I would like to share this book trailer with all of you. One of my favorite people in the world, Nathaniel Fick, mentioned this book during his opening remarks at the CNAS 5th Annual Conference on June 2, 2011. I looked it up and it led me to this incredible teaser, an animated depiction of the fifth chapter of the book, as read by the author.
Get your copy here.
This is the Question of the Day at Livejournal. Because it is book-related, I might as well crosspost it here.
There are four books on my shelf that meet this description:
It is the easiest of the Tolkien books to read, methinks. And I enjoyed it the most. I love the trilogy but I find myself huffing to finish the Frodo parts while zooming past the Aragorn parts. I like the Aragorn parts better, yes. But with The Hobbit, it is even classified under children’s literature! I enjoy all of it every time I read it.
My favorite book of all time. I still get the chills every time I read it. It is such a beautiful piece of literature.
I have gone over and over about these books. You know I love them. OBA is the perfect co-read to GK so if you plan to get one, get the other also.
I would put a Harry Potter book here but I prefer reading in sequence. So if I want to read say, Azkaban (my favorite of the series), I would have to read either Chambers and/or Goblet too. Same with LOTR, that’s why I almost never re-read FOTR. Yeah, it’s a quirk.
Nowhere to Go / Iain Rowan
Published March 23rd 2011 by infinity plus.
* In compliance with FTC guidelines, it should be noted that I received the book for free through LibraryThing Member Giveaways.
After enjoying the mystery/thriller genre again, thanks to Dominance: A Novel, I was looking forward to reading more. Shortly after, I received a free copy of this book.
Nowhere to Go is a collection of short stories from award-winning writer Iain Rowan about people with literally nowhere to go. They are stories about fate, consequence, and in some stories, the paranormal.
As with all collections and anthologies, there are hits and misses. Some, I liked and some I honestly did not understand. But most of them were pretty intense, edgy. The collection starts off with “One Step Closer”, a story about an ordinary man caught in amidst a bank robbery. The story is pretty straight forward but the way it is written is a thing of beauty. As I finished this bit, I stared off… just, wow-ed. A very promising sign. “The Chain” reminded me of Hollywood action films where someone is being blackmailed into doing a series of steps so that incriminating information and/or photos would not be leaked. Again, we know how that works but like with the first story, the ending is what gets you. “One of Us” is another one of those cycle-type of stories.
A sure stand out is “Moths”. It dealt a little with the paranormal. Perfect placement, too, being towards the end of the collection. After reading a couple of mystery stories, as everything starts to look the same, here is your jolt of second wind. It reminds me of old noir films, definitely the feel of one. Another one that I absolutely loved is the book’s namesake, “Nowhere to Go”, which is found at the end of the book. And like the former, it had the paranormal mixed in with the crime thriller aspect.
I also liked the stories about double-crossing. It was not in your face, but very subtle and actually very fun to read. In “Easy Job”, I did not guess what that was about until the very end. Every sentence was gripping and exciting. “Two Night’s Work” took me a while to get into. And even after I was done with it, I was not sure I totally got it. The same with “A Walk in the Park”.
“Chairman of the Bored” provided the best line of the whole book:
Generally, I just did them because I was fucking bored.
It was told via a recording of a man about to commit suicide but not because he was “fucking bored”.
The longest of all the stories was “The Remains of My Estate”. And I felt that it had the least to do with the others. Sure, it had crime as one of its main themes but it was more, I don’t know, serious, I guess? And I personally did not think that the hero has “nowhere to go”. The plot was brilliant, the story was well-written. But after almost ten stories of light and easy reads, this is kind of hard to settle into.
Overall, it was okay. I do not have much experience with short story collections so I am out of my comfort zone here. But the stories were mostly interesting and it certainly kept my attention for eleven different stories.
Rating: 3/5.
Recommendation: For those who like crime stories looking for a quick read, this one is for you. You are getting eleven choices, read whatever tickles your fancy. Also, if you like short stories in general, this has good variety.
Get your copy here.
I would just like to share this. I think it’s pretty awesome. And helpful!
Goodreads members are strong supporters of public libraries, so we are especially excited to announce that thanks to a new agreement with EBSCO Publishing, reader ratings and book reviews from Goodreads will be incorporated into NoveList, a readers’ advisory resource with widespread use in libraries. Goodreads’s wealth of 11 million book reviews and 110 million ratings will now help librarians answer one of the most frequently asked questions—what do I read next?
The agreement brings together two companies that are dedicated to fostering a love of reading while sharing a belief that libraries have a key role to play in a community of readers. For readers searching the library catalog, content from Goodreads will serve as a powerful book discovery tool. NoveList founder Duncan Smith says librarians are always being asked for their recommendations. “With Goodreads we can point the user to thousands of readers who have read and commented on the books they are considering.”
Independent market research indicated that NoveList is the most highly-rated readers’ advisory resource in public libraries. NoveList Select allows libraries to add NoveList content into library catalogs allowing users to leverage the library catalog to discover new books and similar titles in the library’s collection. The agreement now allows Goodreads’ ratings and reviews to be incorporated into that same user experience.
Goodreads is home to both library patrons and librarians. In one poll, 30 percent of the nearly 17,000 respondents indicated that they went to the library for more of their books, eclipsing brick-and-mortar chain bookstores (22 percent) and online stores (18 percent). Are you a frequent library patron? Look for Goodreads the next time you are browsing a library catalog with NoveList!
In a perfect world, I would be posting my review of The Devil Colony by James Rollins right about now. But alas, life happened and I still have a good half-inch of pages to read before I’m done with the book. I can tell you now is that it’s definitely a good read. If you are a fan of Steve Berry’s works and Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol, this one is for you.
(I will try to have my review up later today or tomorrow. I may be out all day today because of the True Blood season 4 premiere night which I will be attending.)
Get your copy here.
SPOILER ZONE!!!
Read my review here.
1. Francesca Giordano lives at a time when civilization is being revitalized by new perceptions and ideas that threaten the existing power structure. How does the struggle between the two shape this story and the challenges that Francesca faces?
Francesca is part of that “new perception/idea”. She is a woman in a man’s world. She is the Borgia’s poisoner and was even sneaked in to the conclave in order to keep Il Cardinale safe. In a way, Borgia is a force behind that change. He has a goal and is willing to do anything – ANYTHING – to get it. In a way, Francesca’s association with Borgia makes her life easier.
2. Over the course of this story, Francesca kills at least twice and possibly three times. Can her actions be justified morally?
Is there an excuse – apart from self-defense – to take another life? Personally, I don’t think there is any. Some cultures accept the killing of one person out of revenge. Eye for an eye. I’ve heard it said that it is not a sin to kill if you don’t enjoy it. But what if you don’t feel anything when you do it? No remorse, no fear, no nothing. First time she kills, it was because she needed that person to be out of the way. It is for personal gain. Second time, out of revenge for the death of her father. And if we assume that she did kill Pope Innocent, well, that’s because Borgia told her to, albeit indirectly. So… no, it cannot be justified.
3. While she yearns for the glassmaker, Rocco and the life she could have had with him, Francesca does not hesitate to pursue a relationship with Cesare Borgia that is sexual and more. Is she hypocritical in having feelings for both men or is she drawn to each for different reasons?
Have you seen Cesare Borgia? I mean, really? Who wouldn’t? =D
I kid, I kid. I believe she is attracted to both men for different reasons. She is attracted to Cesare because he was an attractive, powerful, smart, virile man. Being in his favor had its benefits. Francesca is attracted to him physically and Cesare’s charm and charisma made it hard for her to say no. The secrecy made it exciting for her and Cesare. On the other hand, she is attracted to Rocco because he has stability. He has established himself, as a profitable business, and most of all, he has a son. He can provide for his family. Rocco is simple, an opposite of Cesare.
4. Francesca has a complex relationship with her employer, Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia. How much do you think the Cardinal knows about Francesca’s past? What role may he have played in the murder of her father?
From what I’ve read abut Rodrigo Borgia, he was a cunning and very intelligent man. Every step he took, every word he uttered was a step closer to realizing one of his many goals. Up to the point that he abuses his power and misuses the very Scripture that he was sworn to abide by. I think Borgia knows full well about Francesca’s past but speaks none of it because he saw how useful she could be in the greater scheme of things. And Francesca had proven herself trustworthy and reliable. As for her father’s murder, it is possible that he knew details of it but I don’t think it was his word that put the pieces in motion.
5. In modern terms, Francesca suffers from post-traumatic shock related to an event early in her life. In a time before psychoanalysis, she can understand her condition only as the act of a supernatural agent, either God or the Devil. What factors in her life may prompt her to look elsewhere for the true cause of her distress as well as the path to resolving it?
Every time she talks about what is eating her inside, I think it is her conscience talking. Having been raised a God-fearing Catholic, in the House of Borgia where the head of the house was a Cardinal, I think she lived by the teaching of the Holy Word. She believed that if she did wrong, she would be punished for it. And that’s a normal thing to think about.
What can change her perception of that is Borgia himself. I mean, he kept on doing these “bad things”, directly or indirectly, but it didn’t seem like he was punished for it. Was Borgia a bad man because he did these things? If so, is Francesca a bad person for killing? Is it the Devil telling her to do these bad things and she’s merely succumbing to temptation? It is her guilt talking and to me, the fact that she lets her guilt take over her tells me that she is still a good person.
6. The discovery that her late father was a “converse,” a convert from Judaism to Christianity, shocks Francesca and makes her question what else he concealed from her. But it also opens her to new perspectives and relationships. Is the uncovering of hidden truths always beneficial or are there times when secrets should remain unspoken?
I believe that the truth will set you free. “You” meaning both the secret keeper and the one kept in the dark. One might have questions about their lives and who they are and the TRUTH is the only answer to that. Finding out that her father was a conversi made it easier for her to connect with the Jewish community that helped her hugely in her cause. She related better to their situation thus drove her desire to help them. Truths aren’t always what we want to hear but at the end of the day, we need to hear them.
“My stories run up and bite me on the leg— I respond by writing down everything that goes on during the bite. When I finish the idea lets go and runs off.”
I felt like rearranging my shelves so I dumped them out on my bed. I ended up with this mess. Haha! And that’s not all of it, mind you. I put some of them back on my shelf and I’ve run out of room.
I told myself I will finish The Devil Colony by James Rollins TODAY but instead, I got bitten by the cleaning bug. Ohwel. The book gets officially released tomorrow anyway.
Love a la Carte / Jeffrey Stepakoff
This is a cute short story teaser for Jeffrey Stepakoff’s upcoming novel, The Orchard. We see our couple Grace and Dylan have a nice little dinner together.
It is short and sweet. And free!
The file also has a preview of The Orchard.
1. What book are you reading right now? – Check the sidebar. I don’t know when you’ll be reading this. But right now, The Devil Colony by James Rollins. On the nook, Nowhere to Go by Iain Rowan.
2. What will you read next? – one of the books in my Stash list. I’m so swamped.
3. What was your favorite childhood book? – Mostly Disney-fied fairy tales. And Filipino comics. Oh, one of my fondest memories as a kid was being fascinated by Hansel and Gretel because they get to shove the witch into the oven and kill her. And Snow-White and Rose-Red because there was talk of blood or something. And no… I did NOT have a disturbed childhood. Call it, morbid fascination.
4. What were your reading habits like as a kid? – As with study habits, I did not have one. Yes, I studied only when needed, read only when I felt like it. Turned out that I liked reading all the time. And I often read books that are way above my grade level.
5. How many books do you have checked out from the library? – Funny, I very seldom check books out of the library. I either read it on site, put it back when it’s time to go, and go back to continue reading; or photocopy whatever it is I needed from the book. It’s a quirk. I don’t like reading books that aren’t mine. I mean, I will if hard pressed but if not, no.
6. What books do you have on hold at the library? – none.
7. Do you have a bad book habit? – Is there such a thing as being “too careful” with your books? I mean… I freak out when I crease them, I don’t like other people handling them, no one but me can write on them. And yes, as much as I don’t like borrowing books – I don’t like lending them either. At least, to people I don’t know.
8. Do you read one book at a time, or several? – Several. The most is 2 books – one from each format.
9. What is your favorite book you’ve read this year? – I’ve read Jane Eyre once this year but didn’t finish. So, if that counts… If not, probably Room by Emma Donoghue.
10. What is your least favorite book you’ve read this year? - Dearly Devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay.
11. What is your reading comfort zone? – Historical Fiction.
12. How often do you read outside of your comfort zone? – I try to do it all the time, believe it or not. How many times have I tried venturing to Young Adult and have only succeeded twice. One, I didn’t even enjoy that much.
13. What is your favorite place to read? – The train. Really.
14. Do you lend out books? – Yes, but I don’t like it.
15. Do you dog-ear books? – Text books only.
16. Do you write in the margins of books? – In pencil only.
17. What makes you love a book? – If it makes me react (positively) out loud. And if I finish it and I want to read it again.
18. What will inspire you to recommend a book? – If I thought it was really REALLY good and if I felt that it has a general appeal.
19. What is the one book you will always recommend to everyone? – Room by Emma Donoghue. And The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
20. Is there a book you love that nobody else seems to? – Quite the opposite. I have a number of books that I really don’t like but everyone seems to love it. Case in point, The Diary of Anne Frank.
21. Do you read while you are: Eating? Taking a bath? Watching TV? Listening to music? On the computer? On the bus? – Like I said above, I love reading on the train. On the bus, too, if it’s a long ride. Nope, not eating or taking a bath or watching TV. Listening to music and being on the computer, yes. But not reading ON the computer.
22. What is your favorite genre to read? – Historical Fiction. And I’m kind of getting back to the mystery/thriller genre.
23. What genre do you rarely read, but wish you read more of? – Non-fiction. Most of my non-fiction are military history. I would like to read more of other histories.
24. What is your favorite biography? – Hm, Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. And probably How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale by Jenna Jameson. I am so not kidding.
25. What is your favorite non-fiction? - Generation Kill by Evan Wright, bar none. And a great companion piece, One Bullet Away by Nathaniel Fick.
