is much stronger than the ending, giving the entire Chronicles a rather uneven feeling. Overall, it is a very unique series, but it would be a much stronger series if only it ended more satisfyingly. And the quality of the actual omnibus with its printing errors and lack of introductions to the separate novels is quite poor, adding to my overall disappointment. ...more
I didn't really care much for this book at all. The premise captured my interest - that of a woman who failed to recognize her own son getting off theI didn't really care much for this book at all. The premise captured my interest - that of a woman who failed to recognize her own son getting off the school bus - but ultimately, the plot failed to maintain my curiosity. Perhaps its only saving grace was its length - it was a very short novel - more of a novella than a novel, really. The narrator's flights of fancy became dull and rather cliche after the first fifty pages. The stylized writing was solid, but the lack of real characters and an actual, moving plot detracted from its strength. The resolution was hardly satisfying - but really, the most frustrating thing was the lack of believable characters. There wasn't enough credibility created for some of the actions that took place. In the end, the only reason why I even bothered to finish it was because of its short page count. ...more
Despite a solid, creepy foundation and build-up, the book’s climax fell completely flat. Of all the fictitious Satans that I have stumbled across in nDespite a solid, creepy foundation and build-up, the book’s climax fell completely flat. Of all the fictitious Satans that I have stumbled across in novels, this was by far the most stereotypical. Rovin did not add anything extra to round out this demonic presence into an actually interesting character the way so many other authors are able to accomplish. Some of the almost political topics that the book broaches feel more like odd tangents and a way for the author to reveal personal opinions, as they do not move the plot forward at all. The overall premise of the novel definitely sounded interesting, but ultimately, the book quickly became ridiculous and trite. I had quite enjoyed Vespers, so I harbored hope that this would be the same level of fun and excitement, but I just did not enjoy reading this at all. The plot unfolded too slowly and ended too lamely. ...more
What a depressing book. I didn't hate - surprisingly enough. It just seemed to be a book of one sad thing after another, loosely tied together by the What a depressing book. I didn't hate - surprisingly enough. It just seemed to be a book of one sad thing after another, loosely tied together by the presence of the dog. There was just nothing uplifting whatsoever about the entire book. And what type of man trades in his dog in exchange for a once-a-week sexual favor?! It was just a sad, depressing little book, but, I must admit, it did hold my interest (though mostly I felt like I was waiting for something good to FINALLY happen...) and it certainly drew out emotions (melancholic emotions). The more I think about it, the less I like it, actually... It really did not contain anything positive whatsoever. ...more
I enjoyed this novel a lot more than her earlier novel, Love and Other Impossible Pursuits. It was an emotional read - though entirely predictable in I enjoyed this novel a lot more than her earlier novel, Love and Other Impossible Pursuits. It was an emotional read - though entirely predictable in plot. The book had a definite Lifetime-movie quality to it, so that may appeal more to readers other than myself... I just didn’t find Waldman’s characters to be particularly sympathetic and a more unpredictable plot would have gone a long way in improving the overall novel....more
This is a light, spring/summer-type read with some funny parts and four very different narrators. The structure and writing are solid, as each charactThis is a light, spring/summer-type read with some funny parts and four very different narrators. The structure and writing are solid, as each character is quite distinct from the other. This is something not all authors accomplish well, but Willard succeeds here.
However, the whole book borders on the ridiculous side... the premise of these two women raising this girl together just seems more than unlikely. Although the most unbelievable thing is how these four women (well, the three women plus Hope) all lived together for a dozen years and didn't seem to know one another at all. That’s an awful long time to keep so many secrets. All of those secrets definitely create the interesting part of the story, but realistically speaking, it never quite made it there. It seems to me that Hope’s origins were where the real story lay, but the book instead focuses on the “happily-ever-after” part of their life with Hope. There isn't much conflict, or struggle in the book. It hints at past passions, past agonies, but none of this is realy shown in the book. It seems that the story on the way to where the book begins would just be SO much more interesting than the book itself . Really, and not to harp on this, but It is just mind-boggling to me that they made it a dozen years in that house without any resolutions and living more or less like strangers. And why were the men’s roles left so undefined? There could have been resolutions with Hope’s father, or least more of a mention of him! And why not have that sweet boy, Dan, play a larger role? I mean, it is a cute book, I guess... but other than the strength of the narration, nothing ever feels really earth-shatteringly good....more
Though I finished this serial killer thriller, I simply never connected with any of the characters, and the plot felt rather predictable as well. AfteThough I finished this serial killer thriller, I simply never connected with any of the characters, and the plot felt rather predictable as well. After turning the last page, that lingering feeling of not quite being able to pin down just what I disliked so much about the book continued to bother me. After some minimal Internet research I realized that this was the third book in a series. I wish that publishers would market series books accordingly!! I would never have tried to start a series in the middle intentionally! That may explain some of why I never felt connected to the characters, but the disjointed and predictable plot just don’t make me want to track down the first two novels in the series. I particularly disliked the narrator, and just have no desire to read another one of Philpin’s books....more
Initially, I really enjoyed this novel. Unger writes with a definitely a different style and voice for the narrator of a thriller, but at first it felInitially, I really enjoyed this novel. Unger writes with a definitely a different style and voice for the narrator of a thriller, but at first it felt fresh and exciting. Unfortunately, it became a rather tired tale very quickly. The plot was predictable, with a solution lacking a basis in solid facts. Overall, it read more like a romance novel than a thriller. It was hokey, unimpressive and used unoriginal characters and relationships. All in all, I was rather disappointed. The most interesting thing was that the adoption motif that I just encountered in Trollope’s Brother and Sister: A Novel carried through to this book. ...more
This was certainly a fast read. In general, I enjoyed it - this topic of adoption was interesting, but it wasn't really what I expected. I think I wasThis was certainly a fast read. In general, I enjoyed it - this topic of adoption was interesting, but it wasn't really what I expected. I think I was hoping it would be a bit more like a Jodi Picoult book and it never reached that dramatic of a level. The characters, I think, were what was really lacking - they weren't entirely fleshed out and the P.O.V.s, particularly of the children, were weak. The writing was a little weak too - but that was probably more to do with the fact that I have been reading so much Anne Rice lately and this author's writing was just so... English. Usually, I enjoy English voices, but, I don't know, overall this book seemed average at best. I would probably not have purchased other books of hers, but I got a few at the dollar racks all at the same time as I purchased this one, so hopefully this is just not the best example of Trollope’s work and the others will be stronger....more
This book was quietly depressing. In some ways, it reminded me of the movie Garden State, but without the humour, the romance and the redemption. HenrThis book was quietly depressing. In some ways, it reminded me of the movie Garden State, but without the humour, the romance and the redemption. Henry Powell's life of quiet but intense desperation was well written, but in the end there was no real hope for him. This novel was more of an elongated character study than anything else and while there was wrong with it per se, it was just too depressing to really enjoy. All in all, it was a disappointment....more
Not one to shy away from long books, I found both the title and inside-flap description of this book to be quite intriguing. Unfortunately, those wereNot one to shy away from long books, I found both the title and inside-flap description of this book to be quite intriguing. Unfortunately, those were the only redeeming qualities of this 760-page book. The editors must have fallen asleep reading their copy as many times as I did and just didn’t want to admit it. This book needs an editor. Creatively chopping it in half and selling it in parts (as they did with the trade paperback version) is NOT editing. The book is simply WAY too long. Even the sentences drag on and on and on... To approach eight hundred pages successfully, the only thing readers should be complaining about is that the book is so heavy that forced breaks for your arms to recover are a nuisance. Here, I just wish that I hadn’t bothered to finish it. The entire text is so heavily bogged down with irrelevant detail after irrelevant detail. Quickly, it became an absolute chore to read.
It would have been an intriguing story if it had stronger characters (like the main character, Miss Temple, for example - she is a 25-year-old who seemed like a spinsterish 60-year-old virginal nun - it was amazing how many times I had to remind myself of her actual age when she bent down without spraining a joint) that weren't so utterly unbelievable. And the mix of real places with fictitious ones wouldn't have been so infuriating if it had only once mentioned the name of the land they were supposed to be in (England seems most likely). Either way, these potential improvements hardly matter - the book has been published. I've never fallen asleep while reading more - even textbooks are more stimulating reading than this. The best part of the book? Having finished it. The only explanation for all the extraneous detail is showmanship and to add to the odd tone but all it did was drag out a plot that would have been much stronger had it been genuinely more suspenseful. This is one of the books that I genuinely regret wasting my time with. Please don’t waste yours. ...more
This is a strange, but entertaining book. It was quite funny and very strangely written with different P.O.V.s all over the place. I don't know that IThis is a strange, but entertaining book. It was quite funny and very strangely written with different P.O.V.s all over the place. I don't know that I would read another book by this author though everything was well-written. The characters were certainly ridiculous, but I don't know how well it ended - some storylines weren't wrapped up enough. I don't think I would recommend it either... It was just missing something......more
Eck. While in my first year of library school, I found this book in the dollar shelves of a local used bookstore. It looked like a fun and lighthearteEck. While in my first year of library school, I found this book in the dollar shelves of a local used bookstore. It looked like a fun and lighthearted break from library textbooks. So, admittedly, I had rather high hopes for the novel. Unfortunately, this book completely disappointed me. It just wasn't very good at all. The "humour" promised on the back of the book was completely nonexistent. And the book had an oddly egotistical tone to it... Not to mention barely any actual library work described. Also for being marketed as a "romance" there was very little romance within these pages - well, unless stalking, one dumb crush and two lame kisses amount to romance. It certainly did not meet any of my expectations in either the humour or romance department. Perhaps most upsettingly, rather than offset or create jokes around librarian stereotypes, the book only presented a character, in her high-necked blouses and complete lack of a social life, that was a caricature of the stereotypical librarian. Frankly, this was the worst book that I have read in a while. Especially the ending - nothing redeeming there - just completely rushed AND ludicrous! I wasted my time reading this and was completely let down by the idea of a cute, fun book as the cover promised....more
Ehh.. this was a very strange book. I must say that I expected more after reading the reviews. It was not scary, just unnecessarily gory. The only chaEhh.. this was a very strange book. I must say that I expected more after reading the reviews. It was not scary, just unnecessarily gory. The only character that was at all likable was Solly, the golden retriever. I just didn't like this book very much. For having a lot of action, it came off as a story being told, with cliche wording and odd phrases that just seemed childish, not edgy e.g. "trying to turn Solly into coleslaw." Most of the people were wooden and the plot was more ridiculous than anything else, with a lack of motivation/explanation behind it. All in all, this was quite disappointing....more
I enjoyed this book of essays quite a bit. It had parts that were laugh-out-loud funny, but it was not on the same caliber as the essay collections ofI enjoyed this book of essays quite a bit. It had parts that were laugh-out-loud funny, but it was not on the same caliber as the essay collections of David Sedaris. Actually, this reminded me of the essays of Chuck Klosterman, but with more of a political slant than an entertainment based one. I would read his other books, but I guess I am not really going to race to the store for another one. It was an entertaining collection, but there isn’t really that one essay that I felt like I just had to share with a friend, or re-read over and over to laugh again and again. ...more
Well, at first, I really loved this book - the beauty and romance of it all was initially intoxicating. But the crushing reality of its ending ruined Well, at first, I really loved this book - the beauty and romance of it all was initially intoxicating. But the crushing reality of its ending ruined the whole book for me. It really did. Too many questions were left hanging... and for all that magic to be stomped away, it really left a reader wanting to read something else. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who wanted to be disappointed. This one retold fairy tale that really lost the magic of its medium....more
I sat down with this collection of short, retold fairy tales and definitely did not intend on reading it one sitting. It was a fast read, but what droI sat down with this collection of short, retold fairy tales and definitely did not intend on reading it one sitting. It was a fast read, but what drove me through the book so quickly wasn’t enjoyment, so much as the search for pleasure in one of the stories. Unfortunately, the magic was drained right out of these fairy tales - it was more of a modernization than anything else. Which certainly was not what I was expecting, which disappointed me. It was interesting enough, I suppose, but it read more like poetry than prose in parts, which added to my overall dislike of the collection. ...more
I really didn't enjoy this book at all. Which is a surprise, since I adore to read about dogs. But this book didn't offer any new information (other tI really didn't enjoy this book at all. Which is a surprise, since I adore to read about dogs. But this book didn't offer any new information (other than offering an explanation for why my dog peed around Mary D.- because she's so tall!); what was the most upsetting was that the author didn't actually seem to like dogs very much. Also, the book really discounted the connection between a dog and its owner. And, I must admit, the gene-therapy at the end, I could only skim... it was a little too boring. Oh - and this book made a one paragraph dismissal of Rupert Sheldrake's entire book, Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home: And Other Unexplained Powers of Animals, which hardly seems like a thorough rebuttal... This really just wasn’t enjoyable, as it was filled with redundant information and an underlying tone of distaste for dogs. ...more
This is a VERY strange book. Through a collection of short stories - well, vignettes is perhaps a better term - the book recounts a fictional future. This is a VERY strange book. Through a collection of short stories - well, vignettes is perhaps a better term - the book recounts a fictional future. And while it is a fast, engaging read, very reminiscent of The Handmaid's Tale, it frankly makes little sense. The writing is strong... but there isn't really enough of it there to redeem the book. Maybe this would be better for a book club so that there could be a discussion about it... because, I must admit, some meaning was definitely lost on me. It is interesting, though I would have preferred this idea to be presented in the more traditional novel form... I never have been a big fan of short stories, after all, and these feel especially brief even for the sub-genre....more
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