"My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell you She's Sorry" - Fredrik Backman

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry

Fredrik Backman

While preparing for my flight to Juneau, Alaska, I picked up this book as a sporadic moment in the checkout line. While I admit I picked it up for the wrong reasons (I happened to me upset at my mother, the grandmother of my son at the time of purchase and thought the irony was good) it turned out to be a fantastic read.

The story starts out about a seven-year-old girl (almost eight as she often points out) named Elsa. This is another reason the irony was good – my son is seven also. Her best and only friend is her eccentric grandmother of seventy-seven years of age. The bond between Elsa and her grandma is unbreakable until the unthinkable happens.

In a sudden turn of tragedy, Elsa is left without her best friend. Her grandmother passed away and Elsa was suddenly left without a friend or a reason in the world, or so she thought. Despite her grandmother being in the grave, she sends Elsa on the adventure of a lifetime where she discovers who she is and who everyone living in her apartment building really is. Fantasy becomes a reality in a blink of an eye.

This is an easy read for me, but I enjoyed the author’s wit throughout the novel. His quirky inclusions of nerdy characters like the X-men and Harry Potter made my day. Being a big X-men fan myself, his comparison of Elsa’s mother and Grandmother’s relationship to Cyclops and Wolverine’s relationship made my day.

While this was an impulse buy in the grocery line, with a 25% off sticker, it’s one of the best book purchases I’ve made in a long time. I ended up finishing it on the flight back to Anchorage. I just couldn’t put it down. I’m going to have to hunt down other books by this author!  

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" - Ransom Riggs

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children"

Ransom Riggs

In my hunt for something to read, my Mom (in her wonderful large home library) recommended that I read the series "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children". Given my like for unusual stories, all things horror, and wanting a light read after my last very heavy read, she recommended this. 

While I will say it is an incredibly easy read for me, I greatly enjoyed it. While the prologues usually don't interest me much, this prologue pulled me in and I was hooked. It opens with Jacob reflecting on his life, which he's always viewed as ordinary, some unexpected and extraordinary things begin to happen around him. Most of these events seem to be centered around his eccentric grandfather, Grandpa Portman.

Grandpa Portman used to thrill Jacob with his monster stories and strange pictures of "unique" children. His reflections of a house on a hill, surrounded by water and watched over by "The Bird" make Jacob long for adventure. Jacob used to believe these stories to be true but, as children do, they outgrow the stories and no longer believe them. That's exactly where Jacob's troubles begin, and Grandpa Portman's life ends. 

This book was a wonderful read. The story line was simple but highly engaging. There were little turns here and there to keep you guessing. Coupled along with unique and well-placed pictures throughout the book, this is a must read for everyone. I can't wait to read the second in the series!

"The Sacrosancts: Journey Unleashed" - Naveen Manohar

"The Sacrosancts: Journey Unleashed"

Naveen Manohar

"The Sacrosancts: Journey Unleashed" by Naveen Manohar is a book that has found a unique place in my heart. I had the benefit of working with the author and got to see this book really come to life. It is an adventurous story that I will certainly read more than once. 

"The Sacrosancts" is a suspenseful adventure through historical periods. John, Eddy and the stray dog, Kina, start their journey in a coal mining town. Eddy is a young boy that is tormented by voices, visions and all around scary experiences. Why these things happen to him has not only Eddy baffled, but his father, John, scared for the boy's well being. Deciding to give Eddy a break from the visions they head towards the town of Hamlet. That is where the adventure really begins to get interesting. 

I would have to say that my favorite part of this book is the witty dialogue. Eddy seems wise for his age, and some of the comments he has with John, and the monologues with Kina (the stray dog) make me smile and laugh. This book is the type of book that, the more you read it, the more the characters come to life. 

If you enjoy historical novels with a dash of adventure and mystery, then this is a great book for you to pick up. Naveen Manohar is an aspiring new author, and I look forward to seeing more of his works out on the market. It is an easy and enjoyable read, perfect for cuddling up under a blanket with tea on a rainy day. 

The Professor and the Madman - Simon Winchester

"The Professor and the Madman" 

Simon Winchester

Every year my mother does something pretty cool for Christmas. She has us answer these questions to create a Christmas list: Something you want, Something you need, Something to Wear and Something to read. Now the last category, Something to read, was expanded to be Something to read/watch/play. That's besides the point.

While I was looking for something to put down for the Something to read category I stumbled across this book, "The Professor and the Madman". People usually say don't judge a book by the cover, but the cover was exactly the reason why I read it. On the cover there is an eye-catching recap of the book that intrigued me. It said:

A Tale Of Murder, Insanity,

And The Making Of The

Oxford English Dictionary

With a recap like that how could I resist! While it was placed on my Christmas list, I did not get it for Christmas. However, I later discovered, it was because my mom (the avid book reader she is) already had it and let me borrow it. 

"The Professor and the Madman" starts out fairly slow, and could easily lose the attention of readers if they weren't particularly drawn to the book before starting out with it. The first chapter begins with the definition of murder and an explanation of where the word came from and how it came to be. To be honest, this part was insanely tedious and difficult to read at bed time (my usual reading time). However, the promise of murder and insanity from the front cover kept me reading. 

The first chapter picks up a bit by describing a murder in a very unsuspecting town, with a surprising murderer. The story then starts to pick up, revealing a delightful journey of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, and the sorrowful story of one of the top contributors to the dictionary. 

Each chapter begins with a definition, much like the definition of murder in the first chapter. As I mentioned before, it's pretty difficult to read through this part. To be frank, I skimmed right past them to continue reading the story. If it were just the definition I could have lived with it, but when you put the place of origin and how it became to be then it becomes a page or two, and quite a useful sleeping aid. 

On a scale of 1-5 I would give this book a three. The story is fascinating but the speed is incredibly slow. You really have to be devoted and interested in the origin of the Oxford English Dictionary to make it through "The Professor and the Madman". However, even with the three star rating, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it if you are a word buff and like to see where words come from. 

The Girls on the Train - Paula Hawkins

"The Girl on the Train"Paula Hawkins

Overview

"The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins was a fun and twisting adventure of two women, whom never meet, but their lives are intertwined. One is observing from a train, and the other is being observed until one frightening day she disappears. 

The main character of the book, Rachel, is the girl on the train. Out of work and down on her luck she rides the train into town each day. Her train rides are routine and almost a comfort to her. While on these train rides she observes two people living in a neighborhood she used to call home. She has create their whole lives in her head, as well as name them Jason and Jess. 

One day Rachel sees Jess with a man, not Jason, but another man. Since Rachel has observed Jess and Jason every day she starts to worry. When the man kissed Jess, Rachel's perfect little world crumbles down. To make matters worse, shortly after she witnesses the kiss Jess disappears. 

Later Rachel reads about Jess' (who's name is actually Megan) disappearance and becomes distraught. Rachel reaches out to Jason (who's name is actually Scott), Megan's wife, to try and tell him what she saw. 

Through the twists and turns, detectives questioning motives and Rachel's attempt at uncovering the truth you are taken through a crazy whirlwind of love, hate, obsession and excitement. Rachel discovers the truth to overcome her alcoholic addictions and Scott learns the truth about Megan's disappearance.

My Opinion

This book was suggested to me by my Mom. The first chapter was well written and pulled me in almost immediately. However, it wasn't a book that I couldn't put down... just yet. ;) 

The second chapter introduces Megan and her husband, Scott. This made me pretty excited since my name is Megan.... and I'm dating a Scott... Gotta love the irony! As the chapters about Megan went on I dialed down the excitement. At one point it points out that Scott is under accusation for the abuse and death of his wife. Yikes! That's not my Scott at all, so the similarities ended there. 

However, the similarities between Megan and myself were astonishing. I felt that I could really relate to her character, and more than just by name. The way she thought, the fears she had, and the confusion she lived life with just seemed so real and understandable to me. 

Rachel, however, I did not relate to as much. However, Rachel's story is very well laid out and easy to follow. There are times where you will find yourself sympathetic with her, and other times where you're rooting for her from the sidelines and telling her to go be her brave self. I enjoyed reading her journey to find her inner strength and self. 

Overall, this book was awesome. If you remember me saying before that this book wasn't a book that I couldn't put down in the beginning? Well, I'd say about 1/3 into it I got hooked. Towards the end I just couldn't get enough of the story. I read it at lunch, read it while cooking, and read it before bed. In the end I wished that the story would continue just so I could see what happened to the characters after the mystery was solved. A sequel would be highly appreciated! 

"Fifty Shades of Grey" - E L James (Plus "Fifty Shades Darker", "Fifty Shades Freed", and "Grey".

The Fifty Shades of Grey Series by E L James

(Including "Grey")

So... there is a lot of controversy over the Fifty Shades of Grey books. Some people love them, others despise them. Books with this much controversy over them are always a must-read on my list. How can you not read a book that makes people love and hate it so passionately? 

I originally was "dared" to read "Fifty Shades of Grey" and post a review on my blog by an old friend. He thought it would funny to see what I thought of the book. Although I am no longer friends with that person, I still think his idea of reading it and posting my thoughts is a fun idea. 

I originally did not set out to own the Fifty Shades of Grey series, but life is funny. I was traveling through the lower 48 (for people NOT in Alaska that means the rest of United States) and wound up in the Minneapolis airport without a book to read on the LONG flight back to Anchorage. While I was with my parents and son, waiting for our food to be delivered, I popped next door to one of those overpriced kiosk stores. There were about ten different books to choose from. Of the ten, this one looked the most interesting. 

So, remember in the beginning when I said that this book makes people love and hate it passionately? Well, when I returned to the table that my parents were at my Mom instantly had a reaction to the book. She thought it was trash and was poking fun that I was reading it. Honestly, her reaction made me even more curious about it. 

The first book, "Fifty Shades of Grey" starts out with two college students, Katherine Kavanagh and Anastasia Steele, frequently referred to as Ana. The beginning is very slow going. Ana meets Christian Grey in the first chapter, with very little build up to their meeting. Their first meeting itself is written ok, with lots of detail to the surroundings. There are little snippets of sexual tension building, but not much in this first chapter.

The second chapter starts this awkward "school girl crush" communications between Ana and Christian. While it can be cute, and playful, at times it is overall slightly irritating. I feel like Ana doesn't really have the ability to stand up for herself. In much of the book she's portrayed as weak and unsure of herself.

Throughout the rest of the book there are a fair amount of sexual encounters, feisty e-mail banter and some unexpected twists. While there is a potentially good story line in there somewhere, it's pretty much smothered by low-key SBDM. 

The second book, "Fifty Shades Darker" starts out with Christian once again chasing Ana and all but stalking her after her rejection in the first book. While some may see what he does as "sweet" and "protective", others may view Christian's actions as needing a protective order in place.

Once again there is plenty of "school girl crush" symptoms flying, along with the "cute" introduction to SBDM littered throughout the book. You start to learn more about Christian in this book, but much of the story line is still difficult to read through Christian's childish actions and Ana's inability to find her backbone.

The third book, "Fifty Shades Freed" actually took an interesting turn and involved a plot line that makes it further than a condom and bed sheets. There are death threats, lies, suspicions and crazy ex-girlfriends with guns. If I had to pick a favorite from these three, I think that I was most interested in the third book.

The bonus book, "Grey" is essentially the first book rewritten from the viewpoint of Christian. I was very surprised to find that the author, quite frequently, referred to Ana's female parts as "her sex" but has no problem describing the male parts in detail. I would have thought, especially with this book being written from Christian's point of view, that there would be more of a description than "her sex". It almost seems like the author was embarrassed to use another term.

I did think, however, that the author did a good job of expressing Christian's personality in this book. He is frequently bouncing between sex, control, business and avoidance of his past. The author creates this powerful, lustful and somewhat lost character quite well.

Overall, I have a hard time recommending this series to everyone. If you are used to reading "smut" books, as some call it, then this book would irritate you because it's not a very well-written "smut" book.

If you are not used to reading descriptive sexual encounters in books then this book would frighten you and make you blush. If this is you then you should just keep walking past it.

However, if you are interested in reading a book to pass the time, and get the occasional blush color on your cheeks, then this book series is alright. I certainly can't say that it was the best book series I've read, but I can say I have read worse.

One word about reading this series though... If you are uncomfortable with people staring at you I do not recommend reading this in a public place. With the hype surrounding the series I got quite a few odd and disapproving stares. 

"The Girl in the Spider's Web" - David Lagercrantz

"The Girl in the Spider's Web" - David Lagercrantz

This book is the fourth in the Millennium series, but it it is not written by the original author, Stieg Larsson's. Stieg Larsson wrote the first three books in the series. Many of you might be familiar with them. They are: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Net.

So, before we discuss "The Girl in the Spider's Web" I'll give you a little back history on me and the Millennium series. 

I received "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" from my Mom as an advanced reader's copy. I was pretty excited but, after getting through the first half of the first chapter, I put it down. It BORED ME TO DEATH! 

Fast forward to the year that the second book, "The Girl Who Played with Fire" came out. There was a lot of hype around the two books so I decided to pick up the first one and read it again. As I forced myself through the dullness of the first chapter I became enthralled in the book. I read it in record time and then HAD to have the next book. I raced to Walmart and bought it on my lunch break.... then finished it that night. 

When the third book, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" came out I also rushed out and bought it. I was so desperate to read it that I bought it in hard back format. I usually don't purchase hard back books.. they are expensive and take up a lot of shelf space in my tiny apartment. However, I couldn't resist, I had to know what happened to Lizbeth. 

The same story run true for this book. When I heard that the fourth book had been picked up by a new author I couldn't wait for it to be released. I marked every calendar in my house (and at my desk at work) with the release date. 

When it came out I picked it up and read it on a two hour flight. I might say, it's just as exciting as the first three. 

Now on to the review!

While this book isn't my favorite in the series it certainly was well done. The new author, David Lagercrantz, did a very good job of following Stieg Larsson's writing style. There were very few moments where I could tell it was a different author. 

This book is full of surprises, both violent and beautiful. The unlikely heroine winds up with a very unusual companion through a messed up rescue operation. The unperson-able Lisbeth  takes a liking to this companion because she sees herself in him. She understands him. 

My favorite part of the book is who they introduce as the super villain. I won't tell you who it is, but I'll give you a hint. Violent blood runs thick in a certain family! 

Overall Recommendation

My overall recommendation of the book is that it is a must-read, especially if you have already read the first three books in the series. While you could pick the book up and read it on it's own, the series is so much more entertaining and thrilling. This book, and the whole series, is worth every bit. 

As a special note... **DO NOT WATCH THE MOVIES BEFORE YOU READ THE BOOK!!** The movies, especially the American version, do the novels NO JUSTICE!