Stuart: A Life Backwards

Title: Stuart: A Life Backwards by Alexander Masters

Genre: Non-fiction, Biography

Rating: 4/5

Alexander Masters, author, first met Stuart Shorter, homeless ex-con, as Stuart was begging by a rough sleepers' day centre in Cambridge, England. What followed was an extraordinary friendship and the winding and chaotic revelation of the events that transformed Stuart from a happy child to the suicidal, homeless drug addict that he became.

I picked up a copy of Stuart: A Life Backwards after realizing that the film starring Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch was actually based on a memoir. It's one of the most interesting biographies, frankly one of the more interesting books, I've ever read. Stuart's story is at times absolutely hilarious and at others so heartbreaking that it moved me to tears. Masters' incredible writing talent paints a vivid and empathetic portrait of Stuart. Though there is the odd dull moment (not uncommon in even the best of books), in the end, I think Masters accomplished what Stuart asked and created "something what people will read." As well, I loved the cartoons and maps; they're unpolished, just like Stuart was. I definitely recommend Stuart, even if biographies and memoirs aren't your thing. Fair warning, though, there are some dark topics involved.

Call Me Mrs. Miracle

Title: Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Rating: 4/5

Mrs. Miracle is back and this Christmas she's working her magic in the toy department of Finley's department store in New York. Unfortunately, Christmas has been ruined for her boss, Jake Finley, since the death of his mother and sister decades ago and this year the store's in need of a miracle to stay open. Meanwhile, Holly Larson, who's been looking after her nephew while her brother is stationed overseas, is in need of her own miracle in order to purchase the perfect gift despite her financial troubles. Can Mrs. Miracle help make this the perfect Christmas for them both?

Call Me Mrs. Miracle is a wonderful read, guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. The sequel to Macomber's successful Mrs. Miracle, I had high hopes for this book and it didn't disappoint.

Mrs. Miracle is just as brilliant and wonderful this time around, refusing to take any gruff from anyone, even J.R. Finley, the store owner and Jake's grumpy father. Each chapter begins with words of wisdom from her or one of her friends. And Gabe, Holly's nephew, is adorable. He's a strong boy, who obviously misses his father and is dealing with this major life change as best he can.

Macomber's writing is as delightful as ever, but I was a little disappointed by the story itself. While a heartwarming read, it's not as complex and intricate a tale as Macomber normally weaves. The secondary storylines aren't as drawn out as they could be and seem to be too easily resolved. And admittedly the conclusion is a bit predictable to anyone familiar with her writing or romances in general. However, she does a beautiful job of setting the scene and it's easy to feel like you're in New York at Christmas with the characters. Plus, there's a couple of delicious-sounding recipes throughout, which seems to be Macomber's signature.

Regardless, I'd definitely recommend Call Me Mrs. Miracle to anyone looking for an uplifting, holiday story or a little bit of romance. It may not be Macomber's strongest book, but it's still a fantastic read. And keep an eye out for the movie this Christmas from Hallmark.

Thanks to MIRA Books for the Advance Reading Copy of Call Me Mrs. Miracle. The views expressed above are my own. For more information on Call Me Mrs. Miracle, check out the Harlequin website.

Warlord

Title: Warlord by Ted Bell
Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery
Rating: 4/5

For months, Alex Hawke has given up on life, drinking away his grief over the death of the woman he loved and ignoring the concerns of his closest friends. But when a madman threatens the British royal family, Alex answers the call of duty (and HRH himself) and becomes entangled in a conspiracy that stretches far beyond what he imagines.

Warlord by Ted Bell is an action-packed and engaging read, in the style of Clive Cussler and Robert Ludlum.

I really enjoyed the fictional portrayal of Prince Charles, Lord Mountbatten, and the rest of the royals. Most of the novels I read depicting royalty focus on historical figures like Henry VIII, so these contemporary portraits were a nice change. And I'm curious about how Bell developed these portraits, whether research and interviews were involved or if they're completely fictional. I also found Bell's use of actual events (Mountbatten's assassination and Diana's death) as major plot points fascinating. It brings a realistic element to Warlord that a lot of thrillers are missing.

As for Bell's writing style, although I found the changes in point of view a little distracting at points, his use of flashbacks to relate events that occurred before the novel's start worked far better to maintain the pace of the story and keep the readers intrigued than a long recitation from a character would have. As well, some of the chapters from other points of view were like snapshots of the horror the terrorists were inflicting. Unfortunately, because we only meet the characters for them to die, the scenes don't quite hit the emotional note. However, in the end, the stories weave together for a powerful climax.

My main complaint about the book is that it's a little too long. As I sadly haven't read the rest of the series yet, I'm not sure how Warlord compares in terms of length, but I think that it could have been trimmed down just a bit. For example, the little injections of trivia/research were interesting but interrupted the flow of the action.

Overall, Warlord is a great book for anyone looking for an entertaining read. Personally, I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Thanks to William Morrow for the Advance Reader's Edition of Warlord. The views expressed above are my own. For more information on Warlord, check out the HarperCollins' website.

Stephen Fry talks Language

I just had to share this fantastic kinetic typography animation which RogersCreations has created from one of Stephen Fry's "podgrams."

Once Wicked, Always Dead

Title: Once Wicked, Always Dead by T. Marie Benchley
Genre: Fiction, Mystery
Rating: 2/5

With the tragic death of her parents and the disclosure of her husband's affair with another man, Molly Madison's upscale life is turned upside down. In order to heal and start anew, she returns to the family ranch in Montana. But the local old boys' club isn't happy with a woman taking over and someone's trying to scare Molly into selling. As if that wasn't enough, a sociopath begins killing men in the same area.

I was really intrigued by the synopsis of Once Wicked, Always Dead that AtlasBooks sent around a few months ago and was excited to read the book. Unfortunately, the writing just didn't hold up to the promise of a good mystery. It felt unfinished, like the book could have used another heavy edit. And the characters could have been engaging if they didn't feel so wooden.

However, the story is interesting and moves quickly. And with the revelation of Molly's husband's sexuality and his affair, their subsequent divorce and her blooming romance with the foreman of her father's ranch, the story has a strong soap opera feel to it. I couldn't wait for each new twist.

In the end, I probably won't recommend Once Wicked, Always Dead to anyone. Unfortunately the writing is just too rough and distracts from what could have been a good story.

Thanks to M.M.W.E. Publishing House for the Advanced Reading Copy of Once Wicked, Always Dead. The views expressed above are my own. For more information on Once Wicked, Always Dead, check out T. Marie Benchley's website.

Plain Kate

Title: Plain Kate by Erin Bow
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, YA
Rating: 4/5

Plain Kate lives in a world of magic, witches and curses. A talented woodcarver, Kate has lived alone in the woodcarver's stall since her father's death. But when a sickness comes to her village, the townspeople begin to turn against the gifted orphan and Kate makes a horrifying deal with a gypsy to escape being burnt as a witch.

I loved Plain Kate. It's beautifully written and I was captivated by Kate's story. My favourite books tend to be ones where I'm truly fascinated by the characters, and this book accomplished that, even moving me to tears at one point.

Plain Kate is darker than most other YAs I've read. The way the villagers look for someone to blame and burn when things look bad reflects the Spanish Inquisition and the witch trials of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Also, Linay's plan to take revenge on the town that caused the death of his sister illustrates the desperation of grief. Moreover, the self-mutilation, even to control a ghost, is a little disturbing, though very well done.

I thought Bow's depiction of Taggle was absolutely perfect. A cat-owner myself, it seems completely fitting that a talking cat would be stuck up and pompous, consistently talking about his superiority when not talking about food or being hungry. And I thought his slow transformation to something more than cat was fantastic.

As well, I enjoyed the inclusion of lyrics. They were lovely and poetic and it seemed fitting that spells would be cast in song. It also reminded me of the medieval bards and minstrels of times past, which seems appropriate considering the setting.

I'd recommend Plain Kate to all and sundry. It's a beautiful and emotional story and leads me to expect great things from Erin Bow's future novels.

Mr. Toppit

Title: Mr. Toppit by Charles Elton
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4/5

When an obscure British children's author is killed by a cement truck in a freak accident, he is comforted in his last moments by an unknown American tourist, who then insinuates herself into his family. She becomes obsessed with his books and champions them back in America, bringing them to posthumous fame worldwide and rocketing her own celebrity career. But fame is not always what it's cracked up to be.

I was hooked from the very first line of Mr. Toppit. It's an entertaining and emotional read, chronicling the life of the Hayman family after Arthur's death and the posthumous success of The Hayseed Chronicles.

There's a hint of mystery throughout the book; several secrets that are answered as the story unfolds and which help keep the narrative moving. The most notable mystery is the eponymous Mr.Toppit, a sinister character in The Hayseed Chronicles, who had only just appeared in the last book published, but whose presence is felt throughout all five books and who becomes one of the major points of discussion about the series.

The story of the Haymans is rather reminiscent of the success of AA Milne, author of the Winnie-the-Pooh books. Like Christopher Milne, Luke Hayman resents the fame the his father's books brought him. He wants nothing more than to fade back into obscurity and to avoid people who assume they know him just because they've read the books.

There's also a strong thread throughout illustrating the possible consequences of success, particularly the inability to deal with the stress of living in the public eye and to regulate desires when everything is at your fingertips. In the books, Luke is an only child and as a result, Arthur's daughter overcompensates by trying to become involved in every aspect of The Hayseed Chronicles' success. She offers to write the next book in the series and her father's biography, and tries to influence filming decisions for the BBC miniseries based on the books. She drowns her sorrows and insecurities in drink and drugs, spiraling further and further into depression. The star of the BBC miniseries was already a bit of an alcoholic, but later rumours circulated that he'd become an addict and was HIV positive.

I found Elton's writing witty, smooth and moving, though a little dark. At the end of the book, everything seems to be tied up but I still found myself asking "That's it?" I look forward to seeing what else Mr. Elton writes and I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy an engaging, more literary read, particularly one with a hint of mystery.

Thanks to Other Press for the Advanced Reading Copy of Mr. Toppit. The views expressed above are my own. For more information on Mr. Toppit, check out the Other Press website.

Gym Dandy

Title: Gym Dandy by Storm Grant
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis from MLR Press:
Mixed signals or glitchy gaydar? After a first kiss gone horribly wrong, out and outgoing personal trainer Victor Brighton settles for friendship with handsome new client Douglas Newkirk. But is Doug in denial? Each time the boys get close, something or someone interferes: ex-wives, ex-boyfriends, bitchy bosses, even the cable guy.

Gym Dandy is a hilarious and entertaining read with just the right touch of angst to keep you interested in the romance. The characters are fun and realistic, though I get a kick out of Doug's manner of speaking. And I like the way Grant builds up their back stories over the course of the book, so that it explains aspects of their personalities that we've already noticed. I also thought that Grant put her knowledge of Toronto to good use in her depictions of the city. The portrayals of Church St. and the Yonge and Eg area seemed familiar and faithful to the city. Even the fictional locations seemed to fit right in. I was a little surprised by the plot twist at the end, because it felt a little like it came out of nowhere but looking back there are a couple of hints throughout.

In the end, I'd definitely recommend Gym Dandy to other readers and personally I'd like to read one of Storm Grant's other books myself.

Stash

Title: Stash by David Klein
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 2/5

Gwen Raine's your average stay-at-home mom living in an idyllic suburban neighborhood. But Gwen's perfect world starts to fall apart when she's involved in a car accident and the cops find marijuana in her car. Thanks to a recent rise in drugs-related crime, they're taking this seriously even though the accident wasn't Gwen's fault.

Sadly, I wasn't overly impressed by Stash. While I do think it was well-written, I didn't find it very engaging. It just seemed to fall flat.

For the most part, I found the characters stereotypical and dry. Gwen's your average well-off stay-at-home mom - school volunteer, vice-president of the PTA and very aware of her appearance in the community - who smokes up on occasion (with her best friend) to relax. Her husband's a workaholic whose company is going through its own crisis at the moment, and who's being pursued by a coworker. The character I found most interesting was Dana, one of the secondary characters. An athlete who avoids drugs and alcohol despite the example her parents set for her (or perhaps because of it). She seems unique thanks to a venous malformation that makes her look like she has a permanent black eye. Even when she makes some less than intelligent decisions, she fights back and takes care of herself.

The narrative switched points of view throughout the book and I found it distracted from the story. I also found the story predictable at points. I was only surprised a few times by the events in the book, one of which occurred towards the end and actually got me interested in the story for a while. Unfortunately, it didn't last long.

As the book progressed, I thought maybe the moral of the story was going to be how drugs can mess up your life, but considering the conclusion I'm not sure any of the characters learned anything.

I have to admit that I probably wouldn't have finished Stash if I wasn't reviewing it for this blog. Personally, I'm not likely to recommend it to anyone but I've seen some very positive reviews out there, so give it a try and decide for yourself.

Thanks to Broadway Books for the Advanced Reading Copy of Stash. The views expressed above are my own. For more information on Stash, check out the Random House website.

The Reckoning

Title: The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
Genre: Fiction, YA, Paranormal
Rating: 5/5

Two weeks ago, Chloe Saunders was your average fifteen-year-old girl. Then she started seeing ghosts. Now she's on the run from the corporation that experimented on her as a child and is attempting to cover up what they see as their mistakes. And the only people she can trust are the other three teenage paranormals who are running with her.

I absolutely loved The Reckoning. I admit that I'm a bit biased because I think Kelley Armstrong's a fantastic writer, but I was completely captivated by the story. All that suspense and action, I couldn't put it down.

I really enjoyed the character development over the trilogy, which was rounded out in this book. Chloe, Derek, Simon and Tori have all gained increased control over their powers, though it's less noticeable with Simon. Derek's still over-protective but he tries to listen to the others' opinions and to think before he flips out. Tori's probably grown the most, having come to some unpleasant realizations about her family. She's no longer the spoiled brat that she was to start and she's willing do her part to help out.

I don't really have anything negative to say about the book. The only thing I found disappointing was that we didn't really see any of the characters of Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series. Perhaps that will come. Armstrong's kicking off a new YA trilogy in April with The Gathering and I can't wait to read it.

I have to say that The Darkest Powers trilogy is probably one of the best YA paranormal series that I've read since I started reading the genre in the mid-1990s. I completely recommend The Reckoning. But make sure to read The Summoning and The Awakening first. You don't want to miss the setup.

The King's Mistress

Title: The King's Mistress by Emma Campion
Genre: Fiction, Historical, Romance
Rating: 3/5

History remembers Alice Perrers as a greedy and conniving harlot who took advantage of an aging king. But is that who Alice truly was? Or was she a woman who was taught always to obey and who cared for her family so greatly that she was easily manipulated by those in power?

The King's Mistress is a really good book. It's well-written, contains some beautiful imagery and Campion's obviously done her research, even if she doesn't necessarily agree with the popular beliefs on Alice Perrers. Unfortunately, the book just didn't grip me. It's not to say that I didn't want to read the complete book, just that I didn't mind putting it down for a day or two to read something else for work, which meant it took me a while to finish it.

I liked the stylistic symmetry of including lines of Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde as epigraphs to the chapters. It's a tragic love story set against the background of the Trojan war where the female protagonist's decisions are influenced by society and her family. It complements Alice's story and the way her own choices are influenced by her love for her family. However, my minimal knowledge of middle English meant reading the epigraphs took a little deciphering.

I really enjoyed Campion's characterizations of Alice, King Edward and the other historical figures. It's interesting to see Alice as a young girl with no say in what happens to her, who falls in love against her better judgment and grows to become a woman willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family. I found the manipulative and secretive nature of the royal family completely believable, particularly Edward's temperamental nature. And his spiral into dementia was heartbreaking. I also really liked the friendship that Campion imagined between Alice and Chaucer. Considering Chaucer's connections to two of Edward's sons, it is entirely believable that he and Alice may have known each other, and in the book he proves to be one of the few confidantes she can trust.

In the end, I'd recommend The King's Mistress to history lovers, particularly those interested in the British monarchy, and those that enjoy family fictions. It's definitely worth the read and I look forward to reading Emma Campion's future books.

Thanks to Crown Publishers for the Advanced Reading Copy of The King's Mistress. A positive review was not a requirement and the views expressed above are my own. For more information on The King's Mistress, check out the Random House website.

Life Penalty

Title: Life Penalty by Joy Fielding
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Rating: 1/5

A stay-at-home mom with two gorgeous daughters and a loving husband, Gail Walton was living your average middle-class life. Then the unthinkable happened: her six-year-old daughter was kidnapped, sexually assaulted and murdered. Depressed, Gail retreats into herself and vows that if the police don't find the killer within 60 days, she'll do it herself.

I'm not sure exactly why, but I just couldn't get into Life Penalty. Part of it was the characters. Gail starts off the book as this almost perfect mother and wife and then devolves into this irrational woman whose grief and obsession overwhelm everything and ruin all of her relationships. She spends a great deal of the book imagining that she's being attacked and then putting herself in situations where she could be gravely injured or killed. And Jack was this cliched patient husband, willing to wait forever for his wife to recover despite her unwillingness to try.

As for the story itself, I found it too dark and depressing as a whole, and poorly written. I've read books that deal with dark and difficult themes in the past, but I just found that this story had no redemption to it. Gail just keeps spiraling deeper and deeper into her depression, which dragged on throughout the book with no hope of recovery. The ending itself felt rushed and the last scene just seemed completely unbelievable.

I'm hard-pressed to say what I did like about the book, other than the fact that it was a quick read. I do feel that it had a realistic depiction of the 1980s judicial system in North America, though an admittedly one-sided view.

I had a really tough time getting through the whole book and almost abandoned it a few times. Only my desire to see whether the killer was eventually found kept me reading. Overall, Life Penalty is not a book I'd recommend to anyone, but I might be willing to try reading another book by Joy Fielding in the future.

The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno

Title: The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson

Genre: Fiction, Historical

Rating: 3/5

Bartholomew Fortuno is the world's thinnest man. After working for P.T. Barnum's American Museum as a human curiosity for nearly a decade, he's content with his life. That is until a new performer arrives shrouded in secrecy, provoking Fortuno's curiosity and enthralling both him and Barnum.

Ellen Bryson's The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno is an intriguing look at P.T. Barnum's famous museum and the human curiosities that he surrounded himself with throughout much of his life. Before reading it, I'd known that "gifted" individuals toured with circuses but had no idea that Barnum and Bailey's circus had been preceded by a museum of these curiosities.

The protagonist, Fortuno, is an interesting character. He takes great pride in his thinness and doesn't know who he is beyond his gift. He holds great disdain for those who don't come by their talents naturally and is obsessed with the new performer, Iell Adams, a bearded lady who actually looks feminine. As the story progresses, he begins to understand that his fellow performers are more than the impressions he'd conceived based on their gifts and performances and that there's more to his own gift than he realizes.

Bryson did a fantastic job with the setting. She avoids overly long descriptive sections and instead weaves bits and pieces of historical information in to provide authenticity to the story; Abraham Lincoln's assassination and funeral, the ringing of the bells of St Paul's chapel, the smell of the over-flowing sewage system and the horse trolleys on the street.

Unfortunately, I found that the book dragged a bit in the middle. There were a few times when I was tempted to skim through sections, though I resisted the urge. However, the revelations that concluded the book more than make up for the duller sections.

The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno is a good book and while I don't think it's a book for everyone, it's one I'd recommend to those interested in historical fiction or those looking to be intrigued.

Thanks to Henry Holt and Company for the Advanced Reader's Edition of The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno. A positive review was not a requirement and the views expressed above are my own. For more information on The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno, check out the Macmillan website.

Heat Wave

Title: Heat Wave by Richard Castle
Genre: Fiction, Mystery
Rating: 4/5

During a heat wave in New York City, a real estate tycoon plunges to his death and embroils Homicide Detective Nikki Heat in the secret lives of the wealthy. Unfortunately, she's hindered by a wise-cracking superstar magazine journalist assigned to ride along with her to research an article New York's finest.

Heat Wave is a must-read for any fan of ABC's Castle. In a lot of ways, Heat Wave feels just like another episode of the show with its attractive and brilliant female lead detective, the two humourous male detectives who make up her team and the wise-cracking writer. And as a fan of the show, I'm not saying that's a bad thing but I'd like to imagine that "Richard Castle" would be a little more creative with his work. Also, I think it might create a problem with readers unfamiliar with the show, as there's little character development or even description. However, it has a lot of the humour of the show and a rather interesting murder investigation. And publishing the fictional book talked about throughout the first season of Castle was a brilliant publicity move on ABC's part. There's even endorsements from writers James Patterson and Stephen J. Cannell, Nathan Fillion's "author" photo on the back cover and an acknowledgments section from "Richard Castle."

Heat Wave is a great, quick read and I definitely suggest checking it out. I know I'll be reading the sequel, Naked Heat, which is out this fall.

Campus Chills

Title: Campus Chills edited by Mark Leslie
Genre: Fiction, Horror, Thriller, Short Stories
Rating: 4/5

From the back of the book: "Thirteen original tales of terror set on campuses across Canada..."

I really enjoyed Campus Chills. There's a good variety of stories throughout, from the utterly gruesome to the ones that make you wonder "what if." From your typical ghost story to the monstrosities that may be possible through science. My favourite stories in the collection were "The Forever Brotherhood" by Julie E. Czerneda, "Sara" by Nancy Kilpatrick, "Sown" by Susan Moloney and "Old Spice Love Knot" by Steve Vernon.

"Prospero's Ghost" by Kimberly Foottit and Mark Leslie was also really interesting with its use of metafiction. It's a story that involves books printed on an Espresso Book Machine at McMaster University and the Campus Chills collection was created for the Espresso Book Machine and launched at McMaster University, as well as three other bookstores in Canada with EBMs.

Overall, I'd recommend Campus Chills to anyone interested in Canadian works or horror stories. And don't be frightened by its Print on Demand status, it's actually of rather good quality.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

Title: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephanie Meyer
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal, Novella
Rating: 4/5

From Little, Brown: Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

As a fan of the Twilight Saga, I knew I was going to read The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner but after the cracktasticness of Breaking Dawn I wasn't sure what to expect. Luckily, Stephanie Meyer seems to have returned to the more polished writing of her earlier books. It was intriguing to see how a more traditional vampire, one that hunts humans, fits in the Twilight world and to see Bella from the POV of a vampire other than Edward. The Bree of this novella is less animalistic than the one in Eclipse. She befriends another new vampire named Diego, is suspicious of their unnamed creator and avoids confrontation with the other new vampires rather than participating in the in-fighting. I also found it interesting to see how Victoria used superstitions about vampires in order to control her new army. Each morning they returned to the coven before sunrise for fear of its effects.

I really enjoyed The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner and would recommend it to fans and non-fans alike. Bree won me over within pages, and despite knowing what would happen, I found the ending bittersweet and wished it could end another way. Rumour has it that Meyer may be writing other books based on minor characters in the Twilight Saga and I'll definitely read them if she does, particularly if Freaky Fred gets his own book.

Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me

Title: Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me by Howie Mandel with Josh Young
Genre: Autobiography, Non-fiction, Humour
Rating: 5/5

From the publisher: A frank, funny, no-holds-barred memoir that reveals the Deal or No Deal host’s ongoing struggle with OCD and ADHD–and how it has shaped his life and career.

I absolutely loved Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me. I grew up watching Bobby's World and have watched Here's the Deal, and knew that the book would be funny but it's so much more than that. Mandel reveals some of his darkest moments and the two instances where he truly felt embarrassed, both of which involve his daughter. He talks about his childhood and the cruel things he did to his younger brother in order to get attention, about the humiliation he heaped on friends as a joke and his struggle with OCD and ADHD. And towards the end of the book, he talks about his recent health scares and admits that as of early 2009, he didn't know if he'd still be alive to see the book published. It's utterly heartbreaking at points and fall-off-your-chair hilarious at others.

Mandel's writing is smooth and entertaining. Each chapter reads as its own story, so it's easy to find a place to break if you absolutely must put it down, though you won't want to. The middle of the book is filled with pictures that are amusing, narrated with funnier captions, and help illustrate the stories throughout the book. My only complaint has to do with the shortness of the book, but I suppose this means I may be able to look forward to a sequel.

I absolutely recommend Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me to other readers. Whether you're a child of the nineties (and watched Bobby's World), a fan of stand-up comedy, a Canadian or just like a good story, this is the book for you.

Captivity

Title: Captivity by Deborah Noyes
Genre: Fiction, Historical
Rating: 4/5

In mid-nineteenth century America, three sisters inspired a religious movement known as the American Spiritualists when they announced that they were able to communicate with the dead. In Captivity, Deborah Noyes fictionalizes their rise to fame and intertwines it with the story of Clara Gill, a fictional woman past her "prime," who'd become a recluse after a scandal had driven her family from their home in London a decade earlier.

Captivity is a beautiful and enthralling story that weaves together fact and fiction. From the fictional Clara Gill and her work at the factual menagerie at the Tower of London to the imagined personalities of the real Fox Sisters. Nothing felt awkward or out of character. It's obvious that Deborah Noyes did her research into the time period before she began writing. I am glad, though, that my knowledge of the Fox Sisters and the American Spiritualist movement was minimal before reading the book as I believe it would have distracted from Noyes' lyrical language and the haunting tale that she was spinning.

As for the characters, I found Maggie Fox irritating at the start of the book due to her self-centred nature, but came to appreciate Noyes' artistic portrayal of her as she matured. Maggie began to see the sisters' performances as more than a game and to consider the results of her actions. In comparison, I liked Clara from the start. It was hard not to empathize as it became obvious just how withdrawn from society she was and how obsessed she was with an unknown tragedy in her past. And I have to admit, I was intrigued by the mystery of what that tragedy was, and loved how Noyes expertly prolonged the suspense by offering only a bit of Clara's backstory at a time. Though in the end, I was surprised by the revelation as I'd been expecting something simpler and more innocent.

Overall, Captivity is a book that I'd recommend to other readers, but one that I'd be selective in recommending. It's a wonderful and entangled read, not something for those just looking for a quick afternoon's diversion. But those willing to give it a try will be rewarded.

Thanks to Unbridled Books for the ARC of Captivity. A positive review was not a requirement and the views expressed above are my own. For more information on Captivity, check out the Unbridled website.

The Railway Detective

Title: The Railway Detective by Edward Marston
Genre: Fiction, Historical
Rating: 4/5

It's 1851 in London, England, and the country is preparing for the Great Expedition, which will celebrate the engineering triumphs of the railway. However, not everyone views the railway in the same positive light, and a group of men successfully rob a mail train, injuring the driver and forcing the engine to crash. Detective Inspector Robert Colbeck soon realizes that this is just part of a larger plan and he must pit his intelligence against the criminal masterminds in order to prevent the unthinkable.

Overall, I enjoyed The Railway Detective, though I found it a bit slow at the beginning. It's a book that keeps you intrigued with its talented language, not one that grips you from the very first line or keeps you guessing at the identity of the villains.

I found Marston's writing style subtle yet clever. He had a great deal of historical information woven throughout the book, informing the reader of relevant facts necessary to the story but at no point did it ever feel like I was reading a history lecture. In fact, I quite enjoyed learning about the railways and locomotives of the mid-nineteenth century, and at points it helped cement the notion of Inspector Colbeck's intelligence and his desire to continue learning new things.

Inspector Colbeck was an intriguing character, consistently well-dressed, which was often criticized by the other characters, and extremely observant. He actually reminded me of Sherlock Holmes in many ways, though I've been informed by a fellow book nerd that's because they're both "proper" detectives. My only complaint with the character occurs later in the book when he concludes something based on the "atmosphere" of the room rather than any actual evidence. And the romantic in me really enjoyed the buildup to a relationship between Colbeck and Madeleine Andrews, and its something I look forward to seeing develop in the later books in the series.

In the end, The Railway Detective is a book that I'd recommend to all mystery lovers and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Mornings in Jenin

Title: Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa
Genre: Fiction, Historical, Multicultural, Political Fiction
Rating: 5/5

Amal's family was driven from their home with the creation of the state of Israel and her older brother, just a baby, was stolen from their mother's arms by an Israeli soldier in the chaos. In the refugee camp of Jenin, Amal is born into a family where the adults dream only of returning home and her mother has never recovered from the loss of her son. Mornings in Jenin follows the struggles of Amal's family over six decades, documenting their sadness and joy and the strength of their love.

I loved Mornings in Jenin. It's a fantastic and heartbreaking family saga, driven by Abulhawa's brilliant and captivating writing style. She's created intriguing characters, which provide North Americans with a face and a voice for the long-lasting Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

I found it interesting that though its clear Amal is the focus of the book, and the majority of the story is told from her POV, Abulhawa chose to place Amal's birth several years after the tragedy of 1948. I think it was a smart decision as it made Ein Hod almost a fairytale for Amal, rather than a source of grief, but I think another author would have avoided changing POVs in this manner. In fact, I found the brief sections with alternate POVs a little disruptive and distracting at points though it may have helped emphasize things at other points.

I found Abulhawa's manner of storytelling engaging, the way events mostly ran in a chronological order, but occasionally looped back in order to give some anecdote or important bit of information. It made the listing of years at the beginning of each chapter particularly useful. I also thought it was interesting the way that Amal's adult reflections were sometimes worked into the accounts of her childhood, that she had never forgotten something another character had said or forgiven herself for some decision she made.

Mornings in Jenin is an incredible and haunting read, which really makes you think about the political conflicts occurring worldwide. Her characters are lifelike and their story is utterly moving. This is definitely a read that I'll be recommending to friends.

Thanks to Bloomsbury US for the complimentary copy of Mornings in Jenin. A positive review was not a requirement and the views expressed above are my own. For more information on Mornings in Jenin, check out the Bloomsbury US website.

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters

Title: Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Jane Austen and Ben H. Winters
Genre: Fiction, Mashup, Classic, Horror
Rating: 2/5

As the title implies, this is Jane Austen's classic retold with a twist. Something has transformed the world's oceans and the creatures of the sea have mutated and now hunger for the flesh of man. Amongst all the tentacles and giant lobsters, can the Dashwood sisters find true love?

I was rather disappointed in Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. The premise was intriguing but the writing failed to live up to its promise. The connection between Austen's original and Winters' new scenes felt disjointed and I think Winters would have been better off writing something original. As well, there was a little too much repetition, especially in regards to how disgusting Colonel Brandon's mucous-covered tentacles were. By the fourth or fifth mention I just wanted to shout 'all right already, I get it.' I also found the way everyone looked down on Colonel Brandon and his cursed features contradictory once Winters introduced the idea that John Dashwood was undergoing experimentation in society's fight against sea monsters. However, there was one thing I really enjoyed, the addition of steampunk when Elinor and Marianne go to Sub-marine Station Beta, a London-like city based within a dome on the ocean floor.

Overall, Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters is not a book that I'd recommend. It's not that I hadn't expected it to be ridiculous, I did, but it was just too much so. I do hope that Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was better orchestrated as it's still on my to-be-read list.

Soulless

Title: Soulless by Gail Carriger
Genre: Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Steampunk
Rating: 4/5

In a Victorian London populated with werewolves, vampires and ghosts, there is only one being that can negate their supernatural powers. Alexia Tarabotti is a preternatural, a person without a soul, and when she accidentally kills a newly turned vampire, she becomes embroiled in the investigation of the mysterious appearances and disappearances of other vampires. And she must face an enemy crueler than she can imagine.

Soulless is the best paranormal novel I've read in ages. It was nice to read something a little different after all the recent paranormal novels set in modern-day. The writing was a little rough for the first thirty pages or so while Carriger figured out her characters and style, but after that I couldn't put it down. The combination of the paranormal, steampunk and Victorian romance genres was intriguing. I especially enjoyed the idea that the success of the British Empire was due in large part to the accepted presence of werewolves and vampires in society. Soulless is a book that I'd recommend to a variety of readers. And I can't wait to read the sequel, Changeless, which is out on March 31.

After

Title: After by Amy Efaw
Genre: Fiction, YA
Rating 4/5

Devon Davenport is a straight-A student and competitive soccer player with a bright future. Until she abandons her baby in a trashcan behind her apartment in an act of desperation. Now she's living in a juvenile detention centre, charged with attempted murder, while the court decides whether to try her as an adult, despite the fact that she's only 15, which would land her life in prison.

I couldn't put After down. The desire to find out what could make a model teenager like Devon ignore every sign that something wrong with her body and then commit such a desperate and shameful act kept me riveted. The book starts with Devon home sick from school and barely conscious, hardly able to focus on what's occurring around her. It's hard not to empathize with Devon as she begins to sort through her dream-like, perhaps nightmare-like, memories in order to remember and comprehend her own actions. Especially as we learn of her strong belief in self-discipline and of her mother's flirtatious and child-like behaviour.

After is a fast-paced, engaging and emotional read that I'd definitely recommend to others.

The Children of Men

Title: The Children of Men by P. D. James
Genre: Fiction, Dystopia
Rating: 4/5

It's the year 2021, mankind is sterile and the youngest generation on earth has turned twenty-five. England is ruled by a charismatic dictator and the nation is regularly subjected to embarrassing fertility tests with no hope in sight. Until one small group of individuals decides that it's time to challenge the ruling power.

I really enjoyed The Children of Men. It's a dark read, and really made me think about what people are capable of when faced with their own death and the death of their entire species. The horror of knowing that you're growing older but there is no child or grandchild to follow after you. In The Children of Men, that knowledge has driven some women mad, as they transfer their maternal instincts to dolls and pets. James' future is chilling but utterly believable.

As for the writing itself, I enjoyed the combination of the first person narrative and the third person narrative. The stream of consciousness entries from Theo's diary allowed greater insight into his character, and also allowed James to provide the history necessary for the reader to develop an understanding of Omega without it reading like a "Here's what you need to know" section. I also appreciated James' descriptive skill. The imagery wasn't overly graphic, she didn't focus on the blood and gore, and yet it was still truly disturbing.

The Children of Men is a book that I'd like to read again one day and certainly one that I'd recommend to other readers.

Moab is my Washpot

Title: Moab is my Washpot by Stephen Fry
Genre: Non-fiction, Autobiography
Rating: 4/5

The humorous and frank story of the first twenty years of Stephen Fry's life, following his public school years and his turbulent teens.

I really enjoyed Moab is my Washpot. I've not read many autobiographies in the past, but Stephen Fry's was a joy to read, he's such a genius with words. And his intelligence, or at least his vast knowledge, was evident in the many literary and cultural references throughout the book. The language is a little colourful at points, and the humour a little bawdy but it follows with Fry's style of writing and I didn't find it off-putting.

I have to admit that I was surprised to learn what Fry was like as a child and teen. He seems so friendly now, and it's difficult to picture him causing so much trouble and being arrested in his youth. In Moab is my Washpot, he talks openly about his actions and doesn't make excuses. It's obvious now where many of the ideas for his first novel, The Liar, came from. In fact, he admits to taking whole sections of the book from his own life.

Fry's conversational style of writing and his wit are a joy to read, and I fully plan on reading the rest of his works. Apparently, Fry announced at the beginning of the year that he was taking a break from acting in order to complete a second volume of his autobiography and I await it with bated breath.

84 Charing Cross Road

Title: 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Genre: Non-fiction, Correspondence
Rating: 5/5

84 Charing Cross Road follows the twenty-year correspondence between New York playwright Helene Hanff and London bookbuyer Frank Doel, which began when Hanff contacted Marks & Co. booksellers in order to locate British literature she was unable to locate in New York. Over time, a long-distance friendship evolved between the two and between Hanff and the other employees at Marks & Co.

I absolutely adored 84 Charing Cross Road. Reading the preface and introduction, I couldn't believe how attached people were to what amounts to someone else's correspondence. But Hanff's enthusiasm and no-holds-barred attitude had me captivated within pages. You can read her emotions in her letters; the lack of capitals when she's rushing to type out her thoughts and the overuse of capitals to show her annoyance and outrage. In contrast, Frank Doel's letters were very professional for a long time. He doesn't address her by her first name for almost two years, and it takes her commenting that "I'm helene only to my FRIENDS" before he addresses her as "Dear Helene." The letters between the two and between Helene and others reveal so much about them, their hopes and dreams and problems. I think my only complaint for the book is that it seems that some of the later letters are missing. 84 Charing Cross Road is one of the best books I've read in a long time. It's utterly moving and entirely amusing, and I'd recommend it as a must-read for any book lover.

Seven Deadly Wonders

Title: Seven Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly
Genre: Fiction, Adventure
Rating: 3/5

According to legend, every 4,500 years a terrible solar event occurs which can bring about the end of the world. However, there is a Golden Capstone for the Great Pyramid created by the Egyptians that averted this catastrophe the last time. Now, a team of soldiers from seven small nations have come together in order to retrieve the missing capstone pieces from their hiding places within the ancient wonders of the world and save the planet.

I nearly gave up on Seven Deadly Wonders when I first started reading it. I found the multitude of diagrams a little insulting, like someone decided the reader couldn't understand the picture Reilly was painting with words so they put actual pictures in. More importantly, the writing didn't feel polished at the beginning. Luckily, as the book progressed, the writing smoothed out.

I really enjoyed all the historical information weaved throughout the book. Things like who'd built the pyramids at Giza and descriptions of the other ancient wonders. Some of it I already knew, some of it I'd forgotten and some of it I'd never learned but it all appealed to the classicist in me, though I realize that not all of it was based on fact.

Characterwise, I found Lily adorable. She was raised as naturally as a child could be by eight soldiers, an archaeologist and his wife. They let her grow into her genius and she loved them for raising her. As for Jack West, the group's leader, he's a little too perfect in some ways. And with his metal arm, he's a little like Indiana Jones meets the six-million dollar man. Luckily the rest of the characters balance him out well.

Overall, I'd recommend Seven Deadly Wonders to anyone looking for a fun and exciting read. It's not perfect but it is good.

Angel and Apostle

Title: Angel and Apostle by Deborah Noyes
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4/5

Angel and Apostle tells the story of Pearl, Hester's illegitimate daughter in The Scarlet Letter. The book begins by retelling The Scarlet Letter through Pearl's eyes as she copes with the humiliation heaped upon her mother and herself by the Puritans of New England. The second half of the book follows Pearl's life as she travels to England, marries and has a daughter of her own.

Angel and Apostle is a wonderful book. Noyes' writing style is elegant and authentic, echoing Hawthorne's way with words. She doesn't reach for the same descriptive depths that he does, however her plot is a little more involved. Angel and Apostle isn't a straightforward retelling of Hawthorne's romanticized tale, instead it's an imaginative reinventing of The Scarlet Letter. There are several changes, but the most obvious is the replacement of Roger Chillingworth with an attractive, younger physician named Daniel Devlin and his role in the story.

I really enjoyed Noyes' transformation of Pearl. She is not the cruel, uncaring child found in The Scarlet Letter, but an uncultured child who's been left to her own devices too often as a result of being mostly ignored by the villagers, and at times her own mother. She's still spirited and moody, but often regrets the cruel things she says to her parent and those around her. And as the book moves past the events of The Scarlet Letter, she grows and learns to hold her mouth at times and think of how her actions will affect others, though she pays dearly for some of these lessons.

Angel and Apostle kept me intrigued throughout and surprised me with its ending. It's definitely a book that I will recommend to friends.

Thanks to Unbridled Books for the complimentary copy of Angel and Apostle. A positive review was not a requirement and the views expressed above are my own. For more information on Angel and Apostle, check out the Unbridled Books website.

Museum of the Missing

Title: Museum of the Missing: The High Stakes of Art Crime by Simon Houpt
Genre: Non-Fiction, Art History
Rating: 4/5

Interpol currently lists more than twenty-five thousand works of art as stolen. Each is a piece of a culture's history and together they could fill a museum. A museum of missing art. Museum of the Missing covers the rising value of art from the 1950s, art theft during wars and the creation of art recovery squads.

I loved Museum of the Missing. The topic was extremely interesting and I ended up reading every last word, even though the writing style was a little dry at points. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on art theft in times of war and Hitler's desire to open his own museum of stolen art during World War II. That definitely wasn't something we covered in my high school history classes, but it really underlines how much cultural destruction occurs in a time of war.

This book made me want to go back to school and start studying art and art history again. The reproductions of the artwork are incredible; crisp and vivid. Printing in colour was a smart move on the part of the publisher, and worth the extra cost. This is definitely a book for any art lover or history buff.

Shiver

Title: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, YA
Rating: 4/5

Grace has been obsessed with the yellow-eyed wolf ever since it saved her from the rest of the pack. Sam has watched Grace from a distance for years, both as the yellow-eyed wolf and as his human self. But when Sam's shot by a hunter, Grace learns the truth about her wolf and they have to fight Sam's very nature in order to be together.

I really enjoyed Shiver, it's a new take on the werewolf theme for me. Instead of changing at will or in relation to the lunar cycle, Sam and his pack change with the seasons, only becoming human in the summer. Moreover, they only have so many years of changing before they become wolves permanently. Sam's struggle to stay human for Grace, despite the dropping temperatures, is entirely believable and wonderfully described. Grace seemed a little too perfect to me at times, unfortunately, but not enough to distract from the story.

The narrative successfully bounces between Grace and Sam's points of view, adding to the story rather than distracting from it. As well, time is portrayed in temperatures rather than in concrete time, emphasising the approaching winter and Sam's next transformation.

I really loved the design for this book. The varying blue shades of the bare trees and the wolf against the white background really make one think of a winter's day. And the red dot of the 'i' in Shiver stands out as a result, as does the red text on the back of the book.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend reading Shiver, and if you like displaying interesting and attractive books on your bookcase, I'd go pick up a copy asap.

Divine Misdemeanors

Title: Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K. Hamilton
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Gothic, Romance
Rating: 2/5

Merry and her men have left the faerie courts and returned to the safety of Los Angeles. But someone is killing the fey in LA and Merry has been called in to help find the killer. And if that wasn't enough, mortals that Merry once healed are going around and performing miracles.

I had high hopes for Divine Misdemeanors after reading Swallowing Darkness last summer. Unfortunately I was disappointed as once again the interesting plotline, the investigation of the fey murders, seemed to be overshadowed by the rather explicit sex scenes. It's a good thing that Merry's essentially a fertility deity otherwise I'd be worried about those babies she's carrying. As for the murder investigation, I found the revelation of fey porn interesting and a great way to emphasize the human obsession with the fey. And I loved the introduction of the Fairy Godmother of LA, who I hope we see more of in the future, and the introduction of more fantastical species. I've found that every other book in the series seems to be sex-driven rather than plot-driven, so hopefully the next book will be reminiscent of the earlier books. Perhaps if Hamilton stopped trying to publish a book a year in each of her series, and instead spent a little more time developing plot and editing, her writing quality would improve again. Overall, I'd say give it a read for the investigation and the plot, but wait for the paperback before buying for your collection.