The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison @PenguinPbks #ASAHarrison #thesilentwife #bookreview

The Silent Wife 
by A.S.A. Harrison 
(Penguin Group 2013)

Do you live a separate life from your significant other? Do you ignore or rationalize indiscretions of that person? Perhaps, taking the long view that harmony will return after intermittent transgressions? Do you enjoy thinking about the psychology of what drives aberrant behavior?

The Silent Wife is an engaging read from a variety of standpoints. Jodi is a therapist working part-time. Her long-term, unmarried relationship with Todd has survived his serial affairs. He is apparently an insecure entrepreneur, always pursuing the next project, who also suffers recurrent depression. He commences a love affair with the young daughter of his best friend from childhood. She gets pregnant. Jodi is told of this by the girl’s father. She says nothing to Todd until he announces that he is leaving within the hour to take up living with the expectant Natasha.

This engaging story is told in Her and Him seriatim fashion. We are treated to the evolution of their story from each side of the strange relationship. Todd has his share of doubts about what he is doing, as does Jodi. What will each of them do? Will Jodi continue turning the other cheek? As Todd longs for the peacefulness of life with Jodi, in contrast to the chaos of life with a pregnant child, will he return to the fold?

As the story evolves, I was riveted by the back and forth. The anxieties of each take root. What will they do? How will it turn out? Surely, it will not proceed in the manner it appears, will it? These were my thoughts as I turned page after page, unable to put the story down until I closed the last page. There are also other elements, including details of Jodi’s childhood within her own family that plainly impact her own psyche.

At the denouement, which I certainly had not anticipated, I smiled. Actually, I was looking for someone to discuss it with. I will continue to look forward to that!

This is a wonderful, engaging read. You will enjoy it as I did. You will also keep thinking about the story. How could two people be so stupid in their lives together? Enjoy!

Warms, Cym

Amazon

USA Today

NYTimes Books

Read More

The Lower River by Paul Theroux #BookReview

The Lower River 
by Paul Theroux 
(First Mariner Books 2013)

Have you ever looked at your life and wondered what you are doing? In that process, do you think back to an earlier time when you recall being happy, perhaps even remembering a sweetheart in such a period?

What do you think it would be like to return at a later stage of your life? Would it be as you remembered? Better or worse? Could you find new life?

Hock spent two years in Malawi. He enjoyed the people, became an expert snake handler, and thirsted with love for an unrequited sweetheart, Gala.

Upon the death of his father, he returned to Boston to take over the family mens’ clothing store. He married and had a daughter. Ultimately, the business failed, his wife wanted a divorce after discovering messages with other women on Hock’s cell phone that she insisted he use (never consummated, just discussion), and in the divorce his daughter insisted on her “cut” of his estate in case he married again. Hock was divorced from his family and life.

He returned to Malawi and the village of his memory, Malabo, in the Lower River country. His bag contained his life, clothes, money, and what not. He meets Gala again, an old woman by then. A tall thin “twig”, Zizi, is assigned to care for him. She is granddaughter of Gala

Of course everything has changed. In the end, Hock finds his own redemption.

The story line in The Lower River is a trip through depression and an effort to find meaning in a soured life. Zizi loves and adores him. She would do anything for him. She is a virgin, placed on a pedestal in the Malabo. Can she bring Hock happiness? At what cost?

In the end . . . well, you need to read this lovely story. I found myself thinking through my own life. There are many parallels. It is such a joy to read a story that triggers emotions of life in the reader. This is a great read. It cries out for discussion in a book club gathering.

Warms, Cym

Amazon
NY Times Review
Paul Theroux

Read More

the boy who stole the leopard's spots by Tamar Myers #bookreview @WmMorrowBks‎

the boy who stole the leopard’s spots 
by Tamar Myers 
(Wm Morrow 2012)

What do you believe?  Is it information that you have accepted uncritically or what you have carefully thought through?  What is truth?  Must truth and information be the same thing?

Are you a heathen?  What is a heathen?  Are sophisticated European religious leaders the enlightened and local Africans the heathens?  Or the other way around?  Are Catholic priests representatives of the truth or native witch doctors?  Does it make any difference whether these questions are asked in 1935, 1958, or today?

In the boy who stole the leopard’s spots, Tamar Myers has written a brilliant story about identical twin boys born at a time when it was assumed by tribal witch doctors that one of the two must have been inhabited by evil spirits so should be murdered.  At the same time, their father, the chief, combined the killing of a huge leopard with the birth of his sons in a way to avoid the murder of an innocent child.

When the boys become adults, they are reunited, though needing to conceal their history our of respect for the same tribal shibboleths.

The collision of white, Belgian religious leaders in the Belgian Congo (prior to independence) with the supposed heathens, as well as interesting side-stories of jungle romance and fallen leaders, creates the dynamic of vivid fictional contrast.  The contrast of Christian belief with the resurrection of one of the boys is vivid.  What is real?

As I read this lovely story, I wondered how the illusions would be drawn to conclusion.  At the same time, I was reading C.S. Lewis’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, which has its own allegories (to be reviewed in due course).  I was also on board a ship in the Baltic Sea, so had plenty of time to think about the contrasts in the boy who stole the leopard’s spots.

The illusions play out.  In the end, I was delighted with a cleverly narrated story.  Yet, many of the contrasts remained unaddressed in my mind.  As usual, I jotted notes on a pad of paper as I read along, anticipating how the relationships and issues would be resolved.  Certain critical elements of the story were resolved, as others remained to the imagination.  I then found myself re-reading the beginning, end, and my notes to see if I missed something about the mysteries that remained.  Hopefully, there will be another story picking up where this one ended.

In any event, that hope is mute praise for a wonderful story.  I plan to use the boy who stole the leopard’s spots as my story in my next turn for our Philosophers Club (a male version of a book club).

  

Warms, Cym

Amazon

Read More

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander #Book #Review

The New Jim Crow 
by Michelle Alexander 
(The New Press 2012)

How do you feel about Federal penal sentencing guidelines? Have you given any thought to the composition of our prison population? Have you wondered what happens to a person having served her time for a drug charge when she re-enters society?

In The New Jim Crow, Michelle Alexander addresses all of these topics. Her point of view, as the title suggests, is that our penal system has created a new racial barrier applicable to African Americans.  The author traces the history of slavery and segregation in our country, as well as the end evolution of the post-Brown v. Board of Education world in which there was promise of an end of “separate but equal” and related means of segregation. The election of Barrack Obama could have heralded further progress.

The promise of those times, in author’s view, has been buried beneath the War on Drugs, Federal sentencing guidelines, indifference of U.S. Presidents, a Civil Rights movement focused in other directions, and even the U.S. Supreme Court. All of these elements have erected “extraordinary racial disparities” and a “system of  mass incarceration.” Policies of color-blindness are described as having been “catastrophic” for African Americans.

I read through this easily readable explanation with eager anticipation of the solution. I have personally come to favor legalizing and taxing most so-called victimless crimes. I anticipated an evaluation of such a solution, or others, perhaps even a something new.

 Unfortunately, my anticipation was disappointed. Instead, The New Jim Crow, after laying blame at the feet of essentially all elements of government, Civil Rights, and society, ends with a thoughtful comment from James Baldwin but no solutions.

 If you are interested in social justice, and food for thought about policies perhaps gone wrong, you will enjoy The New Jim Crow. If you are looking for insightful, thoughtful solution to perceived problems, you will have to await a hoped for the sequel to this tome.

Warms, Cym

Amazon
New York Times Books

Read More

The Key by Simon Toyne @wmmorrowbks #bookreview

The Key 
by Simon Toyne 
(Wm Morrow 2012)

Do you enjoy stories that take Biblical passages and put them into a current world context of intrigue, thrills, and thought-provoking events? If you savor any of these elements, you will enjoy the world created by Simon Toyne in the Sanctus series.

In The Key, we are treated to a group of heroes who have found the key to historic sacraments that must be followed to save the world from a triggering of the denouement of Revelations. Liv, Kathryn, and Gabriel have found their way into the secret mountain caves of the Citadel, the keeper of the secrets of the Catholic Church from the beginning of time. Gabriel is son of Kathryn, both seeking to fulfill the work of husband/father who was apparently killed on his hunt for Eden and other elements of Genesis in the Iraqi desert, from which life is believed to have begun.

Thrilling intrigue comes from competition between the forces of the Church, the Citadel, a Ghost, and our heroes as they converge on the potential triggering of Revelations. The convergence of dragons, fire, plague, the Tau, sacraments, Starmaps, selling of sacraments to the highest bidder, and murderous competition between the forces of good and evil (each side believing it to be the former and the competitor the latter) provides a thrilling ride through history and how the world could come to an end.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the story-telling of The Key. The writing style is heavily narrative in structure, with the story being told by the omniscient narrator. This approach moves the story along at a thrilling pace. On the other hand, several of the characters are compelling. For example, Liv penetrated the Citadel and experienced the Sacrament. It then dwelled within her, which will trigger Revelations if she does not, in essence as Eve, get to the Garden of Eden in time. How does she feel about all of this? How would we feel in such a position.

I was, frankly, frustrated that there was so little insight into their emotions and identity, because they were not allowed in this story-telling format to express themselves in such a way. In the absence of such expression, a reader cannot see into them and understand their inner needs and conflicts. For example, I am almost inevitably bored by television series for the same reason. On the other hand, the Showtime Homeland series, recently reviewed here, provides viewers with a compelling insight to the core of the characters, which makes the overall story come alive as we can feel and internalize in ourselves their conflicts, wondering how we would handle the horrible situations into which they are immersed.

I hope in the next installment of the Sanctus series, Mr. Toyne will treat us to insight into the continuing characters, which are framed at the end of The Key. Simplification of storyline, insight into the characters, and narrowing of the list of actors on stage could make this series into a riveting best seller for a long time.

Warms, Cym 

AMAZON

Read More

The Joy of Hate by Greg Gutfeld @crownpublishing #bookreview

The Joy of Hate 
by Greg Gutfeld 
(2012 Crown Forum/Crown Publishing)

How do you feel about the current political situation in America? I am thoroughly fed up with the polarized posture of both parties. I tend to be an independent and am always hoping for politicians and commentators who can offer a balanced agenda to restore the greatness of America.

The most recent elections have been discouraging. There are no plans or reasoned analysis of the future. Rather, there is just attack and political rhetoric. Both parties demand their own policies, none of which seem to have worked very well. They also demonize each other.

In our group of men who participate in a Philosophers’ Club (male version of a book club), we have a well balanced group from political and religious standpoints. Yet, when it comes to politics we demonize each other as well. It is as if there is no middle ground. On religion or philosophy, we can have a rationale discussion.

This month’s selection is The Joy of Hate. It was chosen by a thoughtful friend seeking to engender discussion of the group. He will succeed!

Mr. Gutfeld is a political talk show host. He is obviously conservative, though not quite to the far, far right. His book, like his shows I suspect (I do not watch much TV so have never seen his show), is stated in strident terms of what he hates about the left. He finds the outrage of liberals to be phony, because it is self-serving and devoid of reflection on flaws in their own views. 

In The Joy of Hate, Mr. Gutfeld presents his outrage on 28 topics – probably all drawn from TV commentary. He addresses Muslims, male boobs, bigotry, vaginas, subsidies, Mr. Obama, lies, workplace violence, medical care, fat people, Sarah Palin, the Tea Party (viewed as “parents” by the left) vs. Occupy Wall Street (viewed as “sex” by the same side), and so on. In doing so, he bemoans the phony outrage of the left.

Hatred of phony outrage is appropriate. I quite agree. On the other hand, I was surprised that Mr. Gutfeld does not turn his frame of analysis on the conservative right which is guilty of the same foolishness.

I am sure that he will do so in future shows, books, and presentations.

It would be amazingly refreshing to see a conservative commentator take such a look at conservatives. They have lost two elections in a row, by an increasing margin. It is apparent, even to me, than the phony outrage of the conservative right is rejected more by us voters than the phony outrage of the liberal left. 

Mt Gutfeld, I enjoyed reading your book. How about a balanced approach next time? It may not be popular with your core followers, but it would certainly do you, them, and our country a service to become such a balanced voice, perhaps even a balanced voice. For example, the dust jacket characterizes your view of the liberal left as an “oversensitive, wussified culture.” As of now, it is in the majority. What does that say about the conservative right, now a minority?

Warms, Cym

AMAZON

Read More

Out of Range by Hank Steinberg #bookreview @WmMorrowBks

Out of Range 
by Hank Steinberg 
(Wm Morrow 2013)

In your life, have you become a stranger to someone who you love and have shared a joyful life? Have you lost track of her/his interests, emotions, state of mind? And the other person as to you?

Let’s say you have lost touch with your partner’s emotions and feelings, frankly taking for granted that they were as you had thought last time you checked-in. How would you react if she lied to you in a manner indicating an affair with an old flame in a world you had both lived in years earlier? What if she disappeared? Would you sit by hoping for the best? Or take action?

If you have interest in any of these emotions, enjoy jumping into thrillers that have interesting storylines and emotional content as well, you will love Out of Range.

Charlie and Julie have such a relationship. She has disappeared, even leaving her young children in a car in a cul-de-sac. The man is devastated, wondering how he could have become so isolated from his love to not understand the depths of her unhappiness. An affair with her old flame, now a dangerous political power in a Eastern European country dominated by a dictator supported by the West?

Charlie jumps in. A journalist, not a warrior, he discerns how Julie was extracted from the U.S. and taken to that country. He has many dated contacts there, who turn on him. Alone, he must devise a plan. Step-by-step he proceeds up a twisted ladder. 

Julie has been tortured in every manner imaginable. The bad guy has planted dirty bombs throughout the world at locations to maximize death and disruption. The fuse is lit. 

Will Charlie get there in time? Will their children be orphans? Will the world be rocked by the first wave of nuclear explosions that disrupt vital markets amidst hordes of charred corpses?

Hank Steinberg is a new novelist. He is a fine storyteller. It is a rare occasion when I read thrillers that actually have a soul. Out of Range is such a story, a fine ride.

It begins with believable characters enmeshed in an emotionally thought-provoking conundrum. “Is this true in my life?” you will wonder. As the fast-paced story unfolds, you will find answer for Julie and Charlie. You will also think about your own life. Turning the last page, you will smile. “Great story. I wonder what happens when they go home? Is there such a problem in my life?”

Keep your eye on Hank Steinberg. There is a niche in the thriller world, where emotion is explored, that needs to be filled. He may be the one.

Warms-

CYM

AMAZON

Read More

Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream by Doris Kearns Goodwin #book #review

Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream 
by Doris Kearns Goodwin 
(1976, 1991 St. martin’s Press)

What makes you who you are? Have you ever thought about that question?

President Lyndon Johnson played an important part in my life. Doubtlessly, something to do with who and what I am. Why, you ask? Because I served in Vietnam. In a war that ultimately crashed the legacy and self-respect of LBJ.

This excellent biography by one of the top historians of our generation explores those questions about President Johnson. I had never thought of reading his biography until a Japanese friend wanted to visit the Johnson Library in Austin. My friend makes a hobby of visiting these American institutions. 

As I walked around the LBJ Library with him, I was surprise to see so little about Vietnam. So I bought the book. Now I understand.

I went to Vietnam in 1964, which means LBJ had been President for almost a year at the time. The war did not really commence in earnest until January 1966.

Doris Kearns Goodwin puts it all into perspective. LBJ was the product of an inner world of turmoil, undependable love, and a need. He turned for satisfaction and fulfillment to an external world in which he needed constant reaffirmation. The more he achieved, the more he needed, and so on.

And achieve he did. LBJ was an immense success at every step of the government ladder. As Majority Leader in the Senate he had more power than anyone in Washington, an immense ability to get things done in that inner sanctum. He failed as a Presidential candidate, only to be selected as Vice President by John F. Kennedy. Upon the latter’s assassination, LBJ became President.

His social achievements are appropriately legendary. Civil Rights, Voting Rights, Great Society and so on. He won election on his own in 1964 by the largest majority in history. He withdrew from re-election, not exactly resigning, in disgrace in 1968. Why? Because he lied to the American people about the extent of our involvement in Vietnam and lost the very reaffirmation that he so desperately needed. LBJ then faded into insignificance on his ranch raising cattle. He declared to Ms. Goodwin that he had been always  been very lonely. Indeed! What an amazing thing for someone with the skill and power of LBJ to have to admit in his fading years. 

If you have ever thought of those questions at the beginning of this review, you might want to think about reading Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream. It certainly helped me think through those very questions.

Warms, Cym

AMAZON

Read More

Book Review Link-Up Party Starts NOW! Come link-up...

<a href="http://cymlowell.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="CymLowell" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3960797566_f11cfb2f41_o.jpg" /></a>

Welcome to Book Review Party Wednesday.

It is real simple. Link up any (old or new, any genre) book review that you have
written to the below MckLinky.

A couple of things to remember while you're linking.

1. Add a permalink to your specific post, not the main page of your blog (only one review per blog will be included in the giveaway). Permalinks from Amazon & other Book Review Sites are permitted.
2. Add my Book Review Wednesday Badge or a simple link-back to the party at the end of your review post.
3. List the name of your blog, Title of Book or Genre. Be sure to use spaces and limit characters to 50. For example: The Lost Symbol, thriller - or whatever you want to say!

4. Visit the other linked up reviews and leave comments....it's a party, have fun!
5. I will announce the winner in a weekend post. The winner is chosen from the linked up reviewers using Random Number Generator. All included.

I am so excited to be reading all the reviews! This is always so much fun and gives me the opportunity to add new books to my list. Last week's winner will be announced this weekend!

-CYM

Read More

THE WASTELAND and OTHER POEMS by T.S. Eliot

THE WASTELAND and OTHER POEMS
by T.S. Eliot 
(introduction and notes by Randy Malamud) 
(Barnes & Noble Classics 2005; originally published by T.S. Eliot in 1917 - 1922)

Do you enjoy reading poetry? Do you enjoy comparing writers with vastly different approaches writing in the same time period? Or do you wonder sometimes why certain authors are judged to be geniuses?

I typically do not enjoy reading poetry because it is typically difficult to follow. On the other hand, that difficulty also requires one to think through what the writer is trying to say and then ascertain what that message means to one’s own life.

I find the work of T.S. Eliot to be dark and almost unfathomable. When I read these poems, I thought of other writers working in the same time period, before and after World War I,  at Oxford in England, including Tolkein, C.S. Lewis, and Charles Dobson. All of the latter writers were professors in various schools writing what appeared to be children’s stories, though each has generated a wake of immense treasure, including writing, movies, stories, video games, and so on.

As usual in reading such poetry once I pick up the book and start reading and thinking, I found the process enjoyable. In the Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrok, I found what seemed to be a lonely young man (Eliot was then about 27) pining for a love. It felt like someone with a lonely internal soul describing a weird fascination with a potential lover. I found myself comparing this to the characters of  Alice in Wonderland or the Lord of the Rings. 

This edition from Barnes & Noble Classics is a compact edition. The introduction and footnotes by Randy Malamud are excellent. They certainly put the poems into a much clearer light, with an explanation of Eliot’s life and the various references in the work itself which would have no meaning to most of us today. He also provides translation of most of the Italian or other language asides in the poems.

It is a joy to read and think, then apply the learning to your own emotions and life. This is one of those works that certainly facilitates that process.

Warms, Cym

Barnes and Noble

Read More

Betrayal of Trust by J.A. Jance @WmMorrowBks #bookreview #novel

Betrayal of Trust 
by J.A. Jance 
(a J.P. Beaumont Novel)
(Wm. Morrow 2011)

It is always fascinating to me to see how skilled writers are able to combine current events with clever plot twists and realistic characters to produce enjoyable reading experience.

When you were in high school do you remember being bullied? Or have your children experienced such victimization? Or were you or your children on the other side of it, bullying others?

Have you ever considered why rich and privileged young people would dream up drug, sex, or other dangerous escapades? Perhaps even murdering a young girl needing money to finance her own dreams?

All of these elements are included in Betrayal of Trust, together with many others. J.P. Beaumont is an experienced criminal investigator teamed with his wife Mel as leaders in the State of Washington Attorney General’s Special Homicide Investigation Team (S.H.I.T.).

J.A. Nance is a wonderful story teller. I read this one in a short period of time because it was interesting, not too heavy and certainly not too light. It was bright not dark like many in this genre, with the denouement surprising and not obvious as is also unfortunately way too common.

The mystery was fun. The interaction of J.P. and Mel offers rich fabric to weave  additional intrigue. 

The story is told in the 1st person from the standpoint of J.P. The author is a woman writing in the voice of a male police officer. I found this engaging. While J.P. feels a bit feminine, it was an enjoyable change from the machoism so common in this genre.

You will enjoy Betrayal of Trust for sure. I look forward to more in the series.

Warms-
Cym Lowell

AMAZON

Read More

One Night, Two Teams by Steve Travers #bookreview #football

One Night, Two Teams 
by Steve Travers 
(2007 Taylor Trade Publishing)

Are you a football fan? If not, are you interested in the history of racial integration in the U.S. South? How about the relationship between famous Alabama Coach Bear Bryant and the work of Dr. Martin Luther King? And what about the connection of Plato and Socrates to the football rivalry of Southern California (USC) and Alabama?

Finally, have you ever given thought to the relationship between Christianity, capitalism, and sports?

I am not a football, but I am fascinated with each of these other subjects. My son and daughter-in-law are huge football fans, for Oklahoma and USC respectively. My son thought I would enjoy One Night, Two Teams. As always, he was spot on!

It is one of the best books I have read in a long time, and I read a lot. It tells the story of the pivotal contest between USC and Alabama to open the 1970 football season at Legion Field in Birmingham. The game was added by NCAA as an extra 11th game. Bear Bryant and Jim McKay, the coaches and close friends, used the opportunity as a pivot in history. Travers puts a single football game played in September 1970 into a context of then evolving religious (Christianity), historical, economic, political and philosophical, social, and athletic trends. The result is a readable and thought-provoking masterpiece.

One Night, Two Teams is a story of triumph and evolution, love for colleagues and players alike. I found it impossible to read without stopping to think of my own thoughts on the vast range of subjects discussed.

Travers has California roots and connections, but he did a through process of interviewing and obtaining written recollections of the critical events from a broad range of players, coaches, writers, and others on both sidelines.

In its 27 chapters, One Night, Two Teams puts a mere football game into context by addressing the philosophical base of slavery, Christian idealism, the U.S. Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, life in California vs. Alabama in those years (the contrast between California openness and Governor George Wallace standing in the doors of the University of Alabama (underneath Bear Bryant’s office windows) is stunning, even if you did not live through it), and, of course, the game itself and its aftermath of integrating Southern football. 

Ultimately, One Night, Two Teams is about self-determination, integration, and economic progress. It provides a fine blueprint for the immigration debate that continues to rage in Washington. The parallels are interesting. 

I hope I have tickled your interest. This one is a wonderful, thought-provoking, and eye-opening read whether you are a football fan or not. I dare you to read it and not think about your own place in life.

Warms, Cym

Read More

Blood Money by Brian Springer **Book Review**

Blood Money 
by Brian Springer 
(2011 Ann Eagan Publishers)

Every now and then, I pick up a book that is truly a delightful read. Blood Money is one of those, for sure. Brian Springer has a wonderful, engaging way of telling a clever story.

Blood Money is the story of a hired killer engaged to help a woman apparently being stifled from releasing a drug that would have life-saving impact across the world. He uses the name Greg Skelton. He believes that his employer works for the public good.

Jessica is a researcher. She has been kidnapped as the drug is ready for release. Skelton rescues her from a desert hideaway. She goes with him.

They play cat and mouse with relentless security people who seem to have a secret means of following them. As Skelton and Jessica are on the run, it turns out that she was bugged with a transmitter embedded in her arm. He removes it with blunt scissors and a sewing kit.

She is open to being seduced. Skelton stands down at each turn. “What’s wrong with you?” she asks unable to understand his stopping in mid-stream.

There are many mysteries in this easily read, enjoyable story. What is wrong with Skelton? Does he have some deep secret? Who is the bad guy? Who wears the white hat?Will they fall in love? What’s around the next corner?

In the end, like all fine stories, Mr. Springer springs surprises upon us. I closed the back cover wondering about the next step in the lives of these people.

Blood Money is a joy to read. Unpretentious, good reading.

Warms, Cym

AMAZON

Read More

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks (Audio Version) #Review

The Choice 
by Nicholas Sparks 
(read by Holter Graham) 
(Hachette Audio 2007) 

How would you react to having to make a life decision for your sweetheart?  What if the decision in your heart violated a promise that your love had extracted from you?  Would you follow your heart or a promise made long before the actual events framing the choice occurred?

Of course, none of us can know the answer to these questions until we are in such an uncomfortable place.   Were I the sweetheart who had extracted the promise from my mate, I think I would have trusted her to make whatever decision she thought best, not be riveted by some probably idle promise and the views of the medical establishment about what should be done.

In any event, The Choice is a lovely story told by a gifted storyteller, Nicholas Sparks.  As the story evolves, we are invested in the evolving love of Gabby and Travis on the shores of North and South Carolina.  Their beloved dogs initially bring them together.

We listened to an abridged version while driving from the beach back to Texas.  The tape was about 5 hours in duration, professionally edited and read.  It was thoroughly enjoyable and consumed our attention for most of an 11 hour drive.  We have become serious fans of audio books.

This sweet story of love and devotion warmed our hearts, just as it would had we read it sitting on the beach with a bottle of wine.

I am delighted to recommend both the story and the audio version.

Warms, Cym

AMAZON

Read More

The Confession by Charles Todd #Book #Review

The Confession 
by Charles Todd 
(2012 William Morrow/HarperCollins)

Do you enjoy murder mysteries? Have you ever tried to work through the twisted dynamics of dysfunctional families? 

How about stories set in the realm of wealthy English families with their estates and servants all set in the immediate post World War I period? 

In The Confession, Scotland Yard detective Ian Rutledge is confronted by a young man claiming to have knowledge about the murder of a friend by another friend occurring during the war. Of course, Gallagher does his duty and begins to investigate.

He finds that all three were connected by a relationship with an interesting young lady. The family home was abandoned after the matron disappeared in the marshes. The fishing atmosphere of the local community along the North Sea was devastated by the location of an airfield to defend the homeland, and London down the river, from onslaught by the German airplanes of the time.

The resulting surveillance disrupted local smuggling activity from nearby France.

Our hero Gallagher relentlessly pursues all of the twists and turns in this well told story. It turns out, not surprisingly, that there are lies and secrets all around. He parses through each of them, including a disgraceful history of the community on the sea. In the end, the hints are brought together for a surprising conclusion.

If you like the mysteries and settings that are now so popular with the Downton Abbey series, you will enjoy the latest tale of Inspector Rutledge. 

The Confession is a fine addition to the long-running series.

Warms, Cym

AMAZON

Read More

Blood Line by James Rollins #Book #Review

Blood Line 

by James Rollins 

(2012 Wm Morrow)

It is always a treat to read and think through the work of skilled thriller writers. The complexities of history, characterization, evolution of the history to the world of today, pacing, and page turning frenzy as the elements are joined is quite amazing. Especially to a student like me who is hoping to learn the craft.

Blood Line contains all of these elements. We start with a connection to Christianity and the Crusades. We are taunted with thinking through what it would be like to be immortal, to live forever. Is the U.S. president to be assassinated? How can all of these elements be related? I thought turning the initial pages

Aside for all of this intrigue, we are treated to a cast of quite amazing characters, including a heroic dog (my personal favorite). Sigma Force is a clandestine operative of the United States. Its leaders pull together a cast of ingeniously developed characters, including two female operatives who seem to lead quite normal lives until they are in the field. The leader is even in love with one of them, though she is placed in deep peril. In the end, there are generations of electronic demons who almost derail success of the mission.

There are also other familial ties, including a President and his brother the Secretary of State, caught up in different elements of their ancestral family heritage. The arch enemy is the Guild. One of its own has joined the other side, only to find that she has a relationship with the apparent bad guy, and a mother who may still be alive, neither ever known to her.

As if this were not enough raw material for a thriller, Rollins rolls in a clever explanation of the potential genetics of immortality.

The action takes place in the Middle East and South Carolina, and at various places in between.

Blood Line is thrilling. My only disappointment occurred when I turned the last page. How will these people evolve? I wanted to continue.

Like some other fine series, such as The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo, Rollins has created characters that can sustain many excellent stories. I look forward to picking up the path of these folks in their next adventure.

Warms, Cym  

www.jamesrollins.com

Amazon

Read More