Review of _Across the Universe_ by Beth Revis

The back of the book says: Amy and her parents are cryogenically frozen passengers aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed. They have been led to believe they will wake upon on a new planet, 300 years in the future. But fifty years before Godspeed's scheduled landing, Amy is mysteriously unplugged from her cryo chamber, the near-victim of an attempted murder. Amy discovers an enclosed world where nothing makes sense, where Godspeed's passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader, and Elder, his rebellious and brilliant teenage heir. Amy and Elder are instantly bonded. But can they trust each other? All Amy and Elder know is that they must discover Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke Amy tries to kill again.

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. As someone who is intrigued by fantasy and sci-fi, but turned off by authors who get lost in the technical issues of their created worlds, this was right up my alley. There is enough background to help you see the setting, the people, and the story. The characters are well-drawn, and the dialogue smooth. Some elements might be a little predictable, but not unpleasantly so. There are surprises, and they make sense, as does the ending. Hopefully, Ms. Revis will gift us sooner rather than later with her next offering.

Thank you to Lorien Forrest for her review.

Review of Complete Without Kids by Ellen Walker

The back says: "In Complete Without Kids, licensed clinical psychologist Ellen L. Walker examines the often-ignored question of what it means to be childfree, by choice or by circumstance, in a family focused society...As a woman who is childfree by choice, Walker draws upon her personal experience while also offering the reader numerous interviews with other childfree adults, revealing behind-the-scenes factors that influenced their personal journeys..."

I was intrigued by the book based upon my experience as someone who had their family early and, by mutual decision with my spouse, stopped childbearing. As we got older, I neared the end of the age of usual fertility, and we decided to try and add to our family. This didn't happen. So, we became pseudo-childfree (our children are teens nearing independence), but not by choice. I expected a balanced treatment of the subject. It seemed to start that way, but then gradually became biased toward the childfree by choice point of view. I realize that some of the viewpoints expressed by the interviewees may not be those of the writer, but as the book progressed, it became increasingly smug and gave a distinct feeling of "aren't we smart for not adding to the burden of people on the world, so now we can be utterly selfish and do whatever we want with our time".

I could only recommend this book for the person who has already decided to be childfree by choice. And that sort of eliminates the point in reading it, don't you think?

Thank you to Lorien Forrest for her review.

Review of Red Wolf by Liza Marklund

This is a novel by the preeminent Swedish female crime author. The protagonist is named Annika Bengtzon, a journalist with intelligence, courage and fierce love for her children. I found her likable and human. Her husband on the other hand, I did not like. But maybe that was part of the point. This is one in a series about Annika and her exploits, and I could see how the themes of her life: work, home, children, marriage, friendship would all weave in and out of multiple books.

The writing is nice and tight, concise prose. It flows well, and you can definitely see the scenes and people she paints. The characters are believable in all their shades of imperfection. If you aren't familiar with Sweden, and Swedish politics, you might struggle a little with understanding the context. That wasn't too much of a problem though. I enjoyed the book and found it a pleasant interlude. It compares favorably with the other Scandinavian crime novels recently introduced into the US market. I actually think that Marklund has a smoother and more elegant style than those of Roslund & Hellstrom, or Larsson.

Thank you to Lorien Forrest for her review.

Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller

Subtitled, "The new science of adult attachment and how it can help you find - and keep - love." The book is appropriate for those who are looking for a happy/healthy relationship, as well as those already in a relationship. The categorization of everyone into avoidant, anxious, or secure attachment styles seems overly simplistic at first, but makes sense as you read. In fact, the entire book is uncomplicated - but not dumbed down. The authors explain how the different styles lead us to behave in various ways in romantic relationships. There are many examples and questions to illustrate the concepts. I have read many, many books on marriage and personality style, and this is probably the most helpful one of all. Even if you don't have problems in your current relationship, the guidelines and ideas will help you understand and improve how you communicate with others. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Lorien Forrest for her review.

Review of The Mistress of Nothing by Kate Pullinger.

Set in the 1860s, this is a novel based partially upon the story of Lady Duff Gordon and her lady's maid, Sally Naldrett. The Lady is a lively woman who delights in entertaining and debating with educated men of her time. The tale follows the two women as they journey to Egypt and live there for several years. Along the way, the pair becomes a trio. The addition of a Egyptian guide/cook/butler leads to huge changes and events in the lives of all three. Although I found the story entertaining throughout, particularly the interweaving of British and Egyptian customs of the time, at times it seemed I would drown along with the characters in the maelstrom of their lives. Well-written but somewhat dark.


Thank you to Lorien Forrest for her review.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness review

This is the story of a witch who is trying to ignore her powers and be a scholar instead, and the consequences of that choice. Along the way we meet vampires and other interesting magical creatures. The story is a long one - 579 pages - and starts a bit slowly and with convolutions. I enjoyed the many revelations and eurekas throughout, although there was a bit more esoteric information about alchemy than it seemed necessary. If one can tolerate the academic feeling at the first, the story itself is entertaining, and the characters delightfully three-dimensional and endearing. Overall a nice blend of suspense, romance and fantasy.

Thanks to Lorien Forrest for her review.

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond Review

This is the nonfiction account of a city girl (yes, complete with the impractical clothes and silver spoon) falling in love with and marrying "Marlboro Man", a rancher who is as grounded as the dirt. Many know Ree Drummond from her blog of the same name (The Pioneer Woman). The story is written in the same humorous tone as her blog and tweets. I couldn't put it down, even though I already knew the ending! Very sweet story, and clean enough for your kids.  If you love romances minus the sex, you will want to grab this before it flies off the shelf! Now, she cautions the reader that most of the book is on her blog. But there is something new here (the after-wedding part). Plus, the book is a visual pleasure, with lovely flowers on every page. Bonus recipes at the back.

Thank you to Lorien Forrest for her review.