Mysterious is the word that can be most aptly applied to the debut novel of Diane Setterfield. It's written in a sort of classic style, quite similar to the works of Henry James, except with a little more modern wording.
The Thirteenth Tale is truly a novel for people who are avid readers. The main character is that of a somewhat shy woman, who lives a quiet life helping to run her parent's bookstore. Reading and writing are her passions in life, so when she gets the chance to interview a reclusive and mysterious author named Vida Winter, she jumps at the chance.
As she travels to the author's mansion, our main character finds out, that the author Vida Winter is dying and she is being hired to write Ms. Winter's biography. As the story unfolds our main character becomes fascinated, almost obsessed with the life story of the mysterious and unpredictable author she is interviewing.
This book will keep you turning the pages to learn the secrets of the past and the answers to the mysteries that keep presenting themselves as the novel comes along. With exciting plot twists and constant surprises, this thrilling mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat. Not only is it extremely exciting, but its very well written; the type of novel where the words create the perfect imagery and you can see everything happening almost as if you were watching a movie.
I bought this book because it was part of our Barnes & Noble recommends program. Each month our company picks a book that was enjoyed and voted on by booksellers, and it becomes our company recommendation. Usually I ignore these books for two reasons: 1) They usually aren't the type of thing that catches my interest and 2) I'm not usually one for jumping on a bandwagon and reading a book because everyone else is. This time though, everything about the book caught my eye: the title, the cover, the summary. I'm glad it did, because this is a great novel.
Recommended Reading: The Eight
This novel by Katherine Neville is somewhat similar in style of writing, even though it has a different plot altogether. Its about the quest for an ancient chess board, believed to hold magical powers and sought after by some of the most powerful people in history. Like The Thirteenth Tale, though, it is an exciting edge of your seat novel. A historical fiction, full of plot twists and surprises that will keep you reading to discover it's secrets.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Book Review 9: Marley and Me
Sometimes those with the greatest writing success achieve it through the simplest of ideas. That's what writer and journalist John Grogan did when he decided to write Marley and Me, a real life story about the first dog him and his wife had as a married couple.
Marley and Me, has gained all sorts of fame and popularity since it was first written in 2005. The book has been consistently on the bestsellers, often at or near the top of the list, and due to its success has been re-issued as an illustrated edition including actual photographs. Also due to its success any possibility of a paper back has been pushed back since the book still sells so well in hardcover.
All you have to do to understand all the fuss about this book is to actually read it, and then you will understand why everyone else has. As much of a cliche as it may be to say this, Marley and Me is truly a book that has the capability to make you laugh out loud one minute and cry the next. This is a great story about how dogs, such simple creatures, can have such a profound impact on our lives, as Marley does on the author of this book.
For anyone who loves animals, especially dogs, or anyone who has ever had a cherished pet of any kind, this is a book that will appeal to you. It's a simple telling of one family and the dog that changed their lives. Reading it, may have the capability to change yours as well.
Recommended Reading: I am Puppy, Hear Me Yap: The Ages of Dog
This is a book of poetry, about you guessed it, dogs. Each page features a full page photograph of a dog, usually doing something very cute and dog-like, and then a few lines of poetry relating to the pictures. Much like Marley and Me, this book can affect a wide range of emotions, depending on which poem you choose to read. Its a must have for anyone who loves dogs.
Marley and Me, has gained all sorts of fame and popularity since it was first written in 2005. The book has been consistently on the bestsellers, often at or near the top of the list, and due to its success has been re-issued as an illustrated edition including actual photographs. Also due to its success any possibility of a paper back has been pushed back since the book still sells so well in hardcover.
All you have to do to understand all the fuss about this book is to actually read it, and then you will understand why everyone else has. As much of a cliche as it may be to say this, Marley and Me is truly a book that has the capability to make you laugh out loud one minute and cry the next. This is a great story about how dogs, such simple creatures, can have such a profound impact on our lives, as Marley does on the author of this book.
For anyone who loves animals, especially dogs, or anyone who has ever had a cherished pet of any kind, this is a book that will appeal to you. It's a simple telling of one family and the dog that changed their lives. Reading it, may have the capability to change yours as well.
Recommended Reading: I am Puppy, Hear Me Yap: The Ages of Dog
This is a book of poetry, about you guessed it, dogs. Each page features a full page photograph of a dog, usually doing something very cute and dog-like, and then a few lines of poetry relating to the pictures. Much like Marley and Me, this book can affect a wide range of emotions, depending on which poem you choose to read. Its a must have for anyone who loves dogs.
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