Traveling Through Books

Title: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Author: Mark Haddon Genre: Fiction Read In: Trade Paperpack This book has been on so many lists as a must-read, that it is almost embarrassing that it took me so long before I read it. In fact, I was sure that it was one of those books that had been over-hyped and was probably not that great. Until one of my friends, a friend whose reading tastes I respect, mentioned it was one of her favorite books. So I bought it; a year or so later, I actually read it. I wish I hadn't have waited so long. This book is great. The narrator is an autistic teen. It is so well done. I have an uncle, who I believe (though his exact diagnosis is unclear) is on the autism spectrum. Reading this book, at points, was exactly like talking to him. It is fantastic to read a book with such a unique perspective on the world and storytelling. The story itself is a little heart-wrenching, so read it with a box of tissues. I have not read anythin...

Title: Romancing the Inventor Author: Gail Carriger Genre: Steampunk Urban Fantasy Novella Read In: Nook ePub So, my fellow readers, I'm sure you know that this is a novella by Gail Carriger. If you've been following me long, you know that means I most likely adored it. You are correct. Carriger strikes again; she has yet to disappoint me with one of her pieces, novel, short story, or novella. This novella is a long-awaited story featuring Genevieve  Lefoux. Madam Lefoux is one of my favorite characters in The Parasol Protectorate and the Finishing School Series, so it is extra nice to get yet another glimpse of her later in life- after the Parasol Protectorate Series has ended. In fact, many of the beloved characters from The Parasol Protectorate make an appearance, including Alexia and Conall. The protagonist of the story is a new character. This is a GBLTQ friendly story (obviously, since it focuses on Madame Lefoux). I liked this novella because I thought it much...

Title: Red Dragon (Hannibal Lecter 1) Author: Thomas Harris Read in: Mass Market Paperback Genre:  Thriller Publisher: Berkley This is outside my usual genres. I am not really a thriller reader, in general. However, my book club is helping me to break my habits and re-explore little read by me genres. I chose this book, in all honesty, because I do have a thing for creepy serial killers. I can't tell you why, but their histories (not their deeds) fascinate me. It is for that reason that I love the Hannibal Lecter movies. They focus less on the actual crimes of serial killers but on the why. So, when my book club chose to read a spooky book for fall; I decided it was more than time for me to read the books to the movies I appreciate so much. As is almost always (excepting the case of maybe 3 books) the book was SO much better. I really enjoyed this book. It is well written, well developed (both plot and characters), and it definitely keeps the reader turning the page. I...

Title: The Halloween Tree Author: Ray Bradbury Genre: Children's Adventure/ Mythology Publisher: Yearling Read in: Trade Paperback I have to admit I've only read Fahrenheit 451 of Bradbury's many, many works- that is until now. I actually enjoyed this book much more! While I appreciate Bradbury's classic; it has never really spoken to me. This book really has nothing to do with Fahrenheit 451 except for the author. I just wasn't sure what to expect. I really enjoyed this book. It's a story of a troop of boys on Halloween that go to their local haunted mansion. One boy gets kidknapped and the rest join a spirit guide through the many ages and traditions that make up Halloween to rescue him. The book is fun, educational, and one you can tear apart (if you want to). This is the perfect Halloween story for children and adults. It has spooky and heartwarming moments. Really, I recommend everyone read it for Halloween- or any time.

Book: Once Upon a Zombie: Book One: The Color of Fear Authors: Billy Phillips and Jenni Nissenson Read In: Nook ePub Genre: YA Zombie/Fairy Tale Publisher: Toon Studio, Inc I hate zombie books. It is simply a genre I've never really enjoyed. So when my book club chose Zombies as our theme a couple months ago- I was less than thrilled. I searched for the least zombie, fastest read I could find. I found it and was pleasantly surprised. This book was cute, not super original, but cute. It also sends a message that I wouldn't exactly want my teenage girl to read though it is paired with a message that is good. Let me explain. This book is set in our world and the world of Fairy Tales. The Fairy Tale world has been struck with a Zombie plague by the Queen of Hearts. The Royalty of the land are the only ones that, though zombified, have retained their own free will and personalities. They need the help of a mortal girl, who they lure in through graves. The Disney Pri...

Title: Imprudence (Custard Protocol Series #2) Author: Gail Carriger Genre: Steampunk Fantasy Publisher: Orbit  As you have probably guessed, I really liked this book! Carriger has yet to fail me with her stories. This is the second book of the Custard Protocol Series. Book 1 was, Prudence . I am sad, my fellow readers, to let you know that Carriger won't be releasing book 3 of the series next year. However she is providing us with Novellas instead, which, if they are all as wonderful as Poison or Protect , should tide us over, almost. I can be patient- like I have a choice. I apologize for digressing. As usual, I really enjoyed Imprudence . It is action packed, has fantastic characters, it made me laugh, and yes, even cry a little. I won't provide spoilers. But I believe I enjoyed this book even more than the first of the series. I'm really growing to love the offspring of the Parasol Protectorate characters just as much as their parents. So read this book A...

It's that time of year, Banned Books Week. I did a post last year that explained why Banned Books Week is important (you can read that here ). This year, I will probably repeat myself. I was hoping to have the review done for the Banned Book I'm reading in honor of this week, but, alas, I have been distracted and not finished that book. (I'm reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in Night- Time , banned in 2015 for containing offensive language, a.k.a. swearing) So you will have to read that review in the next few weeks, once I get it posted. I get absurdly excited for Banned Books Week. I can't even really say why. Nothing about my week changes, I go to work, go home- do all of my normal things. It might be that it's an entire week focused on reading. It is also because I think acknowledging that books are still getting censored and banned today is important. I think fighting this censorship is even more important. The things that make us uncomfortable are th...