Review: Atonement

Atonement by Ian McEwan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I started this book about three times over the last couple of years. Just finished it and wish I never started it so I could read it all over again.

After finishing it I realized why I put it down so many times: act I feels like act II. But now I understand why and it makes the remainder of the book unfold like the wrapping on a piece of candy you have waited for too long. Yummy. 5 stars. I stand by it.



View all my reviews

Quit at your own risk

I went for a run this morning and realized for the first time that the real work doesn't start until someone or something is telling you to quit.

Enter to win a free copy of Absolution on Goodreads!!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Absolution

by Marcus Ward

Giveaway ends August 19, 2013.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

First lines and hooks

Great piece with Stephen King in The Atlantic.

http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/07/why-stephen-king-spends-months-and-even-years-writing-opening-sentences/278043/

Review: The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving

The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving by Jonathan Evison

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This book is all about the characters. In addition, there are the usual poetic references to everyday things that Jonathan does so well mixed in there too. Aside from waiting for the characters to collide like cars on the freeway, there is the ongoing reference to the tragedy that underpins the narrator's story. This is where Jonathan went easy on us. Whether it was by design or fear of really breaking our hearts for no good reason, I can't tell. It is worth the read and although it starts slow, the yummy mix of character, dialogue and Evisonian literary flourish makes this a wonderful read.



View all my reviews

Review: The Magician's Elephant

The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Lovely book. I just finished reading it to the kids. Three stars is shy. It is closer to four.

The book transports you to the wonderful town of Baltese among a charming cast of characters. The children liked it, it was a little strong for them but a wonderful book that you will enjoy with or without them.



View all my reviews

Absolution ready for print

After three long days of formatting in MS Word, Absolution has finally been submitted for print review. It will be a trade paper back (5.25" x 8") and has a retail price of $7.49.

I have always loved the feel of a book and the turn of the page. The heft of Lonesome Dove in hardback makes the story feel like a real treasure in a way that devices just can't deliver. I don't know if anyone else will ever feel the same about Absolution, but for me having a physical copy of it will always be something to treasure regardless.