Archive for June 2009
How a Little Fame, Notoriety and Then Death Converge into a Perfect Buying Spree
The reactions to Michael Jackson’s death have perplexed me. As did people’s reactions to Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon’s deaths. But the endless coverage of Jackson’s death is in a realm all its own.
Quick Review – Jellicoe Road – Melina Marchetta
Jellicoe Road is an atypical coming-of-age tale where the protagonist discovers the secrets of her past. I didn’t like or hate this book. Even days after I’ve finished, I remain ambivalent about this.
Now that I think about it, I got this from the library after a review at Dear Author and the buzz after numerous rewards. I wish I could say more, but it just doesn’t inspire that many words.
Quick Review – Flirting in Cars – Alisa Kwitney
I can’t quite remember how Flirting in Cars came to me, but it’s bright yellow cover lifted my spirits and it made for a good lazy Sunday read. The story was more a slice of life, than romance (though it was billed that way). The characters were well drawn, and it was well written without being too flowery (esp. given the subject matter of fish out of water Manhattanite).
Quick Review – Kisscut – Karin Slaughter
Don’t get me wrong, I love a meandering tale as much as the next person. I’m more than willing to sit back and let a story lap over me like a wave on a Cape Cod beach.
But, I also like a good undertow, a good riptide that jerks your body when you’ve become far too complacent with the slow glide of warm water. Kisscut was all warm water, no undertow. I expected at any moment to get snatched into a world that would defy my imagination, but it just didn’t happen.
Much is made of primitive cultures and the specter of female genital mutilation (circumcision). Given our society’s penchant for male genital mutilation at birth, I found the cultural bias offensive.
Quick Review – Fools Rush In – Kristan Higgins
If it’s not a romance, then call it women’s fiction. Fools Rush In was an interesting coming of age tale, where the protagonist realized that fantasy is not reality. The tacked on fall-in-love with my ex-brother-in-law and he finally notices me after I lose weight was just plain tacky. Her later books are better, not great but better. Still too much first person man-wrapped angst for my taste.
