American Dervish by Ayad Akhtar

The paradoxes of life, culture and religion.

Synopsis of American Dervish by Ayad Akhtar: Hayat Shah is a young American in love for the first time. His normal life of school, baseball, and video games had previously been distinguished only by his Pakistani heritage and by the frequent chill between his parents, who fight over things he is too young to understand. Then Mina arrives, and everything changes.

Mina is Hayat's mother's oldest friend from Pakistan. She is independent, beautiful and intelligent, and arrives on the Shah's doorstep when her disastrous marriage in Pakistan disintegrates. Even Hayat's skeptical father can't deny the liveliness and happiness that accompanies Mina into their home. Her deep spirituality brings the family's Muslim faith to life in a way that resonates with Hayat as nothing has before. Studying the Quran by Mina's side and basking in the glow of her attention, he feels an entirely new purpose mingled with a growing infatuation for his teacher.

When Mina meets and begins dating a man, Hayat is confused by his feelings of betrayal. His growing passions, both spiritual and romantic, force him to question all that he has come to believe is true. Just as Mina finds happiness, Hayat is compelled to act -- with devastating consequences for all those he loves most.

American Dervish is a brilliantly written, nuanced, and emotionally forceful look inside the interplay of religion and modern life. Ayad Akhtar was raised in the Midwest himself, and through Hayat Shah he shows readers vividly the powerful forces at work on young men and women growing up Muslim in America. This is an intimate, personal first novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page.

My two cents

The book in one sentence: A young Muslim boy finds himself in the middle of a religiously fueled love story.

***

I don't know what it is about this book, but when I first saw it and read the synopsis, I knew I wanted to read it! Do you ever get that type of book "hunch"? This hunch paid off once again and I came away with yet another favourite read for this year.

Do you know the feeling of being an outsider getting a peek into something people aren't normally privy to? Do you know that feeling where you wanted to speak but couldn't for fear of being politically incorrect? This is how this book made me feel. Reading this book felt a little uncomfortable and I didn't quite know whether I would really like this. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the discomfort because it challenged me to open my mind and not pass judgement on this no-holds barred account of another culture and another religion.

This is quite the provoking read. I can see it becoming quite polarizing as it delves into, among other things:

• religion
• the place of women as prescribed by religion 
• interfaith relationships
• immigration, the immigrant life, and the melding of two cultures

(Can I breathe now?) 

To say it deals with some very tough issues is an understatement. But don't underestimate the power of Ayad's storytelling! I was so engrossed that I actually managed to read it in a few days, staying up quite late both nights.

The book opens with Hayat as a young man who, coming into his first serious relationship and spurred on by an academic discussion on Islamic history, recounts the circumstances of his life. The book is a flashback.

Thus we enter the ten-year-old Hayat's world: a young Pakistani boy living with his immigrated family in modern America. We become witness to the dynamic within his family -- his loving and rather doting mother, his strict rather secular father,  and an inexplicable coldness between his parents. His mother doesn't mask her discontent with her husband, often bad mouthing him to Hayat. His father secretly drinks - but Hayat knows all about it.

Things become complicated when his mother's best friend, Mina, comes to live with them. Coming from a conservative Muslim family and recently divorced, she is also beautiful, charismatic, well-read and highly spiritual woman. When Mina takes Hayat under her wing to further his studies of the Quran, Hayat cannot help but become totally infatuated with her.

But this isn't merely a coming-of--age love story. This is also Mina's love story. Things start to go haywire when Mina falls in love with Hayat's father's business partner -- a Jew. The story spins into a complicated, messy and emotional disaster which not only involves the two lovers but Hayat's entire family, Mina's entire family, and even the entire Muslim community in their town. Religious conflict boils over, enmeshed in two cultures.

Hayat, in his utter innocence, unwittingly plays a role in the ensuing drama. I am reminded of Atonement by Ewan McGregor when Hayat looks back on his past and thinks about what he could've done otherwise to spare people the anguish of his actions.

***

This is a story of paradoxes, a confluence of spirituality, religion, relationships. There is the paradox of spirituality versus organized religion. Whether we like it or not, we are living paradoxes. In this book, there are many examples. There is the paradox of Hayat's teenage friend being known as being a spiritual prodigy ... yet acts upon his very male urges. There is his father, who Hayat fears will be severely punished ... because of his love for alcohol, a sin in Islam. There is his Auntie Mina, a devout Muslim ... in love with the Muslim-loathed Jew. There is the  relationship between man and woman ... which is known by many to be abusive yet is not challenged because it is shrouded and even condoned within the propriety of religion. There is his religious community, which preaches of love and respect, yet shows disdain and even hate for someone of another religion.

Hayat cannot wrap his head around these paradoxes as his world is still in black and white, absolutes and he has yet to learn the subtleties of gray. It is the raw honesty of how these paradoxes are described and come into play that really struck a chord in me. Substitute any other religion for Jew or Muslim and this story could be anyone's life -- prejudice and intolerance rear its ugly head in insidious ways in our everyday lives.

When Hayat grows older, he comes to some surprising realizations and he is able to make sense and make peace with himself, his family, his religion, and most of all, his beloved Auntie Mina. I was touched by the ending. This is one of those rare books that I felt was truly honest and I appreciate Akhtar's ability to write in a sensitive, caring and respectful manner.

Verdict: A beautifully sensitive story of a Muslim boy's life and love in today's America. Highlights that the message of tolerance and respect for humanity cuts across the boundaries of religion, gender or age. I highly recommend this for those who want to learn more about Islam, immigrant life, and the complexities of relationships.  

Random quotes:

"I keep telling her the fact that Nathan's Jewish is a good thing. They understand how to respect women, behta. They understand how to let a woman be a woman, to let her take care of them. They understand how to give a woman attention. I told Mina-Auntie that he will give her a life she can never dream of with a Muslim man. Muslim men are terrified of women ... all of them." She leaned in, kissing me on the nose, her face just inches from mine, her soulful eyes swollen with abounding love. "That's why I'm bringing you up differently, so that you learn how to respect a woman. That's the truth, kurban: I'm bringing you up like a little Jew." - p. 117

"'To be a Sufi,'" she continued, "'means to give up the world and everything in it. To be a Sufi means to depend on nothing, to want nothing, to be nothing.'" [..] She sobbed quietly into another tissue. "This is what life does to us, behta. It grinds us, grinds us to dust. The Sufi is just someone who doesn't fight it. He knows that being ground to nothing is not bad. It's the way to God." - p. 274

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I won a copy of this book in a giveaway.

Cross Country 101 by Dan Martinez

Cross Country 101 by Dan Martinez

Amazon.com: Paperback | Kindle Edition

Run your heart out!

The book in one sentence: A teenage boy finds his passion for competitive cross country running.

Synopsis: Eric Hunt is an incoming freshman at Regal High School. His father expects him to go out for football but after being humiliated in a football scrimmage, decides to try cross country. He has some success despite being bullied by Beef and Crush during school. Eric, a slight-of-build frosh, then determines -- against student and parental expectations -- to excel at it. He makes the varsity squad as his rival Bryce, at Skyline High School, had already accomplished. Once on the varsity, Eric struggles through animosity from the upperclassmen while trying to maintain good grades. Can Regal cross country establish teamwork? Can Eric develop his talent enough to challenge rival Bryce?

My two cents:  

Are you a runner? I used to run for exercise and I know what it feels to get a runner's high! And what can I say about the many health benefits, including my clothes fitting really well! Running is wonderful sport and any activity that will help teenagers develop their sense of worth, their determination, sportsmanship, and sense of team spirit ... I am all for it. Which is why I thought this rather low key book makes for some fantastic reading for teenagers.

Eric Hunt is a typical teenager; just going into highschool, he's awkward and doesn't quite know what to do with himself. His dad, who gained confidence in his own awkward high school days as a football player, is expecting Eric to do the same. But his heart isn't in it and he does it only to please his father.

Years of running from school bullies has made him a quick lithe runner. Ironically, while trying out for the football team, the cross country team coach catches a glimpse of Eric in action and encourages him to try out for his team instead. Little does he know that this would spark something in this young boy.

We follow Eric in his journey in discovering himself and his passion for sport. He contends with the older boys in the team, slowly gaining their respect and showing himself as a valuable team member. He pushes himself to excel not only in his sport but in his academics. He makes friends in the sport and outside of it. Eric also continues running despite his father's disappointment, and to his mother's unflappable encouragement -- who was also a cross country runner during her own highschool days!

*** 

I really liked the overall positivity of this book. Its message is quite inspiring and we need to hear more of it!

I found the details fascinating and learned quite a lot about cross country running in this book. This is because the author is a long distance runner himself and his experience provides credibility to the aches and pains associated with running, the mental stamina competitive running requires, as well as how runners strategize their runs.

Uh-oh:
While I found the content compelling material, the cover and artwork did not appeal to me and I doubt that it will appeal to teenagers. If this book is to reach out to teenagers and would-be runners, I think it deserves a cover and format that is hip and makes running look cool. At the moment, while the art is wonderfully rendered, the book format and look is academic.

Verdict: An engaging and fascinatingly detailed read of how cross country running can make a positive change in a teenager's life. A story of positivity that will get you and your kids wanting to break out those running shoes and cheer extra loudly during your kids' games! Highly recommended for parents, teenagers, and running buffs.

***

Random quote:
Hundreds of pairs of running shoes are crowded together behind the starting line in the California State Championship Cross Country meet. The shoes are many colors and sizes, but they're all made with an unusual economy of fabric and rubber. The uppers are featherweight nylon. The midsoles are a quarter-inch thick at the heel and decrease in thickness toward the toe--a streamlining that barely allows for cushioning. Tough leather trim holds the shoes together. The thin rubber soles are artfully designed to maintain traction over asphalt, dirt, grass and mud. These shoes are specifically constructed for speed and nothing else. - p. 1, Cross Country 101 by Dan Martinez

Amazon.com: Kindle edition | Paperback 

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

Colin Fischer by Ashley Edward Miller & Zack Stentz

Book Depository | Amazon (hardcover) | Amazon (Kindle)

Logical and heartwarming. Investigate. 

The book in one sentence: Colin Fischer investigates the case of the exploding birthday cake.

Synopsis of Colin Fischer by Ashley Edward Miller & Zack Stentz: Encyclopedia Brown from the screenwriting duo behind "X-Men: First Class" and "Thor"! Colin Fischer cannot stand to be touched. He does not like the color blue. He needs index cards to recognize facial expressions. But Colin is Wayne Connelly's best--and only--hope of proving his innocence after Wayne is accused of blowing up a birthday cake in the school cafeteria.

Colin and Wayne quickly set off on a journey to prove Wayne's innocence, but neither realizes just how far their investigation will take them or that it will force Colin to consider the greatest mystery of all: what other people are thinking and feeling. Colin Fischer is a modern-day Sherlock Holmes. He's a boy with Asperger's syndrome who sees clues in the unlikeliest of places, and whom readers will root for right up until the case is solved . . . and beyond.

My two cents

Who is Colin Fischer? Why does he hate being touched? Why does he like math? Investigate.

Why open about sharks
in the Galapagos?

This book is about Colin and I grew to love this smart and endearing young man. The book alternates between a few pages from Colin's diary entries and the mystery he must solve. As each chapter open with a diary entry, each page also gives us a glimpse into how Colin's mind works -- he is brilliant, caring, insightful -- just like his heroes Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Spock. This juxtaposes with his many many quirks -- he hates being touched, he can't express himself emotionally, he can't read into social cues. It is all this that makes for some unusual insights into other people.

I enjoyed seeing the humour behind some of Colin's predicaments. I enjoyed celebrating his small victories (what a great ball player he is!)

This is a seamless combination of middle grade mystery and a young boy's struggle to fit in at school. While Colin's world seemed quite black and white -- the good guys and the bad guys -- as Colin sets out to solve the mystery, these tags slowly melt away and he learns that people cannot be pigeonholed. Unwittingly he makes friends with the most unlikely of people, and there is also a smidgen of romance.

The mystery side makes this book a lot of fun, and it made me cheer Colin on to find out the truth, to clear the name of someone he knew as innocent.

Colin's thoughts about sharks!

This is extremely well written and overall I enjoyed the whole ride! I can certainly see this becoming a series of small mysteries that will be solved by Mr. Fischer himself, possibly with the help of his now-allies.

***

I can see a wide range of readers liking this book.

Middle grade readers will enjoy this for the mystery side, as well as being able to relate to someone who is different or doesn't quite fit into the complicated relationships and cliques that makes up any school.

Those who have children who have Asperger's or autism will appreciate this for the insight into this young boy's incisive mind.

Overall,  loved this book! It's touted to be like The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night Time, and while it did remind me of it, in my opinion, this has a much more personal touch.

***

Uh-ohs:

• Despite the voice of the story being clearly Colin's, the narrator is not Colin. The diary entries are Colin's voice but the footnotes I was confused as to whose voice those were in.  
• I found some characters and moments being cliche. How many times do the weird boys need to be dunked in the toilet bowl? Thank goodness there is no food fight in this one.

Verdict: Mystery solved. Get to know Colin Fischer; get to know this special young man with a passion for justice and a heart of gold. Highly recommended for middle age readers!

Colin Fischer by Ashley Edward Miller & Zack Stentz

Book Depository | Amazon (hardcover) | Amazon (Kindle)

I received an Advance Reader Copy through Goodreads First Reads.

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks

Where imaginary is better than real.

Synopsis of Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks: Imaginary friend Budo narrates this heartwarming story of love, loyalty, and the power of the imagination—the perfect read for anyone who has ever had a friend . . . real or otherwise.  

Budo is lucky as imaginary friends go. He's been alive for more than five years, which is positively ancient in the world of imaginary friends. But Budo feels his age, and thinks constantly of the day when eight-year-old Max Delaney will stop believing in him. When that happens, Budo will disappear.

Max is different from other children. Some people say that he has Asperger’s Syndrome, but most just say he’s “on the spectrum.” None of this matters to Budo, who loves Max and is charged with protecting him from the class bully, from awkward situations in the cafeteria, and even in the bathroom stalls. But he can’t protect Max from Mrs. Patterson, the woman who works with Max in the Learning Center and who believes that she alone is qualified to care for this young boy. 

When Mrs. Patterson does the unthinkable and kidnaps Max, it is up to Budo and a team of imaginary friends to save him—and Budo must ultimately decide which is more important: Max’s happiness or Budo's very existence.  

Narrated by Budo, a character with a unique ability to have a foot in many worlds—imaginary, real, child, and adult— Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend touches on the truths of life, love, and friendship as it races to a heartwarming . . . and heartbreaking conclusion.

My two cents

The book in one sentence: A heartwarming story of friendship, as experienced by Budo, Max's imaginary friend.

***

My heart just melted with this story. It is sweet and heartwarming, and it has an honest voice. I was initially intrigued by the title and the premise ... whoever would've thought that an imaginary friend would write a story?

The synopsis above is a bit more than I would've liked to reveal in terms of the plot. But I found this book quite special, and not just because of the story. Here's why:

1. The world building. Dicks does a wonderful job of creating the world and the psychology of imaginary friends. What is an imaginary friend? Why do they exist? What are imaginary friends like -- what do they look like, do they have superpowers, do they sleep? If they're imaginary, do they exist? From the big questions to the mundane, the author not only lets us into this other-world, he pulls us into it and ... 

2. Makes us care about imaginary friends! Especially Budo, who was imagined by Max Delaney, a young boy (who has some form of autism) needed a way to cope with the difficulties in life. Budo is just one among them. Throughout the book, we are introduced to a wide assortment of imaginary friends -- from the very human-looking Budo, to Puppy (who is in fact in the shape of a puppy), to a Pink Girl (who is like a balloon), to Oswald the Giant (who plays a special role in the story). While imaginary, they have their own personalities and back stories which can't help but make you care about them and their creators.  

3. It's about the time-honoured themes of friendship and sacrifice but it puts such an unusual twist on it that it sets this book apart. This tension -- both from Max's perspective with his deep-seated struggle to cope, and from Budo's viewpoint -- is drawn out and built up. The friendship between the imaginary and the real only highlights the paradox of what Budo has to accept as inevitable -- that when he ceases to exist, that Max has made the big step towards independence.

If Max stays here, I could live for as long as Ma lives. I could live longer than any imaginary friend ever. Maybe if Max stays here in this room, we could both be happily ever after. (p. 183)

I don't know how much of Max I am allowed to lose to save myself. (p. 187)

Verdict: Such a sweet and unusual story of friendship between the real and the imaginary. A must-read that will give you warm fuzzies and remind you of the beauty and innocence of childhood friendships.

The Opening:

Here is what I know:

My name is Budo.

I have been alive for five years. 

Five years is a very long time for someone like me to be alive. 

Max gave me my name. 

Max is the only human person who can see me.

Max's parents call me an imaginary friend.

I love Max's teacher, Mrs. Gosk.

I do not like Max's other teacher, Mrs. Patterson.

I am not imaginary.

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks

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Keeping Score by Marc Brackett

Keeping Score: A Guide to Love and Relationships by Marc Brackett

Amazon (Kindle)

Commonsense + honesty + openness = Keeping Score

The book in one sentence: A fun quiz book that will get you taking stock of your relationship with your (current or future) significant other.

Synopsis of Keeping Score by Marc Brackett: It's a relationship book even a man can understand. Keeping Score provides a relationship evaluation quiz followed by a common sense guide for relationship improvement, all with a humorous twist. You can determine if your relationship has the qualities it takes for a successful marriage and lasting love affair. If you're single, read this book to see how well your potential life partner measures up. If you're married, read this book to reduce conflict and increase your happiness. Take control and shape your union into a relationship that will stand the trials of life and go the distance.

My two cents:  

Relationships are complicated. We get engrossed in the fine details of our relationships, and its various aspects -- in all its glory and gore. We know it. We live it.

So-called commonsense can keep relationships going, but apparently this is in shortage (especially when emotions are involved) that this book was born. This is "a relationship book even a man can understand" and it's written by a male author, so if you're female this is what you say to your man if you want him to take the quiz. And if you're male, well, you're supposed to understand this.

Yes, this is a fun read! But let me qualify that -- it's not a straightforward read so "reading" it is a little different. This slim book is divided into three parts:

Part I is titled "Adam and Eve" and it branches out into two sets of quizzes, one if you're male and the other if you're female. You go through four sections for each gender, three of which are unique and the last section common for both partners.

• Section 1: For Eve, this looks into a woman's thoughts on the ability of her partner to provide financially. For Adam, it looks into a man's thoughts on the physical attributes of his partner.  
• Section 2: For Eve, this looks into the factors of how a woman feels loved by her partner. For Adam, it looks into areas of potential conflict with his partner, including financial, nurturing, and loyalty.
• Section 3 is a bonus question. For the women, it is about her partner's sense of humour; for the men, it is about (oh no!) feeling (in)adequate!
• Section 4 is about common interests and how other influences impact your relationship. Some touchy areas it looks into are family (including the in-laws, children and other family member through other marriages), religion, and shared activities.

Part II is titled "Knowledge is Power" and provides insights on the quiz items. This is the meat of the book.

Part III is titled "A Score to Win" and guides you into looking at your relationship score, analyzing it, and deciding how you can get the relationship you really want.

A big part and a very substantial resource is the website - www.keepingscorebook.com - that you should look at in conjunction with this book. The book is merely a jumping board; the website the ocean.

What I liked: The format - it's small and you can pop this into your bag and do the quiz on the bus or during a break at work. 

It is also extremely easy to read and understand. There are tons of analogies so that various points get across crystal clear. For example (Though I must express some resentment at woman being compared to a car! This isn't exactly a politically-correct book!): 

A woman can have all the goods you like, but if the soul is a poor match you'll find the goods a whole lot less enjoyable. Think of it like a car. You can admire a Lamborghini, but would you like paying the insurance, worrying about scratching it [...] - p. 61

The humour. Generally, I found the quizzes funny and I found myself snickering throughout the book. (Though sometimes I found some of the humour a bit tongue-in-cheek). For example: 

What is the condition of your partner's tail end? How do your partner's "assets" compare with your preference in this area. Some like a tight end, others like some junk in the trunk. To each his own. How's the scenery from your viewpoint? - p. 56

Overall I think this book is an excellent tool for taking stock of yourself as relationship material, figuring out what your own stand is on various aspects of a relationship, and just generally opening up an avenue for communication with your partner. The caveat is that you need to be honest in your answers. And if you intend on bringing in your significant other, s/he has to be equally open to the process of taking the quizzes.

Uh-ohs: I know I said I liked the format, but I have secondhand thoughts about the format of the quiz sheets. I was having some issues with the scoring and the flipping back and forth and I resisted the urge to just tear out the score sheet. Then I got the next part where there is getting the difference from the maximum score and I went uh-oh, why is this so complicated? Also, I kept thinking that the scoring and the explanations should be nearer the actual quiz.

(Note: I also entered my score on the website and it was an answer to some of my gripes above. But this is a review of the book after all. While the quiz part of this translates better in an online format, what's the fun of reading online? I recommend you read through the whole thing, then verify your scores by entering online where you also get the added benefit of comparing to average scores.)

I worry that this book caters to a only heterosexual relationships. If I were gay, which quiz should I take? What is you're in a same sex relationship - so both of you take the Eve quiz or the Adam quiz? Maybe I am overanalyzing this, but the question begs to be asked.

What I found a little worriesome is that there are several assumptions for each gender that didn't quite sit too well with me. The first part of the gender-based quizzes are based on very obvious gender stereotypes: that women are interested in a mate who can provide for her (hence a stress on the financial side of the relationship) and that men place a high value on the physical attributes of their partner. Hmmm ... do we risk perpetuating stereotypes in a relationship by presenting these generalizations as fact?

The cultural lens through which this book came about is based in the dominant culture of North America. While the latter parts of the quizzes are quite open, I found myself wondering how different cultures, which place value different things, would read this and score. For example, Asian cultures value family way beyond what is mentioned here, extending to the value of a person with a community but this isn't reflected in the book and would probably be subsumed under another topic (common interest?).

Overall, I maybe overanalyzing. I think the best way to reap some good from this book is to take it at face value, have fun with it, and open up communication channels with your significant other. Yes, that's commonsense! 

Verdict: A fun way of assessing your relationship! A great tool for opening up conversations about the mundane and the things that matter in your relationship ... just be sure to be honest about it!

I was provided a review copy by the author in exchange for an honest opinion. I have also hosted a guest post "Taking the Long View" and held a giveaway on this blog.

(Apologies for the delay in getting this review up -- this 116-page book is a lot more involved than I expected!)

Amazon (Kindle)

Eight Girls Taking Pictures by Whitney Otto

Life lived. And reimagined through a woman's camera lens.

Synopsis of Eight Girls Taking Pictures by Whitney Otto: A deeply affecting meditation on the lives of women artists, Whitney Otto's vivid novel explores the ambitions, passions, conflicts and desires of eight female photographers throughout the twentieth century. This spectacular cast of spirited, larger-than-life women offers wide-ranging insight about the times in which they lived. From San Francisco to New York, London, Berlin, Buenos Aires, and Rome, Otto spins a magical, romantic tale that creates a compelling portrait of the history of feminism and of photography.

While their circumstances may differ, the tensions these women experience—from wanting a private life or a public life; passion or security; art or domesticity; children or creative freedom—are universal. Otto seamlessly weaves together eight breathtaking vignettes to form a moving and emotionally satisfying novel.

My two cents 

The book in one sentence: Live life large whether in front or behind the lens.

Amazing! This makes it as another of my favourite reads for the year. With the same appeal as Otto's How to Make an American Quilt, this is altogether bold, romantic, tender and outspoken. I loved everything about it and I could relate on so many levels, as a woman, and as someone who has always been fascinated with photography and art in general.

The novel is broken up into eight sections, each featuring a famous female photographer and her story. The obvious common thread -- photography -- is just one among the many threads that hold the individual stories together. Spanning decades (early 1990s to the present), across several continents, during various historical moments -- these themes are the stuff of our lives. I just breathed it all in! I am betting that women readers will be able to relate to one (or more) of the eight characters in some way.

Women photographers are simply ordinary women who face the issues all women do: the men (or women) who we love, fulfilling the roles expected of women (or breaking out of them), feeling comfortable in one's sexuality, children (or none at all), of wanting to carve out one's one path personally and career-wise. What makes a woman happy? What makes you happy?

What sets these eight women apart is their vision (and tempestuousness) to continue with their craft -- and do so with great courage and passion -- despite (or inspite) of the many hurdles. They all managed to make their mark in photography in rather profound ways.

Opening photo for first photographer,
Cymbeline Kelly (US)

Each vignette opens with a photograph which figures in the story somehow (and which I tended to flip back and forth to try and see the image through that particular photographer's eyes).


The first photographer's story opens with the photo of an unmade bed with some hairpins. Note that all these photos are apparently taken by real women photographers, and then the characters' lives are reimagined by the author based on that photo. How creative and what a wonderful way to draw readers in! Of course I want to find out who Cymbeline is, who this "woman in love" is! Of course I want to know the story behind that unmade bed. Like we always say, a picture is worth a thousand words ... in this case, the words follow.

Each has made their own distinctive mark in the world of photography -- with some extremely fascinating points woven into the narratives. There are references to photography styles and influences, lenses and cameras and details that will satisfy the photography buff. And since this draws from the lives of women photographers, there is a list at the end of the book you can check out.

The stories are interspersed and coming from a small art niche, the paths of some of these women either cross physically or professionally. This makes for the reappearance or reference to the eight main characters throughout the book (and the first time it happened, I was a little surprised!)

***

Photo for photographer Amadora Allesbury (UK)

What I liked: 

• The combination of story and photography history lesson. 
• The photos at the beginning of each section.
• The realistic depiction that women are complicated creatures. Add that to a hard-headed artist wanting to make their mark in the artwork, and you've in for fireworks. 

What I didn't like:

• The characters seem to be made from the same stuff - they're all very outspoken, very comfortable in their sexuality, and yet ... their relationships are such messes! I attribute that to the fact that they are women artists. And that photography was a male-dominated industry. Or is this just a stereotype? I'm a little on the fence about this because I loved this book!

***

Verdict: A beautifully written set of vignettes about the complexity of women and their photography. Highly recommended for Otto fans and photography buffs.

***

Random quotes:

Among the things she said: "Women seem to possess all the natural gifts essential to a good portraitist ... such as personality, patience and intuition. The sitter ought to be the predominating factor in a  successful portrait. Men portraitist are apt to forget this; they are inclined to lose the sitter in a maze of technique luxuriating in the cleverness and beauty of their own medium." - p. 66 (ARC, page may change)

It was hard not to feel resentment that men weren't forced into these choices. Some days she felt that she would spend all her time trying to forget her life before children because she loved them too much to be reminded of the heat of Rome in the summer and a beautiful girl who turned heads as she walked down an Italian strada. - p 253 (ARC, page may change)

Later, Jenny would say she seldom knew what she would take a picture of when she picked up a camera, that she only knew once she peered through the viewfinder, as if the photograph had finally found her. - p. 309 (ARC, page may change)

Read more at Whitney Otto's Official Website.

I received an ARC on Goodreads First Reads.

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Black Boogiemen by Tallis Piaget

Black Boogiemen by Tallis Piaget

Amazon: Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle
Book Depository: Hardcover | Paperback

Change ... or the black boogiemen will get you.

The book in one sentence: A man strikes out to change black America. 

Synopsis of Black Boogiemen by Tallis Piaget: This book follows Dr. Trenton Branch, a scientist whose extremely meager upbringing came from his grandmother and the cruel inner city streets. He grows to become a world renowned biochemist, living in one of the wealthiest suburbs in the country. One miserable day while visiting his old neighborhood a calamity occurs; this incites the rage of a rabid pit bull within Dr. Branch. He then unites a group of men, waging war against the inner city in an attempt to excise all of its demons. Sparking what some called the “Civil War of 2020” this controversial story touches on all of the untold secrets of black America, while providing a fast past, page turning tale of violence and knowledge.

My two cents:  

Everyday, people desire change. Many don't do anything about it, content to let others take on the burden. Most of us do what we can, in very small ways, to make a difference in their own spheres. Then there is that rare and often charismatic person who is able to instigate long-lasting, radical change. This very premise of the book is what initially drew me to it.

The prologue sets us up to imagine an alternate reality in the not-so-distant future, an America where rich white families are courting a dominantly black inner school city school for a spot in the prestigious school. Impossible? The author proposes this to be a prophecy rather than fiction; this story shows us how one man sets out to do just that.

Trenton Branch is a successful black man. He has a beautiful family, holds a prestigious job as a scientist, and lives in the wealthy suburbs. He has escaped his poor beginnings and the bleak fate of many of his contemporaries. But his cushy life takes a tragic turn. A righteous rage is awakened in him and he goes on a rampage to effect change, vowing that a tragedy like his would never happen again.

Branch lays out his plans -- a grand and highly systematic plan -- of cleaning up the inner city of Missouri. With a handful of men, he starts a revolution. People tired of their circumstances and hungry for change, rally behind him and there is a huge groundswell of support.

But there is a dark and sinister side to this change. Does the end justify the means? Does change always have to come at such a high price? Is this the working of a man gone mad? What has compelled people to buy into the madness? Will this utopia last? You'll want to find out -- I could not put it down once I started!

***

Piaget talks as an insider, as one who has experienced and lived it, giving this book an authentic and credible voice. He attacks the problems that plague black America -- poverty, crime, teen pregnancy, drug addiction. He worries about lack of respect for elders. On a deeper level, he pinpoints how the lack of self-respect felt by the black for their own has only perpetuated the stereotypes many have of the black community at large.

This book is meant to shock. I think the reason it shocked -- and even scared me -- is that many of the horrors are extremely realistic and are actually happening in our streets today. There are many incidences of brutality and violence very graphically described; and the depiction of the effects of drug addiction and ultimately withdrawal are very real. The prescription for "cleaning house" reads like something out of a horror movie or more aptly referenced in the book -- out of the Holocaust.

Piaget's passion and hope for change is obvious, as he builds his case for effecting change through his main character's mindset as he outlines his grand plan for change. This author definitely has an agenda: he wants to shock us out of our comfortable lives, look around us, look within ourselves, and think about how to help in making change happen. (He talks a little more about this in his guest post My Kim Kardashian Epiphany)

I found Piaget's focus on changing the educational system with some very concrete ideas, an interesting and compelling proposition.

Unexpectedly, there was also a funny moments in this book. How about getting people to change the current fad of sagging pants? Or references to popular celebrities (there's a Wizard Johnson in the book)? Thank goodness for some levity in an otherwise grim book.

***

Uh-ohs:
This book would benefit from a good editor. At the least, I kept running into typos that just grated on my nerves. For example: Yet their attention was held far more easily with Deak's flare. (p. 215). Flare - flair. Neigh - NAY! It was a distraction from the story line!

More seriously, the language is extremely uneven throughout. In many sections it reads like it were out of a textbook with its very academic language. For example, the beginning with the slew of statistics which spans several pages, the use of technical terms like "recidivism rate," or simply unusual and unnecessary use of frilly words like He pulled out the tiny flashlight and actuated the tiny instrument (p. 194). (Come on, have you ever actuated a flashlight?)

Then suddenly it turns into crude street slang -- bruh, mercked, liberal use of the f word, the n word, among others. This may have been intentional to bring some shock value and a realism to the dialogue. This is also very obviously written for the black community with its use of language, its many references to popular black culture and history and the many insider stories. But to one not from this community, I personally found this jarring juxtaposition very off putting, and I may not have picked up on the nuances of many of these subtle references. I am curious to hear what others have to say about this.

Verdict: Bold, provoking and controversial ... an unputdownable read about challenging and changing the state of black America. (Read with an open mind. This may offend some readers with its graphic language and violence).

Find out more:

• The Official Website of Black Boogiemen
• Connect with Tallis Piaget on: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

A copy of this book was provided by PR Mentality in exchange for an honest review.

Black Boogiemen by Tallis Piaget

Amazon: Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle
Book Depository: Hardcover | Paperback

I'll Seize the Day Tomorrow by Jonathan Goldstein

Carpe diem ... but only when you feel like it.

Synopsis of I'll Seize the Day Tomorrow by Jonathan Goldstein: Jonathan Goldstein worries. A lot. A year before his fortieth birthday, and Jonathan isn't where he thinks he should be. With no wife, no kids, no car, and no house--not even a houseboat--what does he have? Through a series of wonderfully funny stories, Jonathan recounts the highs and lows of his last year in his thirties, weighing in on topics such as the mysterious McRib, whether an automatic hand dryer can tell if you have a soul, and the underestimated power of a toy poodle. Filled with Jonathan's trademark wit, "I'll Seize the Day Tomorrow "is the tale of one man's journey to find some great truth on his road to forty . . . or maybe not...

My two cents

The book in one sentence: The humorous blabberings of a man on the cusp of the big 4-0. 

So I got this one thinking that I could relate (hint: I'm nearing a round figure myself). But then there are so many dissimilarities that I started out with just a bit of trepidation -- was I ready to listen to a single male yap about his utter hopelessness and aimless life? Would I at least get a good laugh, or would I be forcing myself to find humour in things I couldn't relate to ... like the McRib? (I have never eaten a McRib in my life!)

Ok, ok, I even sounded glum in my Friday 56/Book Beginnings. But as I started reading, I remember Robert Fulghum (author of Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten) for some reason -- albeit Goldstein is decades younger and has more hair on his head.

They share amusing, sometimes profound insights into the most mundane or the most important life moments. Amidst the McRibs and after-work drinks and chattering with male friends Goldstein has moments of introspection with a lucidity and profoundness that made me feel I should be paying more attention to "being in the moment."

For example, a recollection of dinners out as a child:

"When dining there, my sister and I usually shared a hamburger, but my dream was to one day have the flaming Pu-Pu platter, a dish of chicken, onion rings, wontons and God-knows-what, all brought to the table ablaze. The diner had to blow it out like a plate full of birthday candles, or a stray Molotov cocktail. To a ten-year-old, a Pu-Pu platter turning dining into an act of heroism."
- page 56, ARC (page may change)

Or welcoming a  newborn into the family:

"Tolstoy once wrote that every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way and that happy families are all alike. This is not so, as evidence by my father, who is smilingly biting into a home-brought chicken sandwich while seated atop an upturned wastepaper basket, and my mother, who is rubbing disinfectant gel onto her lips, preparing to kiss the newborn. 

We all stand around for hours, happily staring at the baby and clutching our chests. How strange to feel yourself falling in love with someone you've only met. And how endlessly fascinating it is to watch someone getting used to being alive. Though perhaps even more fascinating is watching someone get used to being part of our family."
- page 102, ARC (page may change)  

Or if you ever wondered what women really think about men's beards:

I phone Marie-Claude.
"Men have beards," I say. "What do women have for their sadness?"
"Much of our sadness is caused by men's beards," she says.
After a brief conversation, I put the phone down and go shave. After all, there already enough sadness in the world.
- page 195, ARC (page may change)  

This is a fun read. Not sure how much of this is true but read this tongue-in-cheek; laugh out loud when you're feeling like it; and snicker when it's snide and silly. I found myself many times just snickering to myself -- definitely the best type of humour because it relatable but not trying to be funny.

But if you're in the mood for it, this book is also about introspection and self-examination -- of oneself, the people you interact with on a daily basis, or the simple things that you just do.

One thing that struck me is how lovingly Goldstein talks about his family. I loved his relationship with his parents, particularly his father, who is a equally funny in his own quirky way.

And while Goldstein seems like an utter failure by his obviously high standards (this is supposed to be sarcastic) ... who says you need a wife, kids, a house, and a huge TV? Sometimes it really is about enjoying the ride!

Uh-ohs

I hated the Foreword by Gregor Erlich, "agent to the star" who tries waaaaay too hard to be funny and I guess, to set the stage for the book. No offense to Mr. Erlich, but I really didn't want to hear from him nor did I find him particularly funny. Take note that Erlich reappears with an Afterword, which didn't annoy me as much but again, trying too hard to be funny.

Verdict

A guy's humorous take on his life as he counts down to the big 4-0. A fun read for any male, or for any female wanting a peek into the ... maturing ... male mind.

More here:

• Interview with Jonathan Goldstein on CBC 
• Jonathan Goldstein on CBC WireTap

I won an Advance Reader Copy on Goodreads First Reads

Book Depository

The Curiosity of School by Zander Sherman

The Curiosity of School by Zander Sherman

Book Depository | Amazon.com

Education or learning? Is there a difference?

Synopsis of The Curiosity of School by Zander Sherman: It’s one thing we all have in common. We’ve all been to school. But as Zander Sherman shows in this fascinating, often shocking account of institutionalized education, sending your kids off to school was not always normal. In fact, school is a very recent invention. Taking the reader back to 19th-century Prussia, where generals, worried about soldiers’ troubling individuality, sought a way to standardize every young man of military age, through to the most controversial debates about the topic of education today, Sherman tells the often astonishing stories of the men and women—and corporations—that have defined what we have come to think of as both the privilege and the responsibility of being educated.

With clarity, detachment, and wry humour, Sherman presents the story of school through the stories of its most influential—and peculiar—reformers. We learn that Montessori schools were embraced by Mussolini's Italy, that the founder of Ryerson University was a champion of the Canadian residential school system (for which the government apologized a century and a half later), and that Harvard was once a byword for mediocrity.

Along the way, we discover that the SAT was invented as an intelligence test designed to allow the state to sterilize “imbeciles” and in its current state is perhaps equally pernicious, that suicide in the wake of disappointing results in the state university placement exams is the fifth leading cause of death in China, and that commercialized higher education seduces students into debt as cynically as credit card companies do.

Provocative, entertaining—and even educational—The Curiosity of School lays bare the forces that shape the institution that shapes all of us.

My two cents: 

Let me say right off that I didn't finish the book (I reached page 321 out of 352 - or approximately 91% according to Goodreads - which is 30 pages shy of completing it). While I didn't finish it, I do intend to, but for some reason I broke my momentum with this and it's a little difficult to get my head into the game again.

You can tell right away by the many stickies that I found this book rather fascinating. It is an extremely ambitious book, covering the history of institutionalized education from the 19th century to the present.

I discovered some really interesting things about the roots of education, always interesting, some downright creepy and sinister. Standardization of education with roots in Nazi training? SATs and other tests a huge money-making machine? The now prestigious Harvard once synonymous with mediocrity? Are university/school rankings total garbage? Fascinating stuff which got me questioning and wondering quite a lot of things that we tend to accept without question; a mark of a good provoking read!

I figure that I was inclined to the subject matter in the first place. I have been interested in education in general, coming from a culture and a family that values education highly. I also had to take some education courses in school at some point. When I was looking up schools for the little one, I was looking at the various philosophies so Montessori and Waldorf weren't totally alien to me. But there's the rub -- if you're looking for a readable Malcolm Gladwell, this one tries really hard but doesn't quite make it. (Plus a warning that this book is about 350 pages, so it is a bit of investment in reading time).

I think the reason that he lost me is that this book covers so much ground, and it also tends to meander here and there. And while Sherman tries to wrap things up with a little bow in the end, the book isn't as tight as it could be. There is also a lot of tongue-in-cheek humour, which could get lost on many, or may come across as snide sometimes.

I found this book very Western and European focused, with special attention to the US and Canada. While it makes some reference to India and China (mainly about the pressures of getting into good schools), I kept thinking about the long tradition of learning and scholarship in ancient civilizations. Reference was made in passing ... but how can that not come into play into formal education today? (I am not an educator nor do I claim knowledge about the subject matter ... this is just my personal opinion!)

Another issue that I didn't quite sit well with me was that despite this being so obviously well-researched, the text itself made little reference to its sources. So I started questioning some assertions made -- was Sherman referring to the opinions of those he was citing, or were these his assertions? I flipped through the back and the reference list is long and detailed but how the earth am I supposed to connect the dots between the text and that?

Verdict: An overall fascinating and thought-provoking read that will challenge many commonly accepted practices and ideas in today's educational system. I have a feeling that my teacher friends would really benefit from this, and it would make an interesting addition to an educator's library. For the curious reader, this one is packed - go for it!

First line: The story of school begins in antiquity, when there was enough information in the world that someone was needed to copy it down.

More at The Curiosity of School website

I won this book on Goodreads First Reads.

Home is a Roof Over a Pig by Aminta Arrington

Synopsis of Home is a Roof Over a Pig by Aminta Arrington: When all-American Aminta Arrington moves from suburban Georgia to a small town in China, she doesn't go alone. Her army husband and three young children, including an adopted Chinese daughter, uproot themselves too. Aminta hopes to understand the country with its long civilization, ancient philosophy, and complex language. She is also determined that her daughter Grace, born in China, regain some of the culture she lost when the Arringtons brought her to America as a baby. In the university town of Tai'an, a small city where pigs' hooves are available at the local supermarket, donkeys share the road with cars, and the warm-hearted locals welcome this strange looking foreign family, the Arringtons settle in . . . but not at first. Aminta teaches at the university, not realizing she is countering the propaganda the students had memorized for years. Her creative, independent (and loud) American children chafe in their classrooms, the first rung in society's effort to ensure conformity. The family is bewildered by the seemingly endless cultural differences they face, but they find their way.

My two cents

Wonderful memoir! I really enjoyed it -- it's a mixture travelogue, family diary and history lesson. Arrington's strong point is the charming way in which she recounts her experiences. It's personal, it's funny, and at times heartbreaking. If you like to travel, it's extremely interesting to view China from another's eyes. And I learned quite a bit about Chinese culture, history, and the educational system. 

Aminta Arrington is an American who has always been fascinated with China. When her husband, Chris, retires from the army, they decide to live out her dream of living in China. Having adopted a Chinese baby girl, Grace, is the other reason for their move. They want Grace to identify not only with her Western upbringing, but also her roots. They pack up their family and take the leap into an unknown culture ... and have a grand (if rather culturally shocking) adventure until years later, they eventually become accepted in the small university town of Tai'an where Aminta finds a teaching post. 

One major device that Arrington used throughout the book, and in fact the title of the book is derived from the Chinese symbol for home, and each chapter has an equivalent in Chinese script.  I came away with a better appreciation and understanding of how unwittingly the pictorial representation of the words gives us a glimpse of ancient Chinese life. She likewise injects her own observations or opinions, giving us a bit more depth of how she interprets the meaning behind these words.

For example, the word "population" is pictured literally as "people mouths" and knowing that China is a over a billion strong, Arrington explains: "... they austerely, yet uniquely express the challenge China has long faced: a large population means more mouths to feed."(p. 41). 

The book focuses on a Western experience in China -- from university town, to a rural countryside, to a modern metropolis. It was interesting to read a Western viewpoint when I come from a very Asian viewpoint.The culture shock they experience is where I could totally relate to. (I am an immigrant to Canada from Asia) -- the shock of unfamiliarity of everything, the language barrier, and the agony of learning how to do even the simplest of things (like buying something, or taking public transport). I found the "second culture shock" they experience when they go back to the US and return as fascinating -- it's the first time I have ever heard of it.

This book is also as much about family life and rearing kids in an alien culture. I had a few moments of quiet heartbreak as she recounts how they learn of Grace's origins. I laughed a little as they struggled to make sense of themselves as a family within a strange country. I cheered on the kids as they became more proficient in the local language and made friends. I turned sober as I see the desire of Aminta and Chris to retain their American-ess while embracing some of the China that they had so desired for Grace and for themselves as a family. And I smiled when a small gesture of Mr. Jia, their super, reveals to Aminta that they are finally accepted as part of the little community.

There are many other diversions. Some interesting points that I appreciated were the pressures that Chinese students face in a China that is fast modernizing, the peek into how steeped in tradition China still is, and finally the subtle commentary about the one-child policy which has resulted in a generation of girls being adopted by other countries. The book is a rich source for many potentially controversial discussions.   

Uh-ohs:

Arrington seems to be quite open to the cultural differences she experiences. Obviously, this has a strongly Western-centric viewpoint of the world but hey, it's a memoir, and being biased is the stuff that memoirs are made of. I admit that I am both intrigued and wary about these books as the "holier than thou" attitude of many Western writers writing about Asia always seems to revolve around them. (Think Eat Pray Love.) I flag this as an "uh-oh" because someone coming from the opposite perspective may do a few eye rolls at the obvious, or find offense in her blatant and unapologetic American-ness. 

Right off the bat, I was slightly irked by her continual whining about wanting to experience the "real China"... how romanticized a phrase is that? She talks about "modern China" (a China opening to the West and its influences) and she talks about "traditional China" (rural China as if they were two separate things and if one were real and the other less real. But isn't the real China just China ... modern and traditional all rolled into one?

I was also a little annoyed with how she -- whether knowingly or not -- seemed to be foisting her opinions on her students. I tsk-tsked a bit when she got worked up about the idea her students not understanding the concept of independence, individuality and individual freedom. Cultural relativism of what is considered right and wrong is an emotionally laden topic; I applaud her for her honesty because it has also made me more conscious of my own stereotypes and my own cultural lens.

One thing that I thought was missing in the book: photos. I wanted to know what her little hole in the wall looked like, the descriptions of the beautiful mountains and the countryside. If you want to take a peek, she put up a few photos on her website, so go check them out if you're as curious as me.

Verdict: A charming and fascinating look into China and Chinese culture in this travelogue memoir. Definitely worth the read! 

First line: The Chinese writer Zhang Ailing said that every butterfly is a dead flower flying back to look for her lost life.

Last line: We've realized that we left behind a community that opened to allow us a place; and that was what made it home.

Find out more at Aminta Arrington's website.

I won this book at GoodReads First Reads.

The Christmas Carol Murders by Christopher Lord

Charles Dickens and Ayn Rand. Christmas and murders. Have a merry one!

Synopsis of The Christmas Carol Murders by Christopher Lord: It's the holiday season in Dickens Junction, Oregon. Local bookstore owner Simon Alastair is getting ready for the community's annual celebration of Charles Dickens's well-known story. But when a mysterious stranger shows up in the Junction and is murdered hours later, Simon begins to suspect that his little community has been targeted for destruction by a shadowy organization. With the support of Zach, a dashing young magazine reporter, Simon decides to investigate the crime himself. When a second murder follows, Simon must confront the worst question of all: which of his friends and business associates is a ruthless murderer? The Christmas Carol Murders is the first of an exciting new cozy mystery series combining the atmosphere of a classic Agatha Christie puzzle, the deft touch of Charlotte MacLeod, a hint of Oscar Wilde's humor, and the literary spirit of the great Charles Dickens.

My two cents

The book in one sentence: A battle of between two schools of thought - Charles Dickens vs. Ayn Rand - results in a string of murders in a quaint literary town.

***

This is a murder mystery decked out Dickens style with a huge dose of literary-ness!
I enjoyed it and since this is just the first book in a series of mysteries revolving around the imaginary town of Dickens Junction and some rather eccentric characters, I am definitely going to be on the lookout for the succeeding books!

The plot: The town is in the throes of preparing for the yearly Christmas festivities, Dickens-style of course, which attract tourists -- when a stranger makes his rounds with the various business owners, trying to get them to sell their properties for exorbitant (and tempting) sums. But majority want keep the Dickens traditions and sense of community alive, but with tourism slowing down and many businesses struggling to keep afloat ... it makes one wonder, who would be pushed to the rather gruesome and public display of this murdered stranger?

The police come into the picture and whereabouts and motives are revealed. But who are all these people under that quaint picture of traditionalism and old-fashionedness? Are they really who they claim to be?

More murders happen -- each more gruesome and left with some signature Christmas aplomb - and the town is in a state of chaos. But Simon Alistair -- whose family practically established the town  -- is bent on finding out who is behind these murders to keep the town's values intact.

***

Lord definitely painted Dickens Junction right -- the coziness, the literary-ness (read: Pip's Pages for the local bookstore, and festivities called Yarmouth Winter, the Barnaby Rudge Maypole Dance), and just plain old fashioned and traditional. There are also tons of references to literary characters and the writings of both Dickens and Ayn Rand are central to the plot too. (I probably would've better appreciated this book if I had read more Dickens or Rand as I am betting that there are some sneaky little things put in there for fans).

But wait, there's a twist as the characters are decidedly contemporary! Simon seems spends more time going googly-eyed over a hunky writer who comes in to write feature articles about this Dickens town. There's a side story of a man who Chippendale dances at a nearby club to raise money for his upcoming wedding.  Come to think of it, there were quite a few mentions of alternative lifestyles -- maybe its a bit much in just one book?

The mystery side is what really killed it for me. I love a good gruesome murder and the sleuthing entailed in order to bring a murderer to justice. But Simon's detective work didn't really impress me -- ok, he chatted with his friends and got a few nuggets, but there were no a-ha moments. Nada. Plus the dots never connected for me -- that's what I really missed: being in on the sleuthing  and then slowly making my own conclusions (whether right or wrong). The murderer is pretty much handed to the reader on a silver platter ... with no resistance from anyone. With the natures of the murders being pretty spectacular, how can the murderer not have more drama?

I really wanted to like this -- like over-the-top love it. I think I fell in love with the concept of prematurely hence setting up my expectations waaay up there. Reread the latter part of the synopsis and whose heart wouldn't jump at the mention of mystery mavens Agatha Christie and Charlotte MacLeod, Oscar Wilde and Charles Dickens in one breath ... it's got to be great, right? Yes, to a certain degree, so I really hope that the rest of the books in this series have a bit more meat as a mystery.

Verdict: A cozy Christmas mystery that will get your literary side psyched but your mystery craving dulled, unfortunately. A nice quick read to cozy up on the couch for the weekend.

***

First line: No one was dead: to begin with.
Last line: "God bless us, every one."

***

More info at:

• Dickens Junction 
• Christopher Lord's Blog

Book Depository

I received a copy of the Advanced Reading Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.