The Coffin Haulers
by Gregg Cebrzynski
From figuring out the culprit who stole $50 from the church offering to murder, Joey "Baloney" Boloccini is the go-to guy. Set in "Little Village," a Polish neighborhood in Chicago, we are introduced to a young and beautiful female immigrant. When she is murdered, the family that had taken her in wants answers and hires a private detective from the neighborhood.
Joey, a down-at-the-heels ex-cop makes enough to keep his storefront open---barely. This is difficult when he ends up getting paid in cinnamon cakes. But he uses his police training and neighborhood contacts to navigate around the secrets that some people would kill to keep hidden. It's always great to see a character evolve and grow and that definitely happens here.
Choosing between between right and wrong seems simple enough, but what if it starts off only a little wrong, what if your family's survival is at stake? This book is great at exploring those gray areas and how our excuses can be used to rationalize even the most heinous acts.
From the foods eaten to the holiday customs, the Polish community is as much a part of the story as the characters. The time frame, 1974, also plays a part. It's fun to have characters going to the library and looking up answers in an encyclopedia. Well-written characters that come alive on the page and an intriguing mystery make this terrific book an enjoyable and fast read. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Broken Harbor
Broken Harbor
by Tana French
Like a dreary, cloudy, overcast day this book never quite lightens up. The story centers on a family, seemingly perfect, murdered in their home. The main character is a troubled detective with tragic connections to the seaside town. The story was compelling, but did seem to get bogged down by the lengthy and sometimes repetitive conversations/interviews.
All of the characters in this book were deeply troubled, especially the females, all of whom have deep mental problems, which may be why it took so long to make my way through it. The only good woman is a minor character who we know only from phone calls. She was too wrapped up in her life and came off as selfish for not helping out the detective when he needed her.
Not a bad book, but it left me wanting to take a break and make the next read a little less intense with, at least, a few nice women.
by Tana French
Like a dreary, cloudy, overcast day this book never quite lightens up. The story centers on a family, seemingly perfect, murdered in their home. The main character is a troubled detective with tragic connections to the seaside town. The story was compelling, but did seem to get bogged down by the lengthy and sometimes repetitive conversations/interviews.
All of the characters in this book were deeply troubled, especially the females, all of whom have deep mental problems, which may be why it took so long to make my way through it. The only good woman is a minor character who we know only from phone calls. She was too wrapped up in her life and came off as selfish for not helping out the detective when he needed her.
Not a bad book, but it left me wanting to take a break and make the next read a little less intense with, at least, a few nice women.
Sharp Objects
Sharp Objects
By Gillian Flynn
This book shines a light on the dark places people go to ease their pain and cope with the ugliness surrounding them. The main character (Camille) is a reporter in Chicago and also a cutter. She carves words onto her body as a way to cope and, as the book begins, has just finished a stint in a psychiatric hospital and is still struggling to control her urge to cut.
Her first assignment is to investigate child murders occurring in her hometown, necessitating a visit home after eight years away. She finds herself affected by the murders in unexpected ways and is drawn into the investigation as she interviews the families and a (not so credible) witness. As that is going on, she is also trying to reconnect with a mother she was never close to and old acquaintances. There is also an attraction to another "out-of-towner," a detective sent from Kansas City to solve the murders.
The murders are front and center, but the words she's marked her body with are a constant presence. I was left with a much better understanding of the compulsions that would drive someone to maim themselves in this way, though, I must admit, the "ew" factor is still there.
This is a fascinating story with well-written characters and a complex plot with unexpected twists and turns. I found myself rooting for this deeply flawed woman despite her obvious bad choices. At certain points I found myself wanting to either shake her or hug her. This is not your typical mystery, yet it works amazingly well.
By Gillian Flynn
This book shines a light on the dark places people go to ease their pain and cope with the ugliness surrounding them. The main character (Camille) is a reporter in Chicago and also a cutter. She carves words onto her body as a way to cope and, as the book begins, has just finished a stint in a psychiatric hospital and is still struggling to control her urge to cut.
Her first assignment is to investigate child murders occurring in her hometown, necessitating a visit home after eight years away. She finds herself affected by the murders in unexpected ways and is drawn into the investigation as she interviews the families and a (not so credible) witness. As that is going on, she is also trying to reconnect with a mother she was never close to and old acquaintances. There is also an attraction to another "out-of-towner," a detective sent from Kansas City to solve the murders.
The murders are front and center, but the words she's marked her body with are a constant presence. I was left with a much better understanding of the compulsions that would drive someone to maim themselves in this way, though, I must admit, the "ew" factor is still there.
This is a fascinating story with well-written characters and a complex plot with unexpected twists and turns. I found myself rooting for this deeply flawed woman despite her obvious bad choices. At certain points I found myself wanting to either shake her or hug her. This is not your typical mystery, yet it works amazingly well.
Nothingness
Nothingness
by Steve Farrell
A drenching downpour, massive flooding and power outages, satanic images and the plunging economy. Is it the hand of God, a cult of evil Satanists or just some misguided high schoolers? You have to read this entertaining book to find out.
The main character, Boyd, is an electrical engineer and a skeptic. Some of the best parts of the book are the transcripts from the am radio show Boyd hosts called Skeptic's Corner. Truthers and tin hatters beware! The book follows Boyd, his wife, Maureen, troubled son Dan, and autistic son Jamey as they struggle through their days each dealing in their own ways with belief (theirs and others) or lack of it, in their lives. Humor, irony and coincidence are woven throughout the story with teenage angst, a disintegrating marriage, PTSD and hockey (always hockey). Clever, smart writing makes this an easy, fun (though dark) read.
One point that stuck with me - isn't it more ethical to do something because it's the right thing to do rather than do the right thing for the promise of reward (heaven) in the end? If you enjoy debating the merits of belief or belief in belief you will find this a fascinating book.
by Steve Farrell
A drenching downpour, massive flooding and power outages, satanic images and the plunging economy. Is it the hand of God, a cult of evil Satanists or just some misguided high schoolers? You have to read this entertaining book to find out.
The main character, Boyd, is an electrical engineer and a skeptic. Some of the best parts of the book are the transcripts from the am radio show Boyd hosts called Skeptic's Corner. Truthers and tin hatters beware! The book follows Boyd, his wife, Maureen, troubled son Dan, and autistic son Jamey as they struggle through their days each dealing in their own ways with belief (theirs and others) or lack of it, in their lives. Humor, irony and coincidence are woven throughout the story with teenage angst, a disintegrating marriage, PTSD and hockey (always hockey). Clever, smart writing makes this an easy, fun (though dark) read.
One point that stuck with me - isn't it more ethical to do something because it's the right thing to do rather than do the right thing for the promise of reward (heaven) in the end? If you enjoy debating the merits of belief or belief in belief you will find this a fascinating book.
Meeting Dennis Wilson: Book One
Meeting Dennis Wilson: Book One
by Max Harrick Shenk
"...Summer lovin' had me a blaaast!" First love, hanging out with friends, and trying to figure out "the rules" for dating and everything else, this story fits it all in here, in the beginning of a series of books "Meeting Dennis Wilson."
By the way, I know that's not Beach Boys tune, but since the book has its soundtrack it seems only fair that my review of it should also. This whimsical story is filled with great references to 45 records of the 70s era, not all of which are blockbusters - "Put de lime on de coconut...." The story follows four friends as they try to figure out relationships and each other. Margo has a major crush on Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys and has plans (of a sort)to meet up with him. Brian and Christy are hot, though still trying to figure out how heavy. "Go Alll the waay..."
The writing style evokes that innocent time and the naivety of youth, making you care about the characters and what they're going through. Whether Margo will ever get to meet her idol is just one part of the story and it looks like I'll be sitting down with the next book very shortly. And on that note....
"Good, good, good, good vibrations."
by Max Harrick Shenk
"...Summer lovin' had me a blaaast!" First love, hanging out with friends, and trying to figure out "the rules" for dating and everything else, this story fits it all in here, in the beginning of a series of books "Meeting Dennis Wilson."
By the way, I know that's not Beach Boys tune, but since the book has its soundtrack it seems only fair that my review of it should also. This whimsical story is filled with great references to 45 records of the 70s era, not all of which are blockbusters - "Put de lime on de coconut...." The story follows four friends as they try to figure out relationships and each other. Margo has a major crush on Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys and has plans (of a sort)to meet up with him. Brian and Christy are hot, though still trying to figure out how heavy. "Go Alll the waay..."
The writing style evokes that innocent time and the naivety of youth, making you care about the characters and what they're going through. Whether Margo will ever get to meet her idol is just one part of the story and it looks like I'll be sitting down with the next book very shortly. And on that note....
"Good, good, good, good vibrations."
The Dressmaker of Khair Khana: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe
The Dressmaker of Khair Khana: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe
by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
December 5, 2013
This is a compelling story of a family living in Afghanistan during the time that the Taliban took over, instantly putting all women under virtual house arrest and whole families in danger. Overnight women were forbidden to attend school, work, be in a public place without a male relative, or wear anything other than a full body covering (chadri) when in public. Yet, this is an uplifting story of the will to not only survive, but create a safe haven, while reaching out to others in the same situation.
One of a family of nine, Kamila Sidiqi has just graduated from the local college, receiving her teaching certificate. How exciting! When the Taliban arrives along with their restrictions, any further schooling or ideas of teaching are gone. She and her five sisters, who still live at home, are dependent on her father and two brothers. Her father is forced to leave and, later, her mother and older brother follow. The girls and one younger brother are left alone with no way to support themselves.
Kamila decides, after shopping at the local bazaar and seeing the poor selection of clothing, to try sewing dresses for special events. This is something she and her sisters can do from home, sending out the younger brother to pick up supplies. Her older sister teaches her how to sew and the family manages to survive on the money they bring in. As the restrictions continue and her work becomes known in the neighborhood, more and more women ask Kamila if she can give them work. She decides to start a sewing school for local women. Later, she joins the U.N. Habitat Community Forum program teaching Afghan women how to start their own businesses.
The author interviewed many members of the family, including Kamila, and members of the community. She's pulled the story together in a well-written and thoroughly researched book. If you're at all curious about the customs and culture of Afghanistan this is a great introduction.
by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
December 5, 2013
This is a compelling story of a family living in Afghanistan during the time that the Taliban took over, instantly putting all women under virtual house arrest and whole families in danger. Overnight women were forbidden to attend school, work, be in a public place without a male relative, or wear anything other than a full body covering (chadri) when in public. Yet, this is an uplifting story of the will to not only survive, but create a safe haven, while reaching out to others in the same situation.
One of a family of nine, Kamila Sidiqi has just graduated from the local college, receiving her teaching certificate. How exciting! When the Taliban arrives along with their restrictions, any further schooling or ideas of teaching are gone. She and her five sisters, who still live at home, are dependent on her father and two brothers. Her father is forced to leave and, later, her mother and older brother follow. The girls and one younger brother are left alone with no way to support themselves.
Kamila decides, after shopping at the local bazaar and seeing the poor selection of clothing, to try sewing dresses for special events. This is something she and her sisters can do from home, sending out the younger brother to pick up supplies. Her older sister teaches her how to sew and the family manages to survive on the money they bring in. As the restrictions continue and her work becomes known in the neighborhood, more and more women ask Kamila if she can give them work. She decides to start a sewing school for local women. Later, she joins the U.N. Habitat Community Forum program teaching Afghan women how to start their own businesses.
The author interviewed many members of the family, including Kamila, and members of the community. She's pulled the story together in a well-written and thoroughly researched book. If you're at all curious about the customs and culture of Afghanistan this is a great introduction.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
This is an amazing biography about amazingly unique man. Isaacson covers everything - from Jobs having to work the night shift because of his insistence that his vegetarian diet stopped him from smelling bad(he was wrong) so he refused to bathe regularly, to his incredible success as the leader of Apple. He took on the world on his own terms, rarely letting the real world influence his decisions. In fact, the people who dealt with him had a name for it, Steve's "reality distortion field." Being seduced by the charismatic Jobs could make you believe, as he did, that the impossible was possible.
He was well known as a narcissistic and cruel man. This extended to his family, including a daughter who he denied was his for many years. His professional life was fraught with fights and tantrums. Yet, I find myself admiring what he did accomplish. He focused on his vision, obsessing over details, and ended up creating innovative and beautiful products that changed how we communicate and even how we behave. You may not have wanted to work with him, but by the end of book, I found myself believing that, if not for him, the computer would have been a very different machine, in many important ways, and the lesser for it. Or maybe I was just sucked into Jobs' "reality distortion field."
This is an amazing biography about amazingly unique man. Isaacson covers everything - from Jobs having to work the night shift because of his insistence that his vegetarian diet stopped him from smelling bad(he was wrong) so he refused to bathe regularly, to his incredible success as the leader of Apple. He took on the world on his own terms, rarely letting the real world influence his decisions. In fact, the people who dealt with him had a name for it, Steve's "reality distortion field." Being seduced by the charismatic Jobs could make you believe, as he did, that the impossible was possible.
He was well known as a narcissistic and cruel man. This extended to his family, including a daughter who he denied was his for many years. His professional life was fraught with fights and tantrums. Yet, I find myself admiring what he did accomplish. He focused on his vision, obsessing over details, and ended up creating innovative and beautiful products that changed how we communicate and even how we behave. You may not have wanted to work with him, but by the end of book, I found myself believing that, if not for him, the computer would have been a very different machine, in many important ways, and the lesser for it. Or maybe I was just sucked into Jobs' "reality distortion field."
Friday, October 11, 2013
Claws of the Griffin by Ron D. Voigts
Claws of the Griffin (A Peter Reynolds Mystery) by Ron D. Voigts
Read in September, 2013
If you're looking for a faced-paced story with enough secrets, hidden motives, and quirky, charming characters to keep you reading into the night---look no further. This well-written, twisty mystery has it all.
The main character, Peter Reynolds, a rich self-absorbed playboy, gets a phone call that changes his life. An ex-girlfriend has died and his presence is requested at her funereal. He learns, only after he arrives, that she's been murdered. The mystery surrounding her death and the deeply held family secrets keep you guessing and the author throws in plenty of hints (and some false leads). Peter is the driving force. From swilling moonshine for the first time to trying to hunt down a murderer he has enough personality to carry it off with flair. A fun and clever read.
I wish to thank the author of this book for making a free copy available for review. I'll keep an eye out for any more of his books, in this series or stand alone.
Read in September, 2013
If you're looking for a faced-paced story with enough secrets, hidden motives, and quirky, charming characters to keep you reading into the night---look no further. This well-written, twisty mystery has it all.
The main character, Peter Reynolds, a rich self-absorbed playboy, gets a phone call that changes his life. An ex-girlfriend has died and his presence is requested at her funereal. He learns, only after he arrives, that she's been murdered. The mystery surrounding her death and the deeply held family secrets keep you guessing and the author throws in plenty of hints (and some false leads). Peter is the driving force. From swilling moonshine for the first time to trying to hunt down a murderer he has enough personality to carry it off with flair. A fun and clever read.
I wish to thank the author of this book for making a free copy available for review. I'll keep an eye out for any more of his books, in this series or stand alone.
The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne
By Jove, this is a corker! A locked room, a mysterious brother from Australia, a missing rich host, if I didn't know any better I would have thought I was inside an Agatha Christie novel. With a self-proclaimed Sherlock and a volunteer Watson uncovering the mystery clue by clue this novel never takes itself too seriously. But, what would you expect from the writer of Winnie-the-Pooh?
I read this book because it was listed as a monthly read for one of my groups, only I didn't finish it in time. I'm glad I finally did read it. All of the conventions of a 1930s mystery are there: taking tea, dressing for dinner, and weekends at mansions in the English countryside. The sort of world where being a charming single fellow will get you invited everywhere and you can live quite comfortably on 400 pounds per annum.
The mystery wasn't too hard to unravel, I figured out what must have happened, but the why and details of the how weren't as straightforward. The fun part was the two players - Sherlock and Watson. They look at it as game and are excited about solving the murder using "clues." For anyone with the least interest in a charming cozy mystery or a fan of old fashioned locked-room puzzles this is a gem.
I read this book because it was listed as a monthly read for one of my groups, only I didn't finish it in time. I'm glad I finally did read it. All of the conventions of a 1930s mystery are there: taking tea, dressing for dinner, and weekends at mansions in the English countryside. The sort of world where being a charming single fellow will get you invited everywhere and you can live quite comfortably on 400 pounds per annum.
The mystery wasn't too hard to unravel, I figured out what must have happened, but the why and details of the how weren't as straightforward. The fun part was the two players - Sherlock and Watson. They look at it as game and are excited about solving the murder using "clues." For anyone with the least interest in a charming cozy mystery or a fan of old fashioned locked-room puzzles this is a gem.
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