Review: A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

The reason I chose this book initially is that it was written in the 1960s and tragically the author committed suicide in 1969 at age 32 without it ever being published. His mother found the manuscript and pounded the pavement to get a publisher to read and publish it. The novel went on to win a Pulitzer Prize, and has now become a classic.

Given that I generally don't read books written in the 60s (unless it's a classic), and avoid any book claiming to be 'funny' for fear of cringeworthy slap-stick humour that is ha-ha funny, I was more than pleasantly surprised to find myself totally engrossed in this book!

The wit and vocabulary of Ignatius Reilly had me laughing at almost every page, wishing I had his talent for speech and conversation. Ignatius is almost an anti-hero; he is fat, lazy and full of excuses, however somehow I was cheering for him and his eccentric ways.

I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who appreciates this kind of humour. (I tried to find a good quote from the book to include here, but I couldn't choose, and you really need the context to appreciate the humour).

My rating = *****

Carpe Librum!

Review: Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill

I've been telling anyone who will listen, that this author is the son of Stephen King. I discovered this obscure fact while reading book reviews on Amazon, and in fact this is what inspired me to buy Heart-Shaped Box. However I was astonished to find out that there is absolutely no mention of this fact in the book or on the cover. I find this amazing given how the yanks will trade on a name wherever possible and even if Joe doesn't want to use his father's fame to sell his books, I'm surprised his publisher didn't go ahead and do it anyway.

So, what was the book like? Well, I really enjoyed this story about a rock star who buys a ghost from the internet. It's a gothic thriller/horror, that is as exciting as King at his best. In fact, their writing style is quite similar, and the novel had a supernatural thread that I love in any King/Koontz, but Joe Hill is a stand-alone and talented author who is fresh and has a lot to offer.

I'm keen to find out what else he has written, and would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys King/Koontz. If you are easily spooked though, this is not the book to read before bed time.

My rating = ****

Carpe Librum!

Review: Crown in Darkness by Paul Doherty, P.C. Doherty

I felt like it was time to join Hugh Corbett as he solves another medieval mystery, and so it was that I picked up Paul Doherty's book Crown In Darkness. You might remember that he has about twelve in the series, and I'm slowly making my way through them.

This time Hugh Corbett went to Scotland following the 'accidental' death of Alexander III of Scotland to investigate the circumstances on behalf of the Chancellor. I really enjoyed the medieval nature of the plot and especially the journey to the dark forest in Scotland to visit the Picts, often referred to as pixies, goblins or elves.

"Once they were a proud people and ruled the greater part of Scotland but the Celts, the Angles, the Saxons and the Normans drove them from their lands into the dark vastness of the forests."

I thoroughly recommend this author to anyone who enjoys medieval mystery and intrigue.

My rating = ***

Carpe Librum!

Review: Step On A Crack by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

Reading a James Patterson novel is always a pleasure as the pages fly by, the font is easy going, and the chapters are so short, you just keep on reading and before you know it, you've finished. Step on a Crack was no different.

Writing in collaboration with Michael Ledwidge, Patterson introduces the reader to the new character Detective Bennett in this new series. The lead character is reminiscent of Alex Cross in so many ways, but equally enjoyable. I enjoyed the plot, and it was quick paced and had a happy ending. It was pure Patterson, and I enjoyed the 'quick read', especially after reading Cryptonomicon (see previous blog entry).

Having just read a highly intellectual tome, it is hard to give this any more than three stars, but I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Patterson.

My rating = ***

Carpe Librum!

Review: Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson

I've been reading Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson for several months now, and what a mammoth task it's been! I've had to take a break and read other books in between, but I'm thrilled to say I've finally finished!!! Well, what was it about? That's difficult to say, but here goes: multiple plots, set in present time and World War II, it's both science fiction and historical fiction. Theme is cryptology, a difficult subject at best, and the themes of war, business and politics were in there, to name a few.

Neal Stephenson is a literary genius, and I can't imagine how he kept track of all the plots, sub-plots, characters, and the level of information is amazing. It's not often that I laugh out loud in a book, but I did so every time I picked up the book, and some of the jokes have stayed with me. I was also shocked by the boldness and scene depictions, which will also stay with me.

The fact that the book is >900pgs long, and printed in small typeface, made it tough going, and the feeling of satisfaction when I finish reading a book was denied me whilst I was reading this doorstop of a novel. I think I would have read it quicker were it broken down into 3 novels, but that's just a personal opinion.

Would I recommend it? Well, that's difficult. I enjoyed it yes, but would only recommend it if you are happy to spend the time required, and can handle the technical references which are extremely detailed and at an extremely high level. Stephenson's vocabulary is to be admired, and I loved the many different references and language of different characters, I really don't know how he does it.

I am in awe, but don't think I'll tackle any of his other books this year.

My rating = *****

Carpe Librum!

Quite Interesting

I found a really great website that I'd like to share with you.


www.qi.com


Check it out!


That's my four bucks!

Review: Perfume by Patrick Suskind

I needed a break from a book I'm reading, and managed to knock off Patrick Suskind's novel Perfume in just a few sittings. I was hooked on the first page, and was looking forward to a riveting read, especially since I have a heightened sense of smell and this promised to be the focus of the book.

Set in the late 1700s, the main character has a superhuman sense of smell. The novel follows his life from his horrific birth at a fish stall, where his mother squats to give birth, cuts the umbilical cord with her carving knife and throws him on the scrap heap.

His life to this point is fascinating, however the plot tends to get more and more unrealistic until it becomes just plain preposterous towards the end. I understand that this novel has been made into a film, and I'm very interested to see it, although I probably wouldn't recommend the book.

Rating = **

Carpe Librum!

Quote of the Day

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.


That's my four bucks!

Review: Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott

I just finished reading Fierce Conversations and it was really quite good. Fierce conversations is a style of conducting business, an attitude, a way of life'. Author Susan Scott is a Communications Expert and has spent 16 years helping clients improve their conversations, and the book contains many case studies from CEOs who have engaged her services. Many of these were quite entertaining, and great eye openers.

Much of the book is guff, but there are pearls of wisdom scattered amongst the pages, and many of these gave me pause, as I wished I had the courage and or skill to deliver that type of message. The book also takes you through how to deal with conflict, one conversation at a time, and includes a plan and helpful tips and questions to assist you at 'starting the conversation you are most avoiding'.

I enjoyed some of the tips relating to co-workers and managers, and laughed at some of the questions: for example, a manager asking their co-worker: 'what are you hoping I won't bring up?' Can you imagine the response?

By the end of the book I realised I had absolutely no excuse to avoid the 'fierce conversation', and made an appointment with the person I had been most avoiding. This fierce conversation was extremely productive and has lifted a burden I had been carrying for over a year.

Even though it could be culled (at least 50 pages) I thoroughly recommend the book if you could benefit from tips on communication (who wouldn't)?

My rating = ****

Carpe Librum!

Review: My Story by Schapelle Corby with Kathryn Bonella

This is quite a controversial book, which sparked conversation (even amongst strangers) wherever I went with it. It would seem that Schapelle Corby is the modern day Lindy Chamberlain, and her guilt/innocence will be discussed long into the future.

I was warned that this book was quite graphic, and very depressing, but I thought that if Schapelle can live it, I can read it. I'm glad I did. It was refreshing to hear her point of view, and not the media version which has hindered her situation beyond belief.

Believing that Schapelle is innocent, makes this a very difficult book to read, but I encourage you to put aside any pre-conceptions, and hear her story. Remember: being beautiful and belonging to a family with questionable connections, does not make you guilty. Being in the middle of a media frenzy does not make you guilty.

Read it, and then decide.

Even if you believe she's guilty, surely you agree that no Australian deserves to spend 20 years in that filthy hell hole.

Bring her home.

Carpe Librum!

Review: Brother Odd by Dean Koontz

One of the great things about being on holidays, is that there is plenty of time for reading! While staying at a beautiful B&B in Healesville, I finished the latest novel in the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz.

Brother Odd was an exciting read, and I enjoyed the monastic setting, and learning about the Brothers and the life that led them to God.

I would give anything to see the 'computer representation of the thought patterns of God that underlie all matter'. In the book, Brother John states that: "This little exhibition so profoundly affects people, it resonates with us on some level so deep, that witnessing more than a minute of it can result in extreme emotional distress."

I'm not sure if there will be another book in this series, but I sure hope so.

My rating = ****

Carpe Librum

Review: Cross by James Patterson

Cross is the latest novel in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson. I always love the fact that his books are a quick read - perfect for the holidays. I won't spoil the ending for anyone who hasn't read it yet, but I was thrilled when Cross resigned from the FBI to spend more time with his family!! It always annoyed me that up until this point, he had permanently left 'Nana Mama' (his Grandma) to take complete care of his kids.... gggrrrrr, and spent his spare time with his love of the moment.

I enjoyed reading this novel, and reaching closure on a long standing storyline of the murder of Alex Cross' wife.

Highly recommended for all James Patterson fans.

Rating = ***

Carpe Librum!

Review: Lisey's Story by Stephen King

When I unwrapped Stephen King's Lisey's Story at Christmas, I couldn't wait to get started on the 560 page novel. Believe it or not, after 100 pages I was ready to put it back on the shelf. The beginning was dull and boring and the writing style was completely different to any other King book I've read. In addition to that, the main character's use of the word 'smucking' instead of 'fucking' was driving me crazy!

The only reason I persevered was because it was Stephen King, and in the end I wasn't disappointed. A crime plot eventually emerged which was mildly interesting, however when the 'supernatual theme' surfaced I was hooked, and stayed up until 3.00am in the morning ploughing through the pages.

The beginning and ending are slow, but the body of the novel is an absolutely thrilling read!

My rating = ***

Carpe Librum!

Comet McNaught

Over a couple of nights this week, I had the pleasure of watching the brightest comet in 40 years. I must say, watching the comet (known as McNaught) certainly reminds you how small we are in the universe. It was an absolute privilege.

That's my four bucks!

Review: The 5th Horseman by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Reading a book by James Patterson is always a pleasure because it is so quick and easy to read. The 5th Horseman is another crime fiction novel in the Women's Murder Club series, and although I prefer the Alex Cross series, this book was ok. The last few James Patterson books have been co-authored, and this one was co-authored by Maxine Paetro.

The best Patterson co-author book I've read so far would have to be The Jester, co-written with Andrew Goss. The Jester was set in medieval times, (instant plus) but Goss seemed to add so much to Patterson's easy writing style to make for a spectacular plot.

It was disappointing that Paetro didn't seem to add anything to this plot, except perhaps for the 'girlie' influence which drove me nuts. I don't know any girl that refers to her friend as 'butterfly' or who goes for a run after 30 hours without sleep and then has a pizza.

I'm committed to reading every Patterson, but if you aren't already a fan, this book won't convert you.

My rating = **

Carpe Librum!

Review: Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris

Hannibal Rising was high on my Christmas wish list simply because it's the story of Hannibal's life as a child, and the circumstances that shape his development. We know him as the popular Hannibal Lecter of The Silence Of The Lambs fame, however his experiences as a child during the Second World War growing up in Lecter Castle, are very different from medical school later in life.

Perhaps not as thrilling as I was hoping, there are several pieces of writing that have stayed with me long after finishing the book, which is a rarity for me. I will leave the 'scary bits' for you to discover on your own... however one funny line I will share: 

"Are you looking for sympathy? You'll find it in the dictionary between shit and syphilis."

Thomas Harris certainly has a way with words, and a macabre flair for plot.

I enjoyed this book.

My rating = ***

Carpe Librum!

New Format for New Year

I've changed the look of my blog for the New Year, so hope you like it!!!


Another book review coming very soon.


Happy New Year!!


That's my four bucks!

Review: Forever Odd by Dean Koontz

After reading the first book of this series in July entitled Odd Thomas, I finally got around to reading the second book in the series: Forever Odd. Not as good as the first, I still enjoyed following Odd Thomas on his second documented crime busting adventure. The main character Datura was not nearly as frightening as the miles of underground tunnels Odd spent most of the story in.

At the end of this book, Odd Thomas is leaving his small home town of Pico Mundo to go and live in a monastery. Hopefully this will provide a different adventure altogether - I can't wait to read the third book!

Rating = ***

Carpe Librum!

Merry Christmas 2006

Wishing all my faithful readers and random visitors (I know you're out there) a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!


That's my four bucks!

Review: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

I finished reading The Thirteenth Tale last week, and what a page turner!!! I'd seen this book on the shelves at least 12 months before I bought it, and was initially attracted by the cover. I know what you're thinking, but I always judge a book by it's cover, and in this case, the cover is of book spines... I know, the perfect lure for a book lover, and ultimately, it met its mark.

So what's it all about? Vida Winter is a successful author and she is dying. She decides to tell her life story, although she has done so on countless occasions, and each time she gives a different story! This time however, she is going to reveal the dark truth about her past. The story centres around twin girls, and reminded me a little of Flowers In The Attic, 2006 style.

I absolutely loved this book, despite reading several 'dull' reviews earlier in the year. I was definitely hooked and got through it in no time.

I am going to recommend it to my sister next.

My rating = *****

Carpe Librum!