Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
One evening, Edward Glyver murders a complete stranger. His reason: he had to make sure he could kill someone before attempting to kill his enemy, the poet Phoebus Rainsford Daunt. In order for the reader to understand his actions, Glyver tells his life story, from his days as a young boy in the English countryside to his current situation in London. He tells readers of his early friendship with Daunt and the resulting betrayal by Daunt that completely ruined Glyver’s life. Further life-changing events occur before the stranger’s murder, which sets Glyver on this path of ultimate revenge against Daunt.
Set in England during the 1800s, this novel is filled with desire, intrigue, romance and revenge. This is a 700 page novel, but it is well worth the read! While the ending is pretty predictable, I think it is still quite interesting to watch Glyver’s transformation into a cold-blooded killer. Those who like historical fiction will love the historic English setting; Cox acts as the editor in this book (editing the manuscript left behind by Glyver) and thus sprinkles historical anecdotes and references throughout the novel, allowing the reader to make historical connections to slang and other remarks made by Glyver. Those who love psychological thrillers or mysteries will also enjoy this novel. Glyver convinces himself he is in the right and refuses to listen to reason or turn away from his obsessions. In the end, he has to wonder if all of his actions were worth it.
Reviewed by Jessica
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Trenton’s famous bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is back again, and this time, she’s dodging Grandma Bella’s “eye” curse, a dancing bear, a senior vampire, and a serial killer, who is burying his victims on bonds office property. Her personal life is just as messy: while trying to decide between the two men in her life, Stephanie’s mother throws a third guy into the mix. Add some wacky family and friends, and you have another hilarious adventure!
I have enjoyed reading each of the books in this series. Every time I think Evanovich simply cannot come up with another over-the-top scenario for Stephanie, she proves me wrong. Elements of mystery, romance and action are scattered throughout each book. Much like the other books in the series, Smokin’ Seventeen has some laugh-out-loud moments that will keep you chuckling long after you put down the book. They are fast reads, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon or a trip to the beach. If you prefer to listen to books on CD, the audiobook version of this and the others in the series are marvelous.
While you can pick up any of the books in the series and start reading, I highly recommend beginning with the first, One for the Money.
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Trenton’s famous bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is back again, and this time, she’s dodging Grandma Bella’s “eye” curse, a dancing bear, a senior vampire, and a serial killer, who is burying his victims on bonds office property. Her personal life is just as messy: while trying to decide between the two men in her life, Stephanie’s mother throws a third guy into the mix. Add some wacky family and friends, and you have another hilarious adventure!
I have enjoyed reading each of the books in this series. Every time I think Evanovich simply cannot come up with another over-the-top scenario for Stephanie, she proves me wrong. Elements of mystery, romance and action are scattered throughout each book. Much like the other books in the series, Smokin’ Seventeen has some laugh-out-loud moments that will keep you chuckling long after you put down the book. They are fast reads, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon or a trip to the beach. If you prefer to listen to books on CD, the audiobook version of this and the others in the series are marvelous.
While you can pick up any of the books in the series and start reading, I highly recommend beginning with the first, One for the Money.
Reviewed by Jessica
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Age Level: Teen
Format: Book
One evening, while at a club with her best friend, Clary Fray sees something that no human should be able to see - a clash between Shadowhunters and a demon. Not only is she surprised, but so are the Shadowhunters, who are invisible to the naked eye. Then, her mother disappears and Clary is attacked by a demon. What Clary discovers about her mother and her own heritage only begins to help answer the questions she has. Why does Clary suddenly have the Sight to see Shadowhunters and demons? How is her mother connected with the Shadowhunters? Will Clary be able to save her mother in time from the dark forces?
This is the first book in the Mortal Instruments series. I was hooked from page one! Though the middle did drag a little bit for my taste, it was very beneficial towards building up the plot line for the series. There are some twists in the plot I did not see coming, so it made for a very interesting conclusion. By the end of the book, I was ready to get my hands on the second in the series, City of Ashes.
If you like supernatural and fantasy stories, definitely try this!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
One evening, while at a club with her best friend, Clary Fray sees something that no human should be able to see - a clash between Shadowhunters and a demon. Not only is she surprised, but so are the Shadowhunters, who are invisible to the naked eye. Then, her mother disappears and Clary is attacked by a demon. What Clary discovers about her mother and her own heritage only begins to help answer the questions she has. Why does Clary suddenly have the Sight to see Shadowhunters and demons? How is her mother connected with the Shadowhunters? Will Clary be able to save her mother in time from the dark forces?
This is the first book in the Mortal Instruments series. I was hooked from page one! Though the middle did drag a little bit for my taste, it was very beneficial towards building up the plot line for the series. There are some twists in the plot I did not see coming, so it made for a very interesting conclusion. By the end of the book, I was ready to get my hands on the second in the series, City of Ashes.
If you like supernatural and fantasy stories, definitely try this!
Reviewed by Jessica
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Waking Giant: America in the Age of Jackson by David S Reynolds
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Reynolds takes a broad look at all aspects of American life from 1815-1848 in this nonfiction book. Arguing that America became truly rich culturally during this time period, Reynolds examines Andrew Jackson's influence in politics, as well as the changing attitudes of Americans that would result in religious, temperance and abolition movements, to name a few.
Readers of American history will enjoy this book. Reynolds provides a fine introduction into life in the beginning 19th century, so those who are curious about this era will also enjoy reading this. For me, this was a great way to re-think about things I had learned in history classes. Don't be intimidated by the book's length - it is over 400 pages long - despite it's size, the book flows quickly.
Waking Giant has re-piqued my interest in the Age of Jackson; I look forward to reading other books about Jackson and his influence on American history.
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Reynolds takes a broad look at all aspects of American life from 1815-1848 in this nonfiction book. Arguing that America became truly rich culturally during this time period, Reynolds examines Andrew Jackson's influence in politics, as well as the changing attitudes of Americans that would result in religious, temperance and abolition movements, to name a few.
Readers of American history will enjoy this book. Reynolds provides a fine introduction into life in the beginning 19th century, so those who are curious about this era will also enjoy reading this. For me, this was a great way to re-think about things I had learned in history classes. Don't be intimidated by the book's length - it is over 400 pages long - despite it's size, the book flows quickly.
Waking Giant has re-piqued my interest in the Age of Jackson; I look forward to reading other books about Jackson and his influence on American history.
Reviewed by Jessica
Sunday, March 27, 2011
My Korean Deli: Risking It All For a Convenience Store by Ben Ryder Howe
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
In this quirky memoir, Ben Ryder Howe recounts his adventures co-owning a deli with his in-laws, Korean immigrants. One day, Howe’s wife Gab decides to honor her mother’s self-sacrifice by purchasing a store for her in Brooklyn. For Howe and his wife, this means using their savings and living with Howe’s in-laws. Howe can only begin to imagine what it takes to own a store, operate the store’s evening hours, and maintain his day job as a senior editor for The Paris Review.
Howe includes both funny anecdotes and serious reflections about his life during this time period. Anyone looking for just a dialogue about owning a deli will be in for a surprise, for Howe also discusses his day job and his relationship with his boss, the famous George Plimpton. The balance of funny and serious really adds to the book, in my opinion – the experience leaves him with a changed perception about himself and the world, while providing a bunch of fun memories. Plus, Howe discusses some Korean customs and traditions, which I found very interesting.
Readers of humorous memoirs will appreciate this book, as well as those who have ever wondered what it is like to own a convenience store. I enjoyed this!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
In this quirky memoir, Ben Ryder Howe recounts his adventures co-owning a deli with his in-laws, Korean immigrants. One day, Howe’s wife Gab decides to honor her mother’s self-sacrifice by purchasing a store for her in Brooklyn. For Howe and his wife, this means using their savings and living with Howe’s in-laws. Howe can only begin to imagine what it takes to own a store, operate the store’s evening hours, and maintain his day job as a senior editor for The Paris Review.
Howe includes both funny anecdotes and serious reflections about his life during this time period. Anyone looking for just a dialogue about owning a deli will be in for a surprise, for Howe also discusses his day job and his relationship with his boss, the famous George Plimpton. The balance of funny and serious really adds to the book, in my opinion – the experience leaves him with a changed perception about himself and the world, while providing a bunch of fun memories. Plus, Howe discusses some Korean customs and traditions, which I found very interesting.
Readers of humorous memoirs will appreciate this book, as well as those who have ever wondered what it is like to own a convenience store. I enjoyed this!
Reviewed by Jessica
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