Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Book Review | TWELFTH NIGHT by Deanna Raybourn
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June 1st, 2014;
Harlequin MIRA
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This installment is #5.6 in the series. What’s amazing was, I didn’t have a hard time following who’s who and what’s what. Ms. Raybourn has a knack of moving her readers along without getting lost, and simply introduces everyone in the most unconventional way (it seems to me). Like, meeting Nicholas Brisbane for the first time - naked in bed. A very fine specimen too, I gathered.
So far, I liked all the characters I’ve met, a very interesting set of people with strong wit and personalities. Reading this series will never be boring. I guess I have to set a date for a reading marathon.
Book details:
Title: Twelfth Night
Series: Lady Julia Grey #5.6
Author: Deanna Raybourn
Publication: June 1st, 2014 by Harlequin MIRA
Genre: General Fiction/ Historical
Rating: ★★★
*Thank you MIRA for being generous.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Book Review | THE SINNER by Amanda Stevens
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| September 27, 2016; MIRA |
Earlier this year, I’ve read and reviewed THE VISITOR, saying that it is the creepiest book in the series. I guess I talked too soon, because, lo and behold, THE SINNER is here and it gave me some really sleepless nights.I'm a cemetery restorer by trade, but my calling has evolved from that of ghost seer to death walker to detective of lost souls. I solve the riddles of the dead so the dead will leave me alone.
For our Graveyard Queen, it has been a year since she (Amanda) and Devlin had a divisive comprehension -recognizing each other’s unnatural endowment- moving them at opposite poles. It’s helplessly sad because it is like witnessing something truly beautiful cracking in the middle. And in spite of the horrifying events at the Kroll Cemetery, Amanda still finds cemetery restoration her firm ground in mending her broken heart and refurbishing her balance. Now, Amanda has been called to Seven Gates Cemetery to solve the riddle of the twelve mortsafes and the body of a girl buried with her hands grasping the iron grate.
The Graveyard Queen became one of my most favorite series. And now that we are down to the penultimate installment, I have these mixed feelings. I am absolutely excited to read the last book soon, but I am also torn by the fact that I don’t want to let this series end. Although, Ms. Stevens did promise an ebook that will feature Amanda and Devlin to introduce the new cast for her new series.
For now, though, I’d like you to grab a copy of The Sinner, on September 27, and share my excitement; because I don’t think Amanda is the only one growing in power here, not anymore.
Book details:
Author: Amanda Stevens
Publication: September 27, 2016; MIRA
Genre: Fiction, Paranormal
Rating: ★★★★★*Thank you MIRA and Netgalley for the DRC.
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Book Review | LEAVE ME by Gayle Forman
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September 6, 2016
Algonquin Books |
Maribeth Klein is a 44-year old juggling between being a magazine editor, a wife, and a mother to her 4-year old twins. It took her an unscheduled trip to the ER to realize that she’s having a heart attack, followed by an emergency bypass surgery.
After spending a week at the hospital, coming home did nothing better for Maribeth. In spite of her mother flying over from Florida, Maribeth is still expected to worry about everything at home and the kids. The whole ordeal took a toll on her, making her feel miserable and unappreciated. Where is everybody when she’s the one needing help?
One morning, she decided to pack a bag and took off to Pittsburgh. It seems childish to think of nothing else but one’s self all of a sudden, without a plan, and acting as if it doesn’t hurt at all. But then, new people came into her life and new things start happening.
It’s really not that hard to associate with Maribeth, especially if you’re a working mother as well. Being forty-four myself and (also) living with a heart condition, I sure did. Sometimes, it is depressing when there’s no one validating all your efforts or recognizing how exhaustion is taking its toll on you. Most of us may not pack a bag and actually leave, but, of course, the thought did cross our minds on occasions. What made Maribeth a lot braver is that she actually packed and left. It’s not that she doesn’t love her family anymore or that she has given up. It’s all about recognizing the need to put herself together again and that she will not be able to do it in her chaotic home, at present.
"If you want to get better,really better,well, you're going to have to do that for yourself."
LEAVE ME gave a well-expressed voice to all the working mothers (and wives) calling for validation and equal cuddling. And sometimes, it’s true that being left alone gives more room to move around and have a better point of view.
Make sure to grab a copy when Leave Me hit the stores.
Book details:
Title: Leave Me
Author: Gayle Forman
Publication: September 6, 2016; Algonquin Books
Genre: Women's Fiction
Rating: ★★★★★
*Thank you Random House for the DRC.
Monday, July 18, 2016
BEST BOOKS of 2016 ...so far
- The Visitor by Amanda Stevens - This 4th installment from the Graveyard Queen series is the creepiest the author has come up with, and it made my (eager) wait really worth it.
- When Falcons Fall by C.S. Harris - I can't remember a book from this series that I don't like. Mostly, because the author is a great historian, and with the full knowledge of her subject, she's able to seamlessly weave historical facts and fiction convincingly together. And the suspense here was killing me, so I read it overnight.
- Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein - A fun, fun read. I love how this book does its best to encourage children to experience the joys of reading and appreciate the many things a library can offer. Makes me wish I am a kid again. But sad that children in the Philippines will not fully experience this since city/public libraries are close to nil. This book has a good range of book recommendations, from different genres, it's just wonderful.
- The Children Act by Ian McEwan - This first encounter with the author is totally awesome. He is a great conductor that masterfully directs words into playing what wrecks the heart in the most compelling way. Now, I'm a fan.
- Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman - I am simply in awe of the love this book contains. Probably, one of the major influences why I loved the London Spy series so much.
- 15th Affair by James Paterson, Maxine Paetro - This is probably the most conflicting installment in the series. I stayed awake until almost two in the morning just so I could finish and close the book in peace, but I ended up tossing and turning miserably in bed instead. If you are familiar with the series, you'll know where I am coming from.
- Faithful Place by Tana French - When I started with the series, little did I know that I'd be very interested with tough Frank Mackey. I learned, later, underneath all that hard shell is a tender heart afflicted by a past, and I felt his ache.
- Surrender, New York by Caleb Carr - After four years, Carr's new novel is well-timed and worth waiting for. I highly recommend it.
Meanwhile, my runner ups are:
- Miller's Valley by Anna Quindlen - the narration is very akin to having an intimate conversation with a friend. The author is very insightful.
- The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig - Incidentally enough, this appeared to be on Book Riot's Best Books for 2016, so far.
- My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout - This too appeared in Time's Best Books for 2016 So Far.
And with that, I bid you "good hunting" for your next best book, while I go back to my slothful existence. Ta-ta!
Saturday, July 9, 2016
Book Review | SURRENDER, NEW YORK by Caleb Carr
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August 23, 2016
Random House |
Ambitious and brave.
I expect nothing less from a Caleb Carr novel.
I expect nothing less from a Caleb Carr novel.
Reminiscent of his Kreizler series, Carr’s new novel carries the 19th-century jargon and avid crime investigation techniques he employed; however, it now embodies the present-day tragedies. And a very apt debut for a series, if I may insinuate.
Surrender, an upstate town where Trajan Jones, a criminal psychologist, and his colleague Michael Li found themselves in exile, after having aggravated the “powers that be” in New York City. At present, both are teaching a criminology class online. Still, this present situation does not limit them from being invited as consultants by the local sheriff office, every now and then. And this brings the present dilemma at hand, “abandoned children” and their bizarre death rate in the county, wherein local authorities and the bigger players have a difference of opinion.
This being a Carr novel, it is chock-full of wide-ranging explanations and historical facts. It took some time for the plot to unfold itself, and readers who are used to fast-moving pace action/crime will usually find this slow. But the wisdom of the narrative is in that slowness -not that it lacks car chase scenes and shocking twists- wherein every unfolding is deliberate and effectual.
As per usual, Carr’s characters are very successful; they are all remarkably hard to forget. I distinctly remember when they were first mentioned and how they were mentioned every time. And this is not a short novel, by the way. In my experience with crime novels, the reader has to have a good connection with either the protagonist or the antagonist for it to work well. So, whatever strategy Carr is doing, it works really damn well.
What we see depends mainly on what we look for.
I highly recommend SURRENDER, NEW YORK.
Book details:
Title: Surrender, New York
Author: Caleb Carr
Publication: August 23, 2016; Random House
Genre: Mystery & Suspense | Literary Fiction
Rating: ★★★★★
*Thank you Random House for the uncorrected proof.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Why Read Translated Works?
This was a question sent to me a few months back. I never had the chance to answer this earlier, mainly because I feel I have no substantial answer, to begin with. You see, I’m no expert on the subject, and anything I’ll say here is purely based on my opinion as a reader or a person who delights in reading good books. If it’s an expert’s opinion you’re after, then you’re on the wrong page. If you want to stick around, you have to take everything with a grain of salt.
I learn.
Did I buy them because they were translations? No.
So far I have read a number of translated works, none of them I bought for that reason. The truth is, only after reading most of them did I realize that they were translations. (Just to show you how deep my expertise on this subject.) And it took a while before I did realize what I like about them.
Translation in literature, for me, is more than breaking the language barrier. It helps us learn about other cultures, their fashion, their spirituality, and their political views, how they really feel about family values and their passion for food. Most of the answers to these made me laugh, shocked at the huge difference with mine, and marveled at the similarities.
Lost in translation.
Transmitting cultural aspects through literature is a difficult mission. It is a multifaceted collection of experiences in daily life. And I am often fascinated with the translator’s ability to capture and project them, and to be understood by readers outside the original cultural condition. Sure, some readers are vexed because some sense does get lost in translation, but heck, it's not about to cause World War III, right?
Without translation, I would be limited to the borders of my own country.The translator is my most important ally.He introduces me to the world. -Italo Calvino
Oh, the places you'll go!
Translation is also akin to traveling to places we have not reached yet. It’s been years, but the image of Stockholm is stockpiled in my memory on how Reg Keeland translated it for Stieg Larsson. I felt the melancholic voice of José Saramago when Margaret Jull Costa translated his memories of Azinhaga and Lisbon. I will always miss the lights of Barcelona as Lucia Graves translated it for Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
Keeping the windows open.
Lastly, whilst I read English-written works more often, I also read translations because I think it’s abnormal and restrictive to lock myself from the rest of the remarkable literature mankind have written.
It is better to have read a great work of another culture in translationthan never to have read it at all. -Henry Gratton Doyle
While we’re at it, here are the Best Translated Novels and Favorite Translated Literature from Goodreads Listopia. And THE MILLIONS announced the Winners for the Best Translated Book for 2016.
I'm also interested in your opinion on this matter. Please, do share.
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