Review: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (Audiobook)

This is one of those books that I can truly say had a very huge influence on my life. I cannot remember being interested in anything remotely scientific or based in the Real World, but Mrs. L'Engle inspired me to look outside my comfort zone. I did not just love the Time Quartet, but I learned to love other books by giving them a chance.

Meg Murry is a teenage girl who doesn't quite fit in with her schoolmates, her community, or even her own family. As her brother Charles Wallace puts it, she's not one thing or another. In addition to finding herself, she is faced with challenge of finding her missing father with her four year old brother and sports star Calvin O'Keefe.

While it is a coming of age novel, it is also a great example of The Hero's Journey. Meg has to travel across the universe on a quest, battle an epic villain, and learn from her travels.

With all of that said, the best thing about the book is the characters. Every time I read or think about the book, I always wish that I had Charles Wallace as a little brother, a Calvin O'Keefe to long after, and three science-maven godmothers to lead me in the right direction, but let me follow my own path.

I'm always disappointed to hear that this book is no longer required reading, but my daughter will be required to read it because it's a beautiful story about love that transcends genre, religion, and science.

Format - Audiobook read by Madeleine L'Engle, finished 6/3/11

It is important to note that there is much to be gained by a story being told verbally, even more so when told by the author. However, having the story read by the author, who is also a master storyteller, is a magnificent experience. She was able to portray aspects of the book that have slipped past my notice, despite the countless times that I have read it. I hope to make listening to Mrs. L'Engle read her work an annual experience.

Review: A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

Leah Clifford’s A Touch Mortal is a simply wonderful Young Adult novel. The Urban Fantasy genre has gotten quite crowded in the past decade, but Clifford’s debut novel still manages to stand out. She did not choose to go with the ever-popular choice – vampires and werewolves – but chose instead to throw together zombies and angels.

We begin the novel with Eden, our heroine, as a flawed teenager, bored with life and contemplating suicide until she meets the two friends, Az and Gabe. There is something different about the two young men, but then again, she’s not quite normal herself.

The plot twists, turns and flips upside-down as we watch Eden adjust to her new life and fight her inner (and outer?) demons. I read the book in less than a day, and it left me yearning for more. I must also mention that the beautiful cover art by Paul Zakris is genius. I spent probably ten minutes savoring the outside of the book alone. Not only is the young girl on the front cover gorgeous, but what you do not see on the back just catches the essence of the book. A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford is the total package for a good read.

 Originally posted on GoodReads 2/27/11

Review: Hounded by Kevin Hearne

I could use this as a letter to Kevin Hearne to let him know how awesome Hounded is. Since I already did that on Twitter, I'm going to let YOU know how awesome Hounded is.

I read quite a few reviews of this book, and I will honestly say my expectations were VERY high. That is never a good thing for me to carry into a book with me. I must say that I still managed to be impressed with Mr. Hearne's debut novel. Here are a few things that stood out for me:

1) His characters are well-researched. Mr. Hearne knows his business, which is good since he's using "real" deities in his books (yes, there will be more!). It also gives the mortal characters a certain relatability because he has taken time to make a backstory for them. Well, except for the witches perhaps, but I'll forgive him for that since there are two more books coming out this summer.

2) There are an abundance of pop culture references! There is a little bit thrown in for everyone. By everyone, I mean people like me because the rest of you do not matter. Just kidding. Kinda. Anyway, his characters fit into the modern world because they like MODERN things. And Atticus is a bit of a sexy dork, not unlike myself.

3)The plot is woven intelligently well. By this I mean that everything ties together so far. One thing leads to another without being too predictable. Mr. Hearne wrapped up Hounded quite well, but left a nice lead-in for Hexed.

All of that being said, I will HAVE Hexed the day it comes out, even if I have to go to Barnes & Noble's storage room myself to find it. This is coming from the lady who waits until either the library has it or can get it for 50¢ at a garage sale. I expect Mr. Hearne will be around quite a while. And his little dog, too.

Adventures in Book Reviews

As much as I love to read books, I figure this would be a perfect opportunity for me to share that love with the poor, unsuspecting souls to find their way to my blog. I am going to share with you what books I like and be very kind, but honest, about the ones that I do not.  Please, feel free to contact me through comments or email if I've been smart enough to set that up. I sincerely hope this foray is not too painful for you.

Happy reading.