Brrrrr. . . . Book Reviews

First of all, let me just say that it's gotten very chilly here.  I'm sitting in my office with a blanket on my lap because I'm so cold.  It's dark and drizzling and a rather blustery day as Pooh would say.  A good day for getting under the covers and reading, if you ask me.  And that's exactly what I've been doing lately.  So without further ado -- here are my latest book reviews. . .

War Trash by Ha Jin seemed like a sure thing -- after all, I absolutely loved Waiting.  I'm happy to say that it didn't disappoint.  I'm not one for novels about war, so I was a little worried but to tell you the truth, this is mostly about the main character's time spent in a POW camp -- not about combat per se (although there is plenty of fighting in the prison camp).

There is something about Ha Jin's style of writing that sucks me in and makes me get so involved with the characters.  I could hardly put this book down and while it was not as good as Waiting (which is such an incredible book, I can't imagine him writing another book to match it!) I would definitly recommend this book based on the writing alone.  Then add to that the insight that you are given into the life of the Chinese POW's during the Korean war -- something which I knew nothing about before reading this book -- and this becomes a must read.

On a completely different note, I devoured Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, Book 1) by Lian Hearn this past weekend (I do mean devoured -- reading it in just over 24 hours.)  Now I didn't remember hearing about this book before, but it turns out that Amy recommended it to me way back in January.  So let me tell you how I found out about this book (again) first.  We (Pete & I) had the good fortune of having Pete's Mom (Dot -- after whom I have named the Dorothy Bag, BTW) watch Maddie this past weekend.  So what do you think Pete & I did?  We went up to Chicago and went to a book store, of course!  A wonderful, little, independent bookstore called the Book Cellar.  They have lots of reviews written about books and I immediately realized that "Katie" and I had similar tastes, so I walked around the shop reading all the cards that she wrote her reviews on and this was one of them.  When we went to check out, I mentioned to the woman sitting at the register how I loved Katie's reviews, blah, blah, blah and she smiled and said "I'm Katie!"  So thank you again, Katie!  You were right about this book.  (Now go find your local bookshop!)

Okay, on to the review.  So Across the Nightingale Floor was in the "Science Fiction" section, but it is what you would call fantasy, I suppose.  There aren't any dragons, or magical creatures and it's not set in middle earth -- it's somewhat different from other fantasy and sci-fi that I've read before.  The setting is feudal Japan and and the characters are nicely developed.  There are warring clans and murder, plots & plans, assassins and secret love affairs.  It's great stuff, really.  I'm looking forward to reading the second book -- Grass for His Pillow (Tales of the Otori, Book 2) -- which is already out.  (One of the joys of reading a series after it's already been out for awhile -- no waiting around for the next book -- yipee!)

I also bought a few other books at Book Cellar and will probably start on one of those next, although I'm also reading Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman, which is Haruki Murakami's new collection of short stories -- strange, but interesting.  If you enjoy his novels, I suggest picking up a copy!

Comments

[Vicki]

I totally agree about the blustery weather, perfect for reading (or knitting). More books to go on my list. You need to slow down so I can catch up! Oh, and how bout that podcast... Not to be a nag or anything :)

[Tracey]

OK, I think we should start a petition, that says, on days when it is rainy and blustery there should be a national law stating that no one is allowed to go to work until noon. I also want someone more motivated than myself to come up with a device that lets you read and knit at the same time, my lap and the blankets all mushed up just isn't cutting it.

[Kim]

the Tales of the Otori books are great. AND...I read he is just coming out with the 4th and final book soon. I read the first three, and can not wait for the 4th. I think it will be called The Harsh Cry of the Heron