Book Review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

BOOK REVIEW:  The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

After putting it off for years, I have finally read this delightful YA novel by Mark Haddon and must confess I LOVE THIS STORY!  Having assigned it as a novel option for a literature circles project, I needed to read it.  Beside that, though, it has come highly recommended by colleagues and by friends who have or work with children with autism.

Mark Haddon's Christopher Boone is a delightful character, one I will not forget anytime soon and for a variety of reasons.

Three Things I Love:
1.  Christopher Boone:  What an interesting, multi-dimensional character!  Since I'm a fan of The Big Bang Theory, I could not help but see elements of Sheldon Cooper's character as he might have been when he was a young boy (aside from the fact Sheldon is from Texas while Christopher resides in England).  Insightful, self-aware (even though not other-aware) and stubborn, Christopher stole my heart from the moment he held Wellington to his chest to comfort both himself and Wellington.

2.  Insights into some of what life is like for a child with autism:  Although the autism spectrum is broad and children (and adults) with autism have a wide range of challenges, Haddon beautifully masters Christopher's descriptions of his experiences of life and living with other people.  The voice of this 15-year-old boy is at once filled with childlike innocence and adult cynicism, making for an interestingly complex character description.

3.  Human spirit:  Haddon infuses Christopher with the kind of determination many can relate to and Christopher's unique sense of right and wrong underlies every choice he makes.  His determination not to lie, but to "get to the bottom" of the mysteries people are shielding him from infuses me with the understanding that some people cannot be held back, no matter the obstacles they encounter.  Further, Christopher's determination to take his Maths Level A exams is truly endearing.

Three Things I Dislike:
1.  The title:  Although I understand why the book is titled as it is, I don't think the title fully encapsulates the richness of this book.  In fact, the title alone is one of the reasons I avoided reading the book for so long; it just didn't pique my interest!

2.  The "other people" in the story:  Almost everyone Christopher encounters in his story are just jerks!  Even the ones who know Christopher is "special" are great big jerks to him.  With the exception of Siobhan, Christopher's teacher, even his parents are jerks.  While I'm at least willing to cut his parents some slack, as dealing with Christopher's issues I'm sure can be an exhausting endeavor, the neighbors and strangers are just rude, self-centered, impatient jerks.

3.  Deceit:  It's a great plot strategy to have Christopher uncover the various lies that have been constructed by those closest to him in an effort to protect him, but I side with Christopher in his abhorrence of lies.  Deceit and duplicity are cruel, and, no matter how well-meaning, the truth is always the best course of action.

Overall, I really enjoyed Haddon's novel.  Christopher's quirkiness will linger with me for quite some time.  I strongly recommend this novel to those with children or those working with children with autism.  I also recommend this novel for those who like an original, interesting, authentic voice in a narrator.

BOOK REVIEW: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

BOOK REVIEW:  Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

This is the seventh book of Clare's work I have read so far, having read first the Mortal Instruments series (up through the fifth installment).  I am so glad I read the Mortal Instruments series first because, although I was lukewarm about Clockwork Angel, I absolutely love Clockwork Prince.  It's going to be hard to complete the "dislike" list, so I will make a slight adjustment to the lists's title.

Three Things I Love:
1.  Setting = London:  I'm an admitted Anglophile and am drawn to any novel set in London, and Victorian London is even better.  The soot and dust covered streets and buildings, the hovels and destitute of Whitechapel, the grandeur of the churches and Parliament buildings calls to me through these stories and creates in me a longing to return to London and really explore.

2.  Richly constructed characters:  I wasn't sure I was going to even like Tessa in Clockwork Angel; however, she has turned into an independent, well-rounded character with integrity and honor despite those who attempt to lure her away or trick her.  In contrast, I loved Will Herondale from the first moment he was introduced in Clockwork Angel and he does not disappoint in Clockwork Prince.  He's a tortured soul, self-sacrificing and complex, rich in irony and conflict.  Equally endearing are Jem (the demon-venom addicted co-protagonist--I can't bring myself to call him a minor character or even a sidekick--who provides a really nice foil for Will, but at the same time refuses to shrink into the shadows) and Charlotte (the independent, no-nonsense mother figure).

3.  Plot nuggets:  Clare makes excellent use of the plot development of planting seeds that promise to germinate, grow, and blossom throughout the Infernal Devices series.  Despite the fact that some of these seem a bit obvious (i.e., ascendancy and demon pox--haha!), I have an inkling that some of the more subtle (and not-so-subtle) plot elements will also take root and flower into amazing creations.  Tessa's origins, for example, is intriguing, keeping not only the reader, but the characters guessing.  It makes for not only entertaining but fascinating reading.  More, please...

Three Things I Loved Less:
1.  Will's "trick":  I don't want to give too much away, but this "trick" was really obvious.  This plot point was frustrating because of being so obvious and took so long to resolve.  That being said, it was also a necessary part of the story, so I don't "dislike" it...I just loved it less.

2.  Cecily:  I have an icky feeling that Cecily is going to turn out to be an evil character, somewhat akin to Nate.  I'm hoping I'm wrong, but her introduction into the story struck me as ominous and her appearance at the end caused my hackles to rise.  I'd hate to see Will further tortured...

3.  Jessamine:  Okay, part of me likes Jessamine and understands where she is coming from.  She doesn't want the life her parents ran away from...she wants a "simpler" life...but honestly, she's a dingbat!  She doesn't trust, she doesn't think, and she's an entitled, self-righteous brat.  She has elements that make her less annoying, too, though, like when she bought Tessa new clothing in Clockwork Angel and when she...no...she's just annoying!

Overall, Clare has won me over with Clockwork Prince.  I'm going to get Clockwork Princess today!  I need to see how Jem and Tessa and Will and Charlotte and Henry continue.

Book Review: The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde

Book Review:  The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde

I have read two other Jasper Fforde novels, both from his Thursday Next series. Although I liked those books and found Fforde's wit endearing and unique, I honestly think I prefer the Nursery Crime series better.  Fforde has a wonderful wickedness in how he uses nursery rhymes in this series, and his main character, Jack Spratt, is both endearing and principled in contrast to other characters who are cynical and power-hungry as he attempts to solve the apparent murder of Humpty Dumpty.  With lots of unanticipated plot twists and complications, the story was enjoyable, silly and inane at times, but clever and exceptional.

Three Things I Liked:
1.  Absurdity:  I heard Fforde's writing described as absurd and even more than in the Thursday Next series, this is true of this Nursery Crime novel.  In fact, toward the end, as the various plot complications resolve, I found myself giggling at his absurd sense of humor and crazy logic.  The logic of the story is in itself remarkable at times, and downright bizarre, but actually works in a way one could only expect of a nursery rhyme crime drama.

2.  Chapter epigraphs in the form of press releases:  The epigraphs that introduce each chapter actually provide interesting back stories for the events transpiring in the course of the novel.  This is an interesting narrative technique as it doesn't make the story run away on a tangent, but provides important insights.  They add to the absurdity of the story at times and most importantly provide interesting commentary on society's infatuation with the drama of the famous and infamous.

3.  Transformation of flat, stock characters into round, multidimensional characters:  Mary Mary (of the Quite Contrary rhyme) and Jack Spratt are transformed from one-dimensional characters in this novel, which includes other unlikely characters as Prometheus of Greek myth fame, the depressed, womanizing Humpty Dumpty, the insomniac Wee Willie Winkie, and the murderous Tom Thomm (the piper's son). Although some of these characters don't undergo dramatic transformation, most have a seedier side in Fforde's imagination and they become more than they appear in their nursery rhymes (and myths).

Three Things I Liked Less:
1.  Incredulity of some plot complications:  Some of Fforde's plot complications seemed unnecessary and even inane at times, but I think this might be in keeping with the absurdity he was striving for.  Without any spoilers, did that really need to happen to Humpty?  Couldn't it just have been a bullet???

2.  Aliens??:  Yes, one of the minor characters is an alien from another planet.   Seemed gratuitous and unnecessary to me, but what do I know?

3.  Backhanded charges against Jack Spratt of "racism":  Jack Spratt is constantly accused of racism by his peers and the media jury who keeps trying to hang him out to dry.  It seemed at times the newspaper media were as duplicitous as the antagonist, but I'm hoping to retain an open mind for when I delve into the next Nursery Crime novel in the series.

Overall, I enjoyed The Big Over Easy and as I was looking for a quick read at the time, this one fit the bill for me.  I am really interested in the next novels as I'm genuinely interested in what happens to Mary Mary and Jack Spratt as they continue to fight Nursery Rhyme Crime and the corrupt police force that is beholden to the media (yes, complete social commentary here) for their "success."  Despite the absurd approach, Fforde seems to have something scathing to say about the criminal justice system and society's infatuation with the infamous.

SOURCE:
Fforde, Jasper.  The Big Over Easy:  A Nursery Crime.  New York:  Viking, 2005.  Print.

Book Review: Intermezzo by Melinda Morgan

Book Review:  Intermezzo by Melinda Morgan

Intermezzo, the second installment of the Birthright Legacy, picks up where Etude left off, with Beth Arrington inhabiting the body of Eleanor Hastings during the Civil War period.  Without giving too much away, as Beth awaits her return to her own time period and body, we learn some of the backstory about the Intruders and Bailey, as well as Jonathan and Grace.

This book is interesting also in that while it is a YA novel, there is an element of sophistication that was less present in Etude.  This is, of course, not to say that YA novels cannot be and are not sophisticated.  In fact, most of the better YA novels carry a level of sophistication that allows them to appeal to a much wider audience than those intended, and it is in this realm that I would also place Intermezzo.

Three Things I Like:
1.  Two characters in one:  One of the things I found hugely interesting is the juxtaposition of Beth's 21st century voice against the expectations of Eleanor's 19th century cultural refinement.  Beth is constantly aware that she is interfering with Eleanor's life, and the fact that these two women coexist in the same body is an interesting feature of the story.  How they communicate with one another and with those around them provides some intense and often comical moments.

2.  Reinterpretation of story:  As with Etude, I enjoy the reinvention and reinterpretation of story, specifically the Biblical Adam and Eve story.  I don't want to give too much away.  Although it takes a while to get there, Intermezzo picks up where Etude left off with this reinterpretation and it is one of the more attractive features (for me) of the story.

3.  Complex relationships:  The relationships between Eleanor and her father, Eleanor and her mother, and  Eleanor and Beth are real.  They exhibit the intensity and muddiness of all relationships that are real.  Father's drawings and "secret" past and Mother's reticence were beautifully handled and crafted parts of the story.

Three Things I Liked Less:
1.  Beth seems a bit whiny:  In Intermezzo Beth comes across as a bit whiny about not being able to be with Jonathan.  True, she is stuck in a seemingly impossible and implausible situation and has little hope of being able to right it all by herself.  However, I would have liked more "conversations" with Eleanor and fewer pouts.

2.  Delay of Bailey's entrance:  Bailey is hinted at a few times throughout most of the book, but when he finally makes his grand entrance, I was thoroughly excited.  This part of the novel was dark and murky and sinister; I loved every minute of it and wanted more.  Is Bailey the Grey Ghost?  Is Bailey more of a factor in the war itself?  What happened to the people from the camp?  I felt like this was such a rich part of the book and truly was anxiety-provoking--in a really wonderful way--and I wanted more of it and I wanted it earlier.

3.  The third book is not yet finished!  There were so many nuggets dropped for the last novel that I feel like I'm clawing at the end of the rope--What's the deal with Jonathan's brother?  What happens when Beth returns to the 21st century?  What's Bailey's ultimate goal?  When's the next one coming???

All in all, I recommend Intermezzo to YA readers young and old. I'm anxiously awaiting the third installment, wondering what's in store for Beth and Jonathan.  Come on, Mindy:  I need the finale!

Source:
Morgan, Melinda.  Intermezzo.  Ogden:  WindRiver Publishing, 2013.  Print.

Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Book Review:  Divergent by Veronica Roth

After much prodding by my 16-year-old, I relented and read this YA dystopian fantasy thriller.  I'm glad I did, though this novel initially strikes me as a cross between the sorting hat scene in the Harry Potter series and The Hunger Games--equal parts segregation and survivalist brutality.

Amid the typical teen identity crisis of much YA reading fare, there is a simplicity in this story that is hard to discredit.  And, it is this simplicity that commanded my attention.

Three Things I Like:
1.  Faction Manifestos:  The inclusion of the five factions' manifestos at the end of the novel was quite a treat.  In content and in form, these manifestos attempt to showcase the best of each faction's ideologies, containing a lot of virtue even as we have read of that virtue falling apart within the novel's narrative.

2.  Narrative use of setting:  Roth's use of the city's trains, the buildings, and landscape is compelling and dynamic.

3.  Rise of the Underdog:  Tris's empowerment through sheer determination, well and of course her "divergence," is part of the American desire for the underdog to triumph.

Three Things I Dislike:
1.  Things that feel "forgotten":  Although there are adequate explanations about why Tris's family disintegrates and what divergence is, I can't help but want to know more.  I feel like these are integral parts of the overall story and I sure hope they resurface in the following two installments of this trilogy.

2.  Fast pace:  I was going to list this as something I like, and the truth is I do like the fast pace of the novel. However, I cannot help but feel that part of the quick pace is due to the several times I skipped through narrative parts that weren't as compelling as other parts.

3.  Tunnel-visioned narrative:   Although we get hints of what is going on in at least three of the five factions, two are fairly well left out of the narrative.  I suppose I could have placed this comment in #1 above, but I felt that this was due to the fact that we really only see what is going on through Tris's eyes and engagements. Hints of what Amity and Candor are doing would have made for a richer sidestory, perhaps through a similar means as the Erudite newspaper Molly and Peter rub Tris with.

Overall, I am caught up in the Divergent fervor, although to a lesser degree than my son and his friends.  I've already stolen away from him the next installment, Insurgent, and am looking forward to reading time later in the day.  I'm not sure I will want to see the movie due out early next year, but I'm certainly going to read the entire trilogy.

Source:
Roth, Veronica.  Divergent.  New York:  Katherine Tegen Books, 2011.  Print.

Book Review: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Book Review:  Bitterblue by Kristin Cashsore

I stepped ahead of my daughter by reading this book and finished it before she has even had a chance to take a peek.  An interesting text, I'm not sure she's going to like this novel as much as she enjoyed Graecling or Incarceron and Sapphique.  Although there is intrique galore in this novel, this is a much more introspective text than Cashore's Fire or Graceling.  As a sequel to Cashore's Fire and  Graceling, this novel is  much more esoteric than the two other texts in the series, and it is in large part due to this fact that I enjoyed Bitterblue more than its predecessors..

Three Things I Liked:
1.  Language:  So many ideas about language and communication abound in this text, from ciphers, the importance literacy, and (dis)possession of one's own thoughts.  As a lover of language, the attention Cashore pays to the delights and limitations of language is quite a treat.

2.  Memories and Trauma;  If ever there were a text exploring memories and trauma, and the trauma of memory, this would be "it." The pain most of the characters endure and their efforts to suppress the pain of those memories depicts internal crisis in a profound and bittersweet way.

3.  Forgiveness:  A major theme in this text from beginning to end, by exploring forgiveness, Cashore also intimately explores the implications of failing to forgive others and oneself for transgressions and failings. Above all, the concept of forgiveness leading to new beginnings imparts in the novel a sense of refreshment.

Three Things I Disliked:
1.  Delay:  I expected, and was not disappointed, the tie-in with Fire and Graceling to be completed in Bitterblue.  However, it took far too long for that tie-in to manifest and then when it did manifest, Cashsore deals with it almost cursorily.  Perhaps exploring the budded relationship between Fire and Bitterblue is too much to ask without adding another sequel.  (I also note this was one of my issues with Fire.)

2.  Sudden eruption of awareness:  It is difficult for me to believe that "all of a sudden" Bitterblue has an awakening to the myriad deceptions her closest advisers have perpetrated until she turns 18.  This awareness that "something isn't right" develops over the course of the novel, but it's difficult for me to believe that an inquisitive, intelligent, articulate young woman would not have inklings of problems before she did.

3.  Confusion surrounding antagonists' actions:  It is incredibly implausible that Bitterblue's closest advisors who profess to love her despite their deceptions would attempt to have her murdered, not once, but several times.  It is further implausible that when she confronts them and "lays down the law" literally and figuratively by commanding them not to do it again, they acquiesce.  Really?  The motivations seem terribly flimsy in this respect.

Overall, I remain intrigued by some of the original story elements of this triad of novels.  The mind-rape Cashore narrates in these texts is a terribly and terrifying interesting focus for all three stories.  Further, the concept of monsters and Gracelings is surprisingly human and rich, reminiscent of all of the gifts, talents, and mystery of the human condition.  I recommend the Graceling trilogy for YA readers and would be interested in reading more of Cashore's stories in the future.

Source:
Cashore, Kristin.  Bitterblue.  New York:  Dial Books, 2012.  Print.

Book Review: Fire by Kristin Cashore

Book Review:  Fire by Kristin Cashore


Continuing the tradition of reading books my kids are interested in is paying off in some interesting ways.

This is the second novel in a YA trilogy by Kristin Cashore, although it is actually a prequel to the novel Graceling. 

Three Things I Like About Fire:
1.  Monsters:  The monsters are counterparts to the "natural" creatures in the world, and this concept is both wonderful and imaginative.  The idea of creatures that are amped up in terms of their beauty, ferocity, giftedness, danger and intrigue is captivating and drives much of the story. The concept also begs the question what makes a monster monstrous?  Such an idea kept me interested in how this characterization would play out.

2.  Morality:  Morality plays a large role in this novel.  When is it moral to murder?  What is the moral thing to do about an unplanned pregnancy?  Is it moral to co-opt someone's free will under dire circumstances?  Is morality even relevant?  Heavy thoughts for YA readers, but important conversations to be had.

3.  Agency:  I absolutely love the agency Fire commands in the story.  Although she concedes that it is her father who grants her that agency initially, there are numerous moments in the story when Fire presumes and demands agency.  Her strength and determination are commendable.

Three Things I Liked Less about Fire:
1.  Blending of Storylines:  As a prequel to Graceling, I was hoping for a more meaningful and seamless blending of the storylines of Fire and Graceling.  The glints offered about Leck's role in both stories left me with a lot of unanswered questions.  Perhaps Bitterblue will fill in those gaps...

2.  Final Battle Scene:  Without spoiling anything, the final battle scene was confusing:  Was it Leck's interference that turned the scene?  Was it simply espionage and treachery?  Too many unanswered questions that were not addressed left me wanting more clarity.

3.  Ending:  I like an ambiguous ending sometimes, but since this is a prequel, I expected a less "sterile" ending.  There is a touch of happily-ever-after at work here, and it is unsettling because, having read Graceling first, I know that is an illusion.  This illusion leaves too many questions.

I'm hoping that Bitterblue will fill in the gaps that Fire widened in the story arcs...

Source:
Cashore, Kristin.  Fire.  New York:  Dial Books, 2009.  Print.