Monday, March 30, 2009

Patterson, back in action.


A lot of people have told me that they HATED the fourth book of this series, "The Final Warning." Whatever, you know, it happens. But I have heard nothing but great things about James Patterson's newest, "Maximum Ride."

The story is focused around Max, Fang and Angel. Some of the other characters, such as Iggy and the Gasman were almost ignored. The flock seems to have a change in personality. Before they were kids trying to survive, no they are pretty bratty. The flock is still sarcastic and funny, but they were mean to almost all of the adults in the book. Which I think is a little funny, but that's just me. There is definitely more romance in this book. I wont spoil anything, but I can assure you that romance lovers will not be disappointed.

Give our man Patterson another go people.

we're easy, spread the word.


Easy as in, easy reads. What's not to like? Something light, not too deep. That is exactly what the novel, "Secrets to Happiness" by Sarah Dunn offers to readers. 

Our main character, Holly compatriots consist of lifelong friends of great meaning anad accidental acquaintances whose dating exploits domino effect each others storylines. While Dunn succeeds in presenting some truly empathic observations about city living and 21st century relationships. 

Dunn makes you smile while turning the pages as she tells a typical New York story and succeeds to a degree although what she offers seems a tad too fashioned like Sex and the City. Nonetheless she has some spirited insights that are a joy to read and contemplate. Sex and the City is over, so lets wipe our tears and start anew. Give it a shot ladies.

science fiction.


Normally I am not hugely into the science fiction situation. But ever since the Twilight Saga came out, and I fell in love with a vampire, I have been branching out a little in that aspect of the reading world. "Starclimber" is the sequel to Kenneth Oppel's "Airborn" and "Skybreaker" books, and I have to admit it was a fantastic science fiction book for young adults.

Having explored the far reachers of the skies, Matt Cruse is about to fly beyond them. Into the unknown expanse of space. Yeah, space, whatever no big deal. Oppel's airship trilogy takes a distinctly sci-fi turn in the final volume, "Starclimber." It is focused on the wondrous expanses outside Earth's, and the dangers that go with its first pioneers. Matt's romantic woes take over a bit too much of the story, but Oppel does a truly brilliant job mingling sci-fi, adventure and a sense of lyrical wonder. 

The book is packed with nail-biting adventures that are bound to keep readers' interest. It was a fabulous story, and I would suggest it to any young person who likes to read about worlds, not too unlike their own, and other young people who are accomplishing what seems like the impossible. Oh baby.

MUST READ BIO.


Flannery O'Connor, as Brad Gooch's new biography makes clear, was one of a kind. His descriptions of Depression era Georgia remind us just how far the rural South, where she grew up, was from the American mainstream, and how rich the minefield for eccentric characters.

An only child, born to landed Irish Catholics in Savannah, Flannery O’Conner developed an early liking for domestic fowl and became famous for teaching a chicken to walk backwards. If you're a fan of her work, and I am, the only thing startling about the story is that when the chicken balked she didn't attack to Pathe newsmen come to record this feat. In a milieu where girls of her social class were expected to be well-mannered and lady-like above all, O'Connor struggled to be herself. Largely, she succeeded, but she realized her need to get away to develop what some people recognized early on as artistic genius.

FIVE STARS across the boards for the biography of Flannery O’Conner. When the book is finished the reader truly understands the subject of the book in a way he or she did not before. AND HELLO? That’s exactly what a biography should do. BONUS: her story is actually interesting. Kudos to Gooch and O'Conner too, for being born.


***IF YOU'D LIKE A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK. E-MAIL ME AT jenileerose@yahoo.com