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.
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