ANGRY OPTIMIST by Lisa Rogak

October 4, 2014

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The Life and Times of Jon Stewart

Narrated by Cassandra Campbell

I am a long time fan of Jon Stewart so I was delighted to come across this new biography. I learned that his real name is Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz and he changed it after a comedy club introduction was botched, then legally changed it after he got married. I learned a tiny bit about his wife, and a little about his childhood. I definitely get the feeling that this is an unauthorized biography – the only quotes are from a few former employees and critics.

The vast majority of the book is a look at Stewart’s career, which can more easily be obtained from imdb.com or Wikipedia. I found some of the information given repetitive at times, and at least in one instance, completely inaccurate (no book can reach the New York Times bestseller list in one week; they compile two weeks of sales before placing on the list.)

Rogak presents Stewart for half the book as insecure but hard working, and then skews towards overbearing, demanding and still hard working. I have to say that I didn’t love this book. It really didn’t shed a whole lot of light on much in the way of personal information; she claims repeatedly that Stewart is a very private person, so that is understandable. But if you want to trace his career, it’s all in there. All that said, I’m not sorry I read it by any means, so I would suggest it for diehard fans. It is not the juicy celebrity bio, the type that often lingers on the bestseller lists.

Finally, I didn’t love the narrator of this book. I found her tone unnecessarily snarky much of the time.

10/14 Stacy Alesi

ANGRY OPTIMIST by Lisa Rogak. Thomas Dunne Books (September 9, 2014). ISBN 978-1250014443. 288p.
Audiobook on CD: Tantor Audio; MP3 – Unabridged CD edition (September 9, 2014). ISBN 978-1494555559. Listening Length: 6 hours and 16 minutes

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THE WHITE SEA by Paul Johnston

October 2, 2014

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An Alex Mavros Mystery

Private Investigator Alex Mavros returns in his seventh adventure set in Greece. Local police have a problem; Greek billionaire Kostas Gatsos is missing and they need help to find him.

The highly dysfunctional family is offering a small fortune to launch the investigation with the promise of more to come when Gatsos is found, but they are not forthcoming about their activities.

Mavros has lost his wife, his elder brother has been missing for years, and with the dismal Greek economy, he is living at home with his mother. He cannot afford to turn down the money so he launches an investigation.

Gatsos made his fortune in the shipping industry, but was involved in many shady deals and made enemies along the way. Meanwhile Gatsos’s captors are putting him through mock trials, finding him guilty then sentencing him to torture.

In a seemingly disparate story, Jim Thompson is an Australian traveling the world and leaving wives in various ports. Thompson shows up at the denouement, helping to bring these storylines together in a riveting climax. Readers who can tolerate torture scenes will enjoy the beautiful international setting and all the action in this fast paced, twisty story.

Copyright ©2014 Booklist, a division of the American Library Association.

10/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE WHITE SEA by Paul Johnston. Creme de la Crime; First World Publication edition (October 1, 2014). ISBN 978-1780290676. 240p.

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THE CHILDREN ACT by Ian McEwan

September 30, 2014

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This is another small book and a quick read from one of my favorite authors, Ian McEwan. Most of his books are short and powerful, and this is no exception.

High Court judge Fiona Maye rules over family court matters. She is very successful and enjoys a good reputation, making decisions on child custody, divorce settlements, etc. Long married but childless, she is shocked when her husband comes home one night and tells her he wants to have a fling before he is too old to enjoy it, and wants her permission.

Fiona throws him out and doesn’t tell a soul, keeping busy with work gets her through the long days and nights. She is presented with a case that is generating a lot of media attention. Adam. a seventeen year old boy has leukemia, and his oncologists want to transfuse him as part of his treatment. But the boy, and his parents, are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and their religion forbids blood transfusions.

Adam is just a few months shy of 18, the age of majority when he alone will have a say about his course of treatment. So Fiona decides to visit him in the hospital, to get a better idea of how to handle the case. The doctors are demanding immediate treatment, or fear the boy will die in a few days, or worse, go blind or other devastating endings.

The story revolves around Fiona dealing with everything on her plate, until the shocking ending. Not one of my favorites from this author, but definitely a worthwhile read.

9/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE CHILDREN ACT by Ian McEwan.Nan A. Talese (September 9, 2014). ISBN 978-0385539708. 240p.

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WAYWARD by Blake Crouch

September 29, 2014

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The Wayward Pines Trilogy Book 2

Two weeks ago, Special Agent Ethan Burke woke up in Wayward Pines. He was told that he’d been in an accident, but he soon found that nothing was quite as it seemed.

Now he’s been tasked with policing the town and he’s one of the few who knows the truth about its existence. It’s a truth that he cannot reveal even to his own family, but the secrets might just be too much to bear.

Ethan’s concerns about hiding the true nature of Wayward Pines soon take a backseat, however, when he discovers there’s been a murder in the town. This kind of crime in Wayward Pines is all but unheard of and when he finds out the identity of the victim things become even more complicated.

Crouch ratcheted up the intensity in this second installment by adding an actual murder. While observing Burke in trying to maintain the front that’s being perpetuated by Pilcher and his other insiders makes for an interesting and conflict laden scenario, the wrinkle in having to investigate a crime in Wayward Pines is all the more engaging. There are some fun flashbacks into Pilcher’s creation of Wayward Pines as well as a mysterious nomadic character roaming around beyond the town in this one, too.

This second in Blake Crouch’s Wayward Pines trilogy maintains the feverish pace and non-stop action that I enjoyed in Pines. There is a sense of relief, however, in finally knowing the secret of the town.

09/14 Becky LeJeune

WAYWARD by Blake Crouch. Thomas & Mercer (September 17, 2013). ISBN 978-1477808702. 322p.

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THE BANKS OF CERTAIN RIVERS by Jon Harrison

September 28, 2014

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Neil Kazensakis has a lot on his plate. His wife has been hospitalized, kept alive by costly medical intervention, since an accident left her completely debilitated. Since then, he’s been raising his teenage son alone. But life is generally ok for Neil and his little family. He loves his job teaching and even offers up extra time as a running coach. And he’s met someone.

Just as he’s ready to finally open up to his son about his relationship, though, he finds himself in the midst of a scandal that could cost him his reputation and his career. An incident after school is caught on tape and the video seems to show Neil beating up a student. While it’s anything but the whole – or even the true – story, Neil is forced to defend his innocence and hope that an investigation will clear up the matter. Tensions are running high as the town splits in opinion about the matter. For Neil, though, worse than losing the respect of the people he once called friends, he faces the very real possibility of losing his job and the insurance that allows him to continue caring for his wife.

The Banks of Certain Rivers is such an emotional read. Knowing that the so called fight isn’t what everyone believes, knowing that Neil is innocent, and knowing exactly what the consequences of it all will mean if he’s not cleared forces the reader to share in much of Neil’s anger and frustration. At the same time, the struggles he faces with his wife’s situation are truly heartbreaking.

I was blown away by Harrison’s debut. The characters are so real and the story is so intense that it honestly became a bit uncomfortable at times. And yet, The Banks of Certain Rivers is not a story that’s easy to walk away from. I wanted to know how it would turn out. I was invested in Neil and his family.

9/14 Becky LeJeune

THE BANKS OF CERTAIN RIVERS by Jon Harrison. Lake Union Publishing (September 23, 2014). ISBN 978-1477825235. 366p.

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IN A HANDFUL OF DUST by Mindy McGinnis

September 27, 2014

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After an outbreak of polio hits their small society, Lynn and Lucy strike out for California. Though Lynn has spent all of her life living in one spot, defending her little pond, she knows that Lucy needs more. Lucy needs people. Lucy needs hope. What Lucy doesn’t need is to be faced with the fear and animosity that falls on her after the cause of the outbreak is narrowed to either her or her boyfriend as a carrier.

Some say that after the Shortage parts of California were able to maintain some semblance of normalcy. The stories suggest that folks there were able to come up with a way of making ocean water drinkable. There they wouldn’t have to worry about harsh winters and the promise of limitless water means no more living or dying by their small pond.

The road will be long and the journey will be difficult, but together they’re willing to face the challenges ahead in hopes of a better future.

Mindy McGinnis does it again. This companion/sequel to Not a Drop to Drink returns readers to Lynn and her unforgiving waterless world, this time throwing Lynn and young Lucy into a cross-country journey that tests their limits. Fans of McGinnis’s debut will no doubt find this second outing equally satisfying (and harrowing.) but even if you’ve not yet read Not a Drop to Drink you can easily start with In a Handful of Dust.

McGinnis is definitely not afraid to put her characters in the thick of it or to expose her readers to some ick, so if you’re a more sensitive reader this might not be the best choice for your TBR. All I’ll say about that here is: Oh, Vegas.

09/14 Becky LeJeune

IN A HANDFUL OF DUST by Mindy McGinnis. Katherine Tegen Books (September 23, 2014)). ISBN 978-0062198532. 384p.

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FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell

September 26, 2014

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Narrated by Rebecca Lowman & Maxwell Caulfield

I love Rainbow Rowell. I first read her debut novel. Attachments, and then went through all of her books. With Fangirl,  I am now all caught up – until she publishes another book., and I can hardly wait for it.

Fangirl is an adult novel that is probably more popular with the Young Adult set since it is about a college freshman who writes fan fiction. I personally don’t know any adults who read fan fiction, although I’m sure they are out there. But my 22 year old daughter devours it, as do other young adults that I know. And interestingly, the paperback was published by Macmillan Children’s.

Anyway, Cather is the college freshman and I listened to this on audio book. Rowell’s books are fantastic on audio, and this one is no exception. There are two narrators, Rebecca Lowman, who reads Cather’s story, and Maxwell Caulfield, who reads the fan fiction that Cather writes. It is loosely based on Harry Potter, but is called Simon Snow and is gay fan fiction with vampires. I don’t like vampires and I wasn’t a fan of the fan fic, as it is called, so I tended to fast forward through those parts.

Cather is an identical twin, her sister is Wren (say the names together and you’ll get it.) Their mother took off when they were 8 years old and their father is bipolar but has managed to bring them up by himself. They girls go away to school in Lincoln, Nebraska, not too far from their home in Omaha. Much to Cather’s dismay, Wren decides she doesn’t want to room with her sister and they drift apart.

Cather’s roommate is Reagan, an upperclassman with a string of boyfriends. One of them, Levi, is always in their room and is very kind to Cather. Eventually they fall in love, but not without a lot of misunderstandings along the way. There is more angst with Cather’s family – her mother shows up, her sister gets alcohol poisoning, and her father has a bad manic episode. But Cather’s real struggle is with her fiction writing class – she wants to write fan fic, and her professor isn’t having any of it.

This is another charming story from this terrific storyteller. The characters are deftly brought to life and their stories are absorbing. I hated when it ended, and I can’t think of a better recommendation than that.

9/14 Stacy Alesi

FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell. St. Martin’s Griffin; First Edition edition (September 10, 2013). ISBN 978-1250030955. 448p.
Audiobook on CD: Listening Library (Audio); Unabridged edition (September 10, 2013). ISBN 978-0804121286.

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NO TIME TO DIE by Kira Peikoff

September 25, 2014

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There’s something wrong with Zoe Kincaid. Her stunted size and figure are that of a pre pubescent teenager rather than a twenty-year-old. To date none of the doctors or tests have yielded any results and her parents are ready to write it off as a fluke, but after being embarrassed out of college Zoe has had enough.

Unbeknownst to her parents, Zoe submits herself for a series of genetic tests and finally gets an answer: physically her body stopped aging at fourteen. Only one other person has ever been known to suffer this same disorder and further testing could show the exact gene responsible. Zoe is all set to sign on for whatever it takes – after all, her genes could be the key to agelessness – but lawyers have determined that if Zoe is only physically fourteen, she is still a minor. Without the consent her parents refuse to give, any further study of Zoe and her condition are a no go.

When a group called the Network steps in and offers Zoe what private doctors can’t, she jumps at the opportunity. But the Network is the focus of a government investigation determined to unmask and dismantle the organization. In Zoe’s quest for answers has she actually placed herself in the hands of a group of murderers?

This latest from Peikoff is certainly a thought provoking one. On one hand there is the seemingly endless quest for longevity and immortality (should we, shouldn’t we, and what are the ramifications of an un-aging population?). On the other there are the politics involved in medical research.

Some aspects of the book do come across as far fetched, but most of story works. The Network itself is an intriguing prospect, and one I’m sure exists in some throughout the scientific community (though that may just be a bit of conspiracy theory talking).

9/14 Becky LeJeune

NO TIME TO DIE by Kira Peikoff. Pinnacle (August 26, 2014). ISBN 978-0786034895. 448p.

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ART, INC. by Lisa Congdon

September 24, 2014

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I earned my Bachelor’s degree in English, an endeavor which has long been the source of great jokes about the serious lack of employment opportunities (can you spell SUPERSIZED?) Art majors don’t have it much easier. But the thing is, some of the brightest and most creative people are pursuing their passion before reality hits and they have to get a job.

This book helps point the way for artists to find more creative and worthy outlets for their passion than just teaching (not that there’s anything wrong with teaching!) What Congdon has created with this book is more of a business guide for artists, with clearly laid out chapters and lots of good advice.

She speaks from experience. Congdon shares a lot of her art online, and has parlayed that into a money making enterprise. She includes such practical advice as opening a bank account to how to buy a scanner. There are interviews with illustrators, fine artists, and others.

Best of all, Congdon offers lots of good advice like how to use social media to your benefit and how to deal with galleries. She also talks about the illustration jobs she’s had and how she got them, and how you can too. Learn how to price your work, photograph it and market it like a pro. And if your confidence needs a boost, well, she addresses that as well.

Buy this book for the artist in your life and they will thank you.

9/14 Stacy Alesi

ART, INC. by Lisa Congdon. Chronicle Books (August 12, 2014). ISBN 978-1452128269. 184p.

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SPARROW HILL ROAD by Seanan McGuire

September 23, 2014

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It was 1952 when Rose Marshall was killed on Sparrow Hill Road on her way to the prom. She was only sixteen. The circumstances of her death left her a hitcher, a ghost forced to roam the roads in search for rides.

The Phantom Prom Date who murders those who offer her a ride. The Ghost of Sparrow Hill Road whose date died alongside her. The Girl From the Diner who is an omen of bad things to come… for generations her story has been passed on, becoming twisted into a legend that barely resembles the once real story. But Rose herself isn’t a harbinger of doom. Instead, she can tell when an accident is on the horizon and can sometimes save someone who would otherwise die. In other cases, she helps those who have passed on get to their final destination.

In 2010 Seanan McGuire released a dozen Rose Marshall stories through the ezine The Edge of Propinquity. While the mag does still have a few stories in its archives, including McGuire’s “Good Girls Go To Heaven,” the rest have been collected here in the author’s latest release.

This is a story most readers probably know in one form or another, but McGuire expands it and gives it a depth that the word-of-mouth urban legend never could. What’s more, she’s placed the story smack dab in the middle of an urban fantasy world populated with some of the most unusual characters I’ve ever seen: routewitches, trainspotters, crossroads and dead highways, strigoi who don’t suck blood, and a bevy of ghosts ranging from the hitchhikers to maggy dhu (ghost dogs who collect souls).

Sparrow Hill Road is a ghost story, a love story, a horror story, and a story of the road.

09/14 Becky LeJeune

SPARROW HILL ROAD by Seanan McGuire. DAW Trade (May 6, 2014). ISBN 978-0756409616. 320p.

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