Natchez Burning

Natchez Burning by Greg Iles
791 Pages


Penn Cage is back and things get off to a bad start when his father Tom Cage is charged with the murder of a former nurse of his, Viola.  Tom Cage won't talk to his son about what happened and it soon becomes apparent that the whole affair has its roots in the 60's when a splinter group of the KKK called the Double Eagles were terrorizing the area.

 Iles was in a car accident that nearly killed him which caused the delay of this book.  It's been five years since Iles put out a new book and patrons have been anxiously  awaiting this volume. This will be the first of a planned trilogy which rumor has is already written so hopefully the wait won't be as long. 

Heads in Beds

Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality by Jacob Tomsky, 247 pages

Jacob Tomsky (or Tommy Jacobs, as he refers to himself in the book) has worked at high-end hotels for the last decade or so, and Heads in Beds is his memoir of moving from valet to front desk clerk to housekeeping manager and back to the front desk. This is an eye-opening look at hotels, how they function behind the scenes, and exactly how the hotel staff sees you, that one person in the nameless, faceless constant stream of guests.While there are a few "ew, gross" moments and some definite "are you kidding me?" stories of pushy guests and managers, Tomsky handles them well, with heavy dose of sarcastic humor.

As much as it is a memoir, this is also illuminating in the ways that we can all be better hotel guests while getting the amenities that we want. Want an upgrade? Tomsky lets you know how to get it (hint: money talks). Don't want to pay for that minibar raid? Keep your story short and sweet, because they'll stop listening after the first sentence or so. Really, there are plenty of tips here that can make your time as a hotel guest better, and make the lives of those who work in hotels a bit easier too. Or you can at least find out why that room key that worked perfectly three hours ago when you checked in doesn't work now (it may have something to do with the horrible way you treated the doorman).

A good fun memoir, though those who dislike swearing, drug use, and questionable morals may be better to read something else. I loved it.

Romantic Religion

Romantic Religion: A Study of Barfield, Lewis, Williams, and Tolkien by Robert James Reilly, 226 pages

This is an analysis of the works of Owen Barfield, CS Lewis, Charles Williams, and JRR Tolkien, all of whom knew and were influenced by each other, being the core members of the literary discussion group called the Inklings.  Although the formal religious beliefs of the four varied considerably - Barfield was an Anthroposophist, Lewis and Williams were Anglicans, and Tolkien was Catholic - it is Reilly's contention that the four shared a common, romantic approach to religion.  He defines "romantic religion" as cataphatic theology, the "Affirmative Way" which affirms what is good in things and regards all things, therefore, as in some ways reflective of, and thus revelatory of, their Creator.  In this way, Lewis' admiration for the truths to be found in pagan mythologies, Williams' belief that "theologized" romantic love (best represented in the love of Dante for Beatrice) is a valid path to God, and Tolkien's notion of "secondary creation" are all presented as variations on the theme of the reception - and communication - by the human imagination of glimmers of divine Truth.

Barfield receives as much space as the other three combined, which the author attempts to justify on the grounds that Barfield is the most obscure of the four, and therefore the most in need of introduction, but seems to be more a result of the author's own preference for Barfield's theological views.  The section on Lewis centers on his books for adults (especially the Space Trilogy and Till We Have Faces), excluding the Narnia books.  Since the book was published in 1971, Tolkien is considered an "obscure scholar" who has had some "recent success", and receives the least amount of attention.

An intriguing and enlightening study, even if, in my opinion, Reilly puts the least first and the first last.

Memories of Ice

Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson, 775 pages

This is the third book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. I have previously called this series a challenge to read and this book is no exception. What began in the previous books as basic god interference has blossomed into a huge web of convoluted action. To add some more confusion this book actually happens somewhat before and during Deadhouse Gates, which is the previous book in the series.

The overall plot of the book is Whiskeyjack and Dujec have banded together with previous enemies Brood and Rake to confront a new enemy in the southern part of the continent. The story then follows the Bridgeburners and some newly introduced characters as they try to save life as they know it.

There were some times in reading this that I found myself having to pause and reread sections at Erikson has an annoying trend to not mention which characters the story has jumped too. At times he can make it half a page describing the area before one of the characters speaks and identifies themselves. Despite that I do love how truly vast the world he has created is and will most likely continue the series.

Parasite

Parasite by Mira Grant, 504 pages 

This was another one of the books that was forcefully suggested by that coworker/potential blogger person. Upon reading the inside cover flap I admitted that it was something that interested me.

Basically in the future no one gets sick or worries about any type of illness or viruses etc. because they have all been implanted with a form of tapeworm that fights off everything. No more allergies to dogs or pollen, no more getting the flu, or managing blood sugar levels, it does everything and more. That is until something goes horribly wrong.

Parasite really takes a look at what could happen if medicine goes too far. It also takes a glance at what science is willing to risk to make money in the corporate world. The book is very well done, and despite getting very scientific in spots, is easy enough to follow. While I don’t know if this is part of a series yet or not, the author does offer some suggested reading in the same subject area that seem interesting.

Against the Tide

Against the Tide by John Ringo, 550 pages

This is the third book in the Council Wars series. I have really enjoyed reading this series so far. Despite being mainly good vs evil, it never sinks to the point where the good always win. Granted that is what tends to happen at the end of series and books but in this one there are some major setbacks.

Despite being three books into the series, overall nothing or true consequence has really happened. Not that there hasn’t been action, just action and counteraction. Both sides are still in control of pretty much what they started with. Against the Tide does brings in a host of new characters, some of which are very unique physically. For an example see the cover art.  There is also the introduction of a true aerial element to the battles.

I very much like this series and despite wanting to mix in other books, I feel myself being drawn back to it time and time again. 

Deadhouse Gates

Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson, 843 pages

This is the second book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. This book happens concurrently with Memories of Ice though you wouldn’t know that until you read it. I decided that that is not a spoiler as it may prompt people to research the chronological order of the books before reading them. I don’t know if it would have changed my reading of them or not.

Anyways Deadhouse Gates only follows two members of the Bridgeburners from the previous book. They have split away from the group to try and accomplish a world changing mission. Though they don’t know it they are headed into an area that is ripe for rebellion. We also meet some new and interesting characters that give us even more to keep track of.

This series reads much like a Lord of the Rings novel but with the hopping from character to character that you see in the Song of Ice and Fire series. So if you like those kind of worldwide epics than you should try reading this series.

Alice in Zombieland

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter, 404 pages

This book came forcefully recommended by a coworker and potential blogger. I was intrigued by the title and was thinking it was a rewrite of Alice in Wonderland but with zombies. What I got was an entirely different zombie adventure.

Showalter also takes a unique approach in her zombies. These are zombies that can only be seen by select people. The zombies also are only inclined to chase people that can see them. This leads to a sort of war in which the highschool aged zombie hunters are forced to do battle with the zombies or get turned into zombies themselves.

The book was slightly more chic lit like than stuff I normally read but the fact that there were zombies helped. I am very interested to see where Showalter is going to take this zombie adventure series.

Well of Lost Plots

Thursday Next in the Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde, 375 pages

This is the third book in the Thursday Next series. In some ways these books get more and more confusing as the series goes on, but that only helps the awesomeness of the series.¹ Like all series it is very hard to give any sort of review without revealing anything that happens in the book, or the books that come before it.

In this book Thursday is on extended maternity leave and is living in an unpublishable manuscript. All of these manuscripts are kept in the Well of Lost Plots, hence the name of the book. This book is also has the reappearance of Granny Next and some of her life story.

 

This series is a must read in my opinion as it is very well done and will have you at least chuckling at some of the puns/jokes/literary humor used in the book.² The Unitary Authority of Warrington Cat, or the cat formerly known as Cheshire, is still my favorite character. But Pickwick is a very close second, despite being a dodo who cant talk.

_{1 “Hello? Can anyone hear me?”}

_{2 “Is this thing on?”}

Delicious

Delicious by Ruth Reichl
380 Pages

Billie Breslin takes a job at the magazine Delicious where she quickly becomes known for her amazing palate which allows her to taste and identify ingredients.  Just when things are going great, the staff gets the news that the magazine is being closed down and only Billie will be kept on to answer reader questions.  Alone in the great mansion, Billie stumbles on a secret room filled with old letters from readers and soon is following the trail of letters of one Lulu Swan to James Beard during World War II. 

The book jacket calls Ruth Reichl a born storyteller and it isn't exaggerating.  While the novel isn't life changing or likely to become a classic, it is a story that captures your interest and you'll find yourself reading the book in one sitting.  Definitely a recommendation to patrons that enjoy a nice book with a touch of romance.

Constantine: The Spark and the Flame

Constantine Volume 1: The Spark and the Flame by Ray Fawkes, 144 pages

This is a collection of the first six comics in the newly rebooted John Constantine series. My knowledge of the history and previous storylines concerning Constantine is limited to the movie by the same name. This collection of comics seems to follow along closely to that.

It is nice to see an older comic series get a reboot, if nothing else to bring it back into the main streams vision. That being said this first group of comics seem very unsustainable. I hope I am wrong but only time will tell. I will continue reading them though as this reboot deserves the chance.

Fables Volume 1

Fables, the Deluxe Edition Volume 1 by Bill Willingham, 248 pages

This book series came highly recommended by fellow blogger Kara K. It was sold to me as storybook characters that have been forced out of their native lands and into modern society. It is a very long series though it is done as a full color graphic novel.

I know that you should never judge a book by its cover but the first time I saw this book I took a small disliking to it. Something about the cover made it seem more childish or cartoony than I was expecting. But since it was recommended and a graphic novel I gave it a try.

It starts off a little weird but quickly builds into a decent story with somewhat likeable and believable characters. There were some that I didn’t recognize which story book they came from though. By the end I wanted to keep reading, if nothing else because it will be interesting to see where the author goes from here.

Breeding Ground

Breeding Ground by Sally Wright
372 Pages

When is a mystery not a mystery?  When it is this book.  Supposedly this book is to be part of a series set in Kentucky in the 60's where the protagonist, Jo Grant becomes caught up in murder while maintaining the family horse farm. The problem is that two thirds of the book are spent developing the characters, community and situations before the murder even occurs and then the murder is almost immediately revealed. 

If the patron is a horse fan it might be of interest but most likely it would be better to direct them to other mystery series such as Francis or Rita Mae Brown for the mystery/horse combo.

Hounded

(Coming in July)

Hounded by David Rosenfelt
384 Pages

The latest Andy Carpenter mystery has Andy involved in a new case where he has to defend his policeman friend from the charge of murder.  As usual, the case takes a twist as a larger conspiracy is uncovered.

This is an enjoyable series with a lot of courtroom procedural information.  Rosenfelt likes to play up the dog angle with not only the title but the cover art, but dogs are an inconsequential tangent to the main storyline.  

All The Light We Cannot See

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
531 Pages

Set in France during World War II this story follows two main characters; Marie-Laure and Werner.  Marie-Laure is a blind french girl who relocates to Saint Malo from Paris with her father when the Germans invade Paris.  Werner is a German orphan with a gift for electronics who is caught up in the war.  The book charts their tales from the early 30's to the war's end and beyond and how they converge.

Well written and moving this book should be popular with patrons that enjoy historical fiction.

Changeless

Changeless by Gail Carriger, 374 pages 

This continues the parasol protectorate series that started with Soulless. The plot follows Alexia Tarrabotti still as she and Lord Maccon work through their new statuses. (A small aside, I am not being vague to be mean, I am being vague as I cannot give away any spoilers.) Anyways there are also new problems in the supernatural area as well. There is something weird that is happening that prevents the werewolves and vampires from changing. This also makes them completely mortal. As you can imagine this throws everyone into a panic and the accusations fly. Also while all of this is going on Lord Maccon’s old pack has found themselves without a leader.

I really enjoy reading this series as it is quite unique from everything else. Though some people have been giving me a hard time for reading this steampunk Victorian age fiction, I fully intend to complete the series.

Conspiracy Theories and Other Dangerous ideas

Conspiracy Theories and other Dangerous Ideas by Cass R. Sunstein, 267 pages

I picked this book up when browsing the recently arrived new books in Social Science. While the title makes it seem that it is about the different theories and other legends or myths, it is actually about how they start and why they last. The book is broken down into chapters, with each chapter being a “dangerous idea”. I put that in quotes as it would be more accurate to say dangerous political ideas. Some of the “dangerous ideas” are things like health care reform and minimalism. I can’t say I consider those to be dangerous to think about. Dangerous in a political sense yes, but not for the average person.

Overall I should have stopped reading after the first long chapter on conspiracy theories. The rest of the ideas, while discussed don’t go into the same detail nor do they fully explain either the issue or the suggested possible answer.  

Dangerous Women

Dangerous Women by George R. R. Martin, 784 pages

Despite being listed as by George R. R. Martin, this is actually a collection of stories by a list of authors focused around the theme of dangerous women. I had initially picked up this book for the one short story by Martin, as it relates to his Songs of Ice and Fire series. As this story was the last one in the book I decided that I would read my way to it and completing the rest of the book would yield that prize.

While some of the stories start off a little slow for my liking there wasn’t a single bad one in the bunch. I do think that some stretched the meaning of dangerous though. This book covers a wide range of territory from middle ages to semi futuristic and from robbers to queens. It has murders, violence, action, and romance. Overall the book read quickly despite its size and I was able to add some more authors to my future reading list.  

Essential Words for the GRE

Essential Words for the GRE by Philip Geer, 264 pages read

I picked this up to start preparing myself for taking the GRE many months ago. And while those plans have sort of wavered or at least been delayed I stuck with this book. The pages that I have read were a list of 800 words along with definitions and reviews, which in the author’s opinion are essential to know for the GRE. I can say I noticed a difference about halfway through. A lot of words that I would come across while reading, that previously I would have to look up, were in this book. So even if I never get around to taking the GRE, at least I have learned some useful words. (None of which I used in this review.)

Race Underground

The Race Underground by Doug Most
404 Pages

This book details the events and politics that led to the development of subway systems in New York City and Boston.  The book's title suggest that the cities were in a race with one another to develop the subway first but this isn't actually factual and the book does nothing to really support this premise.  What the book does do is lay out the politics and struggles of visionaries who wanted the systems built and how hard it was back in the 19th and early 20th centuries to get this done.

Most has an engaging writing style which makes reading this non-fiction book easy and enjoyable.