Cry "Caesar!" Speak, Caesar is turn'd to hear./ Beware the ides of March.
Finishing up my book reviews from 2010 (IT'S ONLY MARCH). And other book-related items!
#14
The Beastly Bride: Tales of the Animal People
Ellen Datlow, ed.
This is an anthology assembled by the inestimable Ellen Datlow, featuring new stories about animal-human hybrids, whether before the story begins or over the course of the story. Nearly every story is inspired by a legend or myth, including several that I’d never heard of before. Datlow is well-known for her mythological and fairy-tale assemblages, and this was another excellent offering. I love reading fresh takes on old stories, and these were all fantastic.
Highly recommended for fans of short-stories, myths and legends, and unusual takes on the topic of animals and humans.
Lumping a whole bunch of similarly-themed books together. I was doing research on a story that I want to write.
#15 Mermaid Tales from Around the World - Mary Pope Osborne, Troy Howell
#16 A Mermaid's Tale : A Personal Search for Love and Lore - Amanda Adams
#17 Neptune Rising : Songs and Tales of the Undersea Folk - Jane Yolen
#18 Sirens: Symbols of Seduction - Méri Franco-Lao
#19 The Sirens - Bernard Evslin
#20 A Treasury of Mermaids : Mermaid Tales from Around the World - Shirley Climo, Mou-Sien Tseng, Jean Tseng
A nice collection of books around the topics of mermaids, sirens, lore and legends. Adams’ A Mermaid’s Tale was actually a memoir written by a woman who, as a child, half-believed she was a mermaid, and as a woman has applied the mermaidenly myths to her life. A Treasury of Mermaids, if I remember correctly (it’s been almost a year since I read these… whups), was more designed for kids, but still tells the legends. A good “beginner” book, I’d say. The two books about sirens were very helpful, especially the Evslin one, which detailed the original concept of the siren (half bird, half woman) and how it became our current concept of half fish, half woman.
I really plan on re-reading these again, for the most part, as I didn’t really take notes like I should have while researching for my story. But I’d also recommend them, I do know that!
#21
Running Scared
Elizabeth Lowell
One of those typical “thriller” books that are being pulped out nowadays. My dad recommended this one to me, as he really likes Elizabeth Lowell, but I was kind of “meh” on the whole thing. I think I’m a little burnt out (or maybe just snobby), but it seems like thrillers aren’t really all that thrilling anymore. Yes, they are quick reads and there’s lots of exciting adventure and whatnot, but generally, the plots aren’t that original and you can see where it’s going by about page 17. An exception to this rule would be those books written by Douglas Preston/Lincoln Childs. Now THOSE books are thrilling, I tell you.
However, for someone who wants something to read on an airplane, or to pass the time, this is okay. It’s definitely a stand-along novel by itself, but it actually follows another book by Lowell that I read a few years ago. It’s okay - I don’t strongly recommend it, but I didn’t quite hate it either.
#22
Skinny Bitch
Rory Freedman & Kim Barnouin
I had flipped through this book a while back in a bookstore, and then when I found it for super-cheap elsewhere I picked it up. I had enjoyed what I glanced through earlier, but I wasn’t totally sold on the book as a whole after I finished it. The authoresses are both from the modeling world, and so when they talk about foods to eat that are healthy and skinny-causing, it feels like it’s coming from a place of authority - I mean, being skinny was their currency, after all! However, what this book actually advocates is a completely vegan diet. Of course, being vegan is quite healthy, and humane, but it’s not something I am prepared to change my life to at this time. They talk about the concept of “you are what you eat eats [and feels] too,” leading to segments on animal cruelty and how that fear and pain is what translates to the products made from their meat, whereas plants absorb sunlight and air, and that’s what you’re getting with veggies and plant-based food. That kind of thing.
It’s an interesting concept, and I certainly don’t disagree with things like anti-animal cruelty. However, as someone who is not prepared to make such a drastic change, I couldn’t really take the book’s recommendations to heart. I know they did lots of research with nutruitionists and scientists, but I don’t know if I’d really recommend this book for someone looking to change their dietary habits. I just don’t feel like it was informative enough to make an entirely drastic dietary change.
#23
The Blade Itself: The First Law, Book One
Joe Abercrombie
The first part of a truly unique fantasy trilogy, and came highly recommended to me. I found it to be somewhat similar to George R.R. Martin’s characterization, and even some Erik S. de Bie - characters are morally gray. There’s definitely some “good vs. evil’ tension, but it’s ambiguous, and tends to fluctuate the more you get to know of the characters. Those that seem bad, well, they have their point of view too, and reasons for doing what they do. I see a trend in high fantasy (probably spear-headed by Martin) in which we cannot look at these worlds and characters, and by extension our world and the people in it, only in black and white, good and evil, right and wrong, them and us. Even Jacqueline Carey’s Sundering duology reinvents the Lord of the Rings story to the viewpoint of Sauron (with different names, of course). Pure evil with no background, no intent, doesn’t really exist, and fantasy is in some ways become more like reality. How interesting is THAT?*
I would definitely recommend this book, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. People who scoff at that “fantasy fiction nonsense” would, I think, be pleasantly surprised by what this author has done.
*Sidenote: that may be the most interesting thing I have ever said.
#24
The Golden Compass
Phillip Pullman
I seemed to have been on a “read the first book of a trilogy” kick around this time, as I started this book, but have yet to read the next two in the series. I had just watched the movie as well, and found them both to be very good. The concepts introduced in the first book (the animal familiars, for example) to be really fascinating (seriously, I WANT ONE OF THOSE), and I’m intrigued to see where it goes from here. Although, I have been told it ends really bizarrely, like the author suddenly realized he needed a big pretty bow when all he needed was to wrap things up neatly. But, we shall see what I decide when I read them.
I would recommend the first book, thus far, to those who like a bit of science fiction and fantasy, with a slapdash of steampunk thrown in for good measure.
#25
The Unicorn Treasury: Stories, Poems, and Unicorn Lore
Bruce Coville
This book was on loan from Gretchen, one of her childhood favorites. Several very quick, but beautifully written (and beautifully illustrated!) stories about unicorns, and if I remember correctly, some poetry as well. Similar to the Beastly Bride anthology above, the stories explored different aspects of the unicorn mythos, golden bridles and virgin maids and all.
Recommended for those who dreamed, or still dream, about coming across one of these mythic beasts in a sun-dappled glade, next to an enchanted pool…
#26
The Hounds of the Morrigan
Pat O'Shea
I originally thought this would be more of an adult-ish thriller/adventure tale (the cover was relatively threatening), but upon reading it was definitely more of a children’s book, albeit a VERY thick one. Following the adventures of a brother and sister (very young - less than ten years old), in Ireland, who accidentally bring the triple-goddess incarnation of The Morrigan, an ancient Celtic goddess of death, back to their world, and what they must do to avoid her, and then conquer her.
It was okay - I saw some reviews online of people who had read this as a child and then rediscovered it as an adult, and were utterly enthralled all over again. As someone who loves to revisit childhood things, I can certainly understand their affection! However, I came to this novel as an adult, and while it was good, I wasn’t charmed enough to keep the book, at this time. Maybe for my future children - so maybe that’s the best rec I can give! Lulz.
#27 & #28
The Hidden Queen & Changer of Days
Alma Alexander
I met this author (also the author of The Secrets of Jin-Shei, which I loved), last year and was intrigued enough to buy this duology, sight-unseen. I thought these were fantastic - a high fantasy bildungsroman (I seem to really like those genres…) about a young girl, who is ripped from her rightful throne and she must fulfill a prophecy on her way back to it. Along with the always-helpful wise woman, journeys across the world, and a faithful lover-from-afar, of course!
I definitely plan on re-reading these two in the future, and I would definitely recommend to those dear readers who have similar tastes to mine.
#29
A Treasury of Royal Scandals: The Shocking True Stories History's Wickedest, Weirdest, Most Wanton Kings, Queens, Tsars, Popes, and Emperors
Michael Farquhar
Now THIS was fun historical reading! This is the kind of random, anecdotal, historical tidbits that really gets my history juices, um, juicing. Heh. Lots of random stories (all quite true, I assure) of the most bizarre things that have been done by those in power over the centuries. Apparently, along with corrupting, power makes you fucking stupid, although to be fair to Joanna the Mad, it helps quite a lot if you’re already inbred so deep you are your own grandmother. Because, oh yes, one of the best parts is a family tree in which you realize just HOW inbred most of the rulers of Europe have been, and why it’s a terrible idea! But it makes for super-fun reading. It’s organized well, into 6 basic segments, with short chapters in there.
Highly recommended for people who like historical cotton-candy. Like me.
So, that's all she wrote read! Just under 30 books last year... tsk, tsk. However, not that surprising when you factor all the other stuff I had going on - men, knitting,... stuff...
In other literary news, I am so delighted that there is finally (FINALLY!) a publish date for George R.R. Martin's A Dance With Dragons. Gretchen and I are firmly convinced that he's going to pull a Robert Jordan on us, and die right before finishing the last book.
Best. Thing. Ever. An Anne of Green Gables Drinking Game!!! Okay, yes, they are talking about the movies, but there wouldn't be movies without the books, soooo... that's related.
I thought this was a suuuuuuper-cute idea, and possibly might do it next year (if I have a special someone) - Valentine's Sonnets! I really do heart Greenstage, they are fuck awesome. And that ties into Shakespeare (which is literary) and the subject line for the day, and now we have come full circle and I should get back to work.
Gawd, there are so many things from Ashleyland over here that I want to post about and update, and I just seem to be running out of time!
#14
The Beastly Bride: Tales of the Animal People
Ellen Datlow, ed.
This is an anthology assembled by the inestimable Ellen Datlow, featuring new stories about animal-human hybrids, whether before the story begins or over the course of the story. Nearly every story is inspired by a legend or myth, including several that I’d never heard of before. Datlow is well-known for her mythological and fairy-tale assemblages, and this was another excellent offering. I love reading fresh takes on old stories, and these were all fantastic.
Highly recommended for fans of short-stories, myths and legends, and unusual takes on the topic of animals and humans.
Lumping a whole bunch of similarly-themed books together. I was doing research on a story that I want to write.
#15 Mermaid Tales from Around the World - Mary Pope Osborne, Troy Howell
#16 A Mermaid's Tale : A Personal Search for Love and Lore - Amanda Adams
#17 Neptune Rising : Songs and Tales of the Undersea Folk - Jane Yolen
#18 Sirens: Symbols of Seduction - Méri Franco-Lao
#19 The Sirens - Bernard Evslin
#20 A Treasury of Mermaids : Mermaid Tales from Around the World - Shirley Climo, Mou-Sien Tseng, Jean Tseng
A nice collection of books around the topics of mermaids, sirens, lore and legends. Adams’ A Mermaid’s Tale was actually a memoir written by a woman who, as a child, half-believed she was a mermaid, and as a woman has applied the mermaidenly myths to her life. A Treasury of Mermaids, if I remember correctly (it’s been almost a year since I read these… whups), was more designed for kids, but still tells the legends. A good “beginner” book, I’d say. The two books about sirens were very helpful, especially the Evslin one, which detailed the original concept of the siren (half bird, half woman) and how it became our current concept of half fish, half woman.
I really plan on re-reading these again, for the most part, as I didn’t really take notes like I should have while researching for my story. But I’d also recommend them, I do know that!
#21
Running Scared
Elizabeth Lowell
One of those typical “thriller” books that are being pulped out nowadays. My dad recommended this one to me, as he really likes Elizabeth Lowell, but I was kind of “meh” on the whole thing. I think I’m a little burnt out (or maybe just snobby), but it seems like thrillers aren’t really all that thrilling anymore. Yes, they are quick reads and there’s lots of exciting adventure and whatnot, but generally, the plots aren’t that original and you can see where it’s going by about page 17. An exception to this rule would be those books written by Douglas Preston/Lincoln Childs. Now THOSE books are thrilling, I tell you.
However, for someone who wants something to read on an airplane, or to pass the time, this is okay. It’s definitely a stand-along novel by itself, but it actually follows another book by Lowell that I read a few years ago. It’s okay - I don’t strongly recommend it, but I didn’t quite hate it either.
#22
Skinny Bitch
Rory Freedman & Kim Barnouin
I had flipped through this book a while back in a bookstore, and then when I found it for super-cheap elsewhere I picked it up. I had enjoyed what I glanced through earlier, but I wasn’t totally sold on the book as a whole after I finished it. The authoresses are both from the modeling world, and so when they talk about foods to eat that are healthy and skinny-causing, it feels like it’s coming from a place of authority - I mean, being skinny was their currency, after all! However, what this book actually advocates is a completely vegan diet. Of course, being vegan is quite healthy, and humane, but it’s not something I am prepared to change my life to at this time. They talk about the concept of “you are what you eat eats [and feels] too,” leading to segments on animal cruelty and how that fear and pain is what translates to the products made from their meat, whereas plants absorb sunlight and air, and that’s what you’re getting with veggies and plant-based food. That kind of thing.
It’s an interesting concept, and I certainly don’t disagree with things like anti-animal cruelty. However, as someone who is not prepared to make such a drastic change, I couldn’t really take the book’s recommendations to heart. I know they did lots of research with nutruitionists and scientists, but I don’t know if I’d really recommend this book for someone looking to change their dietary habits. I just don’t feel like it was informative enough to make an entirely drastic dietary change.
#23
The Blade Itself: The First Law, Book One
Joe Abercrombie
The first part of a truly unique fantasy trilogy, and came highly recommended to me. I found it to be somewhat similar to George R.R. Martin’s characterization, and even some Erik S. de Bie - characters are morally gray. There’s definitely some “good vs. evil’ tension, but it’s ambiguous, and tends to fluctuate the more you get to know of the characters. Those that seem bad, well, they have their point of view too, and reasons for doing what they do. I see a trend in high fantasy (probably spear-headed by Martin) in which we cannot look at these worlds and characters, and by extension our world and the people in it, only in black and white, good and evil, right and wrong, them and us. Even Jacqueline Carey’s Sundering duology reinvents the Lord of the Rings story to the viewpoint of Sauron (with different names, of course). Pure evil with no background, no intent, doesn’t really exist, and fantasy is in some ways become more like reality. How interesting is THAT?*
I would definitely recommend this book, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. People who scoff at that “fantasy fiction nonsense” would, I think, be pleasantly surprised by what this author has done.
*Sidenote: that may be the most interesting thing I have ever said.
#24
The Golden Compass
Phillip Pullman
I seemed to have been on a “read the first book of a trilogy” kick around this time, as I started this book, but have yet to read the next two in the series. I had just watched the movie as well, and found them both to be very good. The concepts introduced in the first book (the animal familiars, for example) to be really fascinating (seriously, I WANT ONE OF THOSE), and I’m intrigued to see where it goes from here. Although, I have been told it ends really bizarrely, like the author suddenly realized he needed a big pretty bow when all he needed was to wrap things up neatly. But, we shall see what I decide when I read them.
I would recommend the first book, thus far, to those who like a bit of science fiction and fantasy, with a slapdash of steampunk thrown in for good measure.
#25
The Unicorn Treasury: Stories, Poems, and Unicorn Lore
Bruce Coville
This book was on loan from Gretchen, one of her childhood favorites. Several very quick, but beautifully written (and beautifully illustrated!) stories about unicorns, and if I remember correctly, some poetry as well. Similar to the Beastly Bride anthology above, the stories explored different aspects of the unicorn mythos, golden bridles and virgin maids and all.
Recommended for those who dreamed, or still dream, about coming across one of these mythic beasts in a sun-dappled glade, next to an enchanted pool…
#26
The Hounds of the Morrigan
Pat O'Shea
I originally thought this would be more of an adult-ish thriller/adventure tale (the cover was relatively threatening), but upon reading it was definitely more of a children’s book, albeit a VERY thick one. Following the adventures of a brother and sister (very young - less than ten years old), in Ireland, who accidentally bring the triple-goddess incarnation of The Morrigan, an ancient Celtic goddess of death, back to their world, and what they must do to avoid her, and then conquer her.
It was okay - I saw some reviews online of people who had read this as a child and then rediscovered it as an adult, and were utterly enthralled all over again. As someone who loves to revisit childhood things, I can certainly understand their affection! However, I came to this novel as an adult, and while it was good, I wasn’t charmed enough to keep the book, at this time. Maybe for my future children - so maybe that’s the best rec I can give! Lulz.
#27 & #28
The Hidden Queen & Changer of Days
Alma Alexander
I met this author (also the author of The Secrets of Jin-Shei, which I loved), last year and was intrigued enough to buy this duology, sight-unseen. I thought these were fantastic - a high fantasy bildungsroman (I seem to really like those genres…) about a young girl, who is ripped from her rightful throne and she must fulfill a prophecy on her way back to it. Along with the always-helpful wise woman, journeys across the world, and a faithful lover-from-afar, of course!
I definitely plan on re-reading these two in the future, and I would definitely recommend to those dear readers who have similar tastes to mine.
#29
A Treasury of Royal Scandals: The Shocking True Stories History's Wickedest, Weirdest, Most Wanton Kings, Queens, Tsars, Popes, and Emperors
Michael Farquhar
Now THIS was fun historical reading! This is the kind of random, anecdotal, historical tidbits that really gets my history juices, um, juicing. Heh. Lots of random stories (all quite true, I assure) of the most bizarre things that have been done by those in power over the centuries. Apparently, along with corrupting, power makes you fucking stupid, although to be fair to Joanna the Mad, it helps quite a lot if you’re already inbred so deep you are your own grandmother. Because, oh yes, one of the best parts is a family tree in which you realize just HOW inbred most of the rulers of Europe have been, and why it’s a terrible idea! But it makes for super-fun reading. It’s organized well, into 6 basic segments, with short chapters in there.
Highly recommended for people who like historical cotton-candy. Like me.
So, that's all she wrote read! Just under 30 books last year... tsk, tsk. However, not that surprising when you factor all the other stuff I had going on - men, knitting,... stuff...
In other literary news, I am so delighted that there is finally (FINALLY!) a publish date for George R.R. Martin's A Dance With Dragons. Gretchen and I are firmly convinced that he's going to pull a Robert Jordan on us, and die right before finishing the last book.
Best. Thing. Ever. An Anne of Green Gables Drinking Game!!! Okay, yes, they are talking about the movies, but there wouldn't be movies without the books, soooo... that's related.
I thought this was a suuuuuuper-cute idea, and possibly might do it next year (if I have a special someone) - Valentine's Sonnets! I really do heart Greenstage, they are fuck awesome. And that ties into Shakespeare (which is literary) and the subject line for the day, and now we have come full circle and I should get back to work.
Gawd, there are so many things from Ashleyland over here that I want to post about and update, and I just seem to be running out of time!