I have read most of the other Perri O'Shaughnessy books, and Case of Lies is similar. If you are looking for something life-changing, this is not it, but it is enjoyable as a quick, light read. For people unfamiliar with the series, Nina Reilly is a lawyer with a teenage son. She generally takes challenging cases, often putting herself in some kind of danger. In Case of Lies, Nina has returned to her home of Lake Tahoe after splitting with her private investigator colleague and lover, Paul van Waggoner. While she is picking up the pieces of her life, she meets Chelsi, a masseuse whose aunt was murdered two years previously at a low-rent motel near the Nevada casinos. There were three witnesses, but they fled the scene, and the killer was never caught. Chelsi's alcoholic uncle was pursuing legal action against the motel, but his dysfunctional life stalled his progress. Nina agrees to take the case, which is on the verge of being dismissed.
Nina begins legal proceedings against the motel, but the case becomes personal when the killer begins picking off people related to the case and threatens Nina. She enlists the help of a new private investigator, Wish (the son of her office manager and a longtime friend). He figures out that the missing witnesses were math students from MIT and tracks them down. The case eventually leads Nina to Germany and the father of her son, as she tries to unravel the mystery before the killer takes out all of the witnesses and her.
Case of Lies was fast-paced, even if not always logical. Some of the characters' motivations were a little thin, and most were not very likable. The ending especially was not really satisfying. Also, the characters' study of math played a role in the plot, but some of the theories mentioned were very technical and not necessarily interesting to someone lacking a passion for graduate-level math.
Case of Lies was not a great book, but was not bad either, just fairly mediocre. I got what I expected from it, and will continue reading the series.
Rating: ***
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
#6: The Kite Runner
To start out, this is my second time reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I thoroughly enjoyed it the first time, and enjoyed it just as much on the reread, finishing it easily in a couple of days. For those of you who have not read the book and/or seen the movie, The Kite Runner is about Amir, a young boy growing up in Kabul, Afghanistan. Amir lives a privileged life, as his father is a well-connected businessman. However, Amir's mother died during his birth, and his father is somewhat distant - Amir feels like he is unable to please him. He finds friendship with Hassan, the son of Ali, the family's servant.
In Kabul, one of the favored activities was kite fighting. Boys would fly kites with strings coated in glass fragments and try to cut the strings of competitors' kites. When a kite was defeated, others would try to "run" the kite and catch it when it drifted back down. Amir sees the kite competition as a way to finally win the approval of his father, and he teams up with Hassan, a great kite runner. When Amir is successful, his glory fades when he fails to help Hassan out of a terrible situation. The shame and guilt he feels bear down on him through the course of the story.
Eventually, Amir's idyllic life experiences a major change. His father is out of favor with the new government, so the two of them flee Afghanistan, eventually ending up in the Bay Area. They become part of a growing Afghan community of people who were movers and shakers now toiling away in menial jobs. As time passes, Amir marries and pursues his dream of becoming a writer, but he is not satisfied. Then his old friend, Rahim Khan, suddenly summons Amir back to Afghanistan with a mission, offering him the opportunity for redemption.
The Kite Runner is a beautiful story. Hosseini's descriptions paint a vivid picture of what Afghanistan used to be like before it was ravaged by decades of war. Amir is a strong character, as he wants to do what is right, but also wants to gain the approval of his father, two things that lead to conflict. Even so, the story is about so much more than Amir.
The Kite Runner is another book that I highly recommend. Also check out Khaled Hosseini's other novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Rating: *****
In Kabul, one of the favored activities was kite fighting. Boys would fly kites with strings coated in glass fragments and try to cut the strings of competitors' kites. When a kite was defeated, others would try to "run" the kite and catch it when it drifted back down. Amir sees the kite competition as a way to finally win the approval of his father, and he teams up with Hassan, a great kite runner. When Amir is successful, his glory fades when he fails to help Hassan out of a terrible situation. The shame and guilt he feels bear down on him through the course of the story.
Eventually, Amir's idyllic life experiences a major change. His father is out of favor with the new government, so the two of them flee Afghanistan, eventually ending up in the Bay Area. They become part of a growing Afghan community of people who were movers and shakers now toiling away in menial jobs. As time passes, Amir marries and pursues his dream of becoming a writer, but he is not satisfied. Then his old friend, Rahim Khan, suddenly summons Amir back to Afghanistan with a mission, offering him the opportunity for redemption.
The Kite Runner is a beautiful story. Hosseini's descriptions paint a vivid picture of what Afghanistan used to be like before it was ravaged by decades of war. Amir is a strong character, as he wants to do what is right, but also wants to gain the approval of his father, two things that lead to conflict. Even so, the story is about so much more than Amir.
The Kite Runner is another book that I highly recommend. Also check out Khaled Hosseini's other novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Rating: *****
#5: Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time
Three Cups of Tea, by David Oliver Relin and Greg Mortenson is a fascinating and very uplifting book to read. It profiles Mortenson, formerly an aimless climbing aficionado as he finds his calling, which is to open schools for the rural poor in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The book opens when Mortenson is on an expedition to climb K2. Though it means giving up on his own pursuit of the summit, he embarks on a mission to rescue a fellow climber in a life-threatening situation. The rescue was successful, but Mortenson, weary and broken down, loses his guide and stumbles into the village of Korphe in northern Pakistan. He is taken in by the village leader and cared for by the townspeople. Eventually he begins sharing his own knowledge with the people of Korphe, especially from his training as an ER nurse, earning himself the nickname Dr. Greg. When he goes to see the children of Korphe at school, he finds them spread out in a clearing, trying to complete their lessons without the aid of a teacher. This gives him his inspiration.
Mortenson returns to Berkeley and passionately begins fundraising for his endeavor. After much frustration, he finally gets the necessary funds and returns to Pakistan, only to be presented with new pitfalls. He cultivates relationships with locals who help him to make his dream a success. From there, he decides that as long as there are other children who need help, he will make a career out of raising money and building schools.
In addition to the inspiring story of Greg Mortenson, I was able to gain insight into what Pakistan is really like. While many people think of Pakistan and other Islamic countries as being teeming with America-hating fundamentalists, Greg's friendships with many ordinary people show what the more typical moderate Muslims are like. The book also does a nice job of describing a completely foreign lifestyle of the tribal peoples, living isolated lives with few modern amenities.
I highly recommend Three Cups of Tea to anyone who wants to read about a person who has truly made a difference or who wants to learn more about life outside of the industrialized world.
***** out of *****
The book opens when Mortenson is on an expedition to climb K2. Though it means giving up on his own pursuit of the summit, he embarks on a mission to rescue a fellow climber in a life-threatening situation. The rescue was successful, but Mortenson, weary and broken down, loses his guide and stumbles into the village of Korphe in northern Pakistan. He is taken in by the village leader and cared for by the townspeople. Eventually he begins sharing his own knowledge with the people of Korphe, especially from his training as an ER nurse, earning himself the nickname Dr. Greg. When he goes to see the children of Korphe at school, he finds them spread out in a clearing, trying to complete their lessons without the aid of a teacher. This gives him his inspiration.
Mortenson returns to Berkeley and passionately begins fundraising for his endeavor. After much frustration, he finally gets the necessary funds and returns to Pakistan, only to be presented with new pitfalls. He cultivates relationships with locals who help him to make his dream a success. From there, he decides that as long as there are other children who need help, he will make a career out of raising money and building schools.
In addition to the inspiring story of Greg Mortenson, I was able to gain insight into what Pakistan is really like. While many people think of Pakistan and other Islamic countries as being teeming with America-hating fundamentalists, Greg's friendships with many ordinary people show what the more typical moderate Muslims are like. The book also does a nice job of describing a completely foreign lifestyle of the tribal peoples, living isolated lives with few modern amenities.
I highly recommend Three Cups of Tea to anyone who wants to read about a person who has truly made a difference or who wants to learn more about life outside of the industrialized world.
***** out of *****
Monday, January 5, 2009
#4: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
The Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao follows the life of a nerdy young man living in New York. Oscar is a comic book-loving overweight kid who is obsessed with girls, but lacks any kind of social skills to actually form a relationship. Even worse, he is of Dominican heritage, and has a reputation to live up to. Also, his family is haunted by a fukú, or curse, resulting from his mother's interactions with the former dictator of the Dominican Republic. The narration is done by different characters in different parts, including Oscar's college roommate Yunior and his sister Lola.
Oscar Wao was a very frustrating book for me to read due to its uneven pacing. While some parts were very interesting, others seemed to drag on forever. As I was reading, I looked up some reviews to determine whether it would get better, and one said that the action picked up after page 150, which was true. However, from about page 75 to page 150, I had to struggle to push myself through.
Another thing that hindered my enjoyment of the book was the pervasive inclusion of Spanish phrases, especially slang. I am far from fluent in Spanish, but have some basic competence; however, many phrases were outside my level of comprehension. As I did not feel like sitting at my computer looking up phrases while I was reading, I just did the best I could within the context of the story.
The part of the story I enjoyed the most was the section about Oscar's mother, Belicia, during her youth. First and foremost, it was very interesting to read about the Dominican history that was the backdrop to her youth. I had no idea of the atrocities committed by their dictator, Trujillo. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the island, as I knew little about it except its history as a hotbed for producing Major League Baseball players.
The other thing I enjoyed about the story was the characters. While the plot sometimes seemed muddled, the characters were very distinctive. Oscar's mother was very negative, and her history explained why she ended up this way. Her two kids, Lola and Oscar, were opposites of each other, but were able to develop a strong bond. I wanted to follow these characters, but would have preferred to do so in an easier to digest manner.
Rating: *** out of *****
Oscar Wao was a very frustrating book for me to read due to its uneven pacing. While some parts were very interesting, others seemed to drag on forever. As I was reading, I looked up some reviews to determine whether it would get better, and one said that the action picked up after page 150, which was true. However, from about page 75 to page 150, I had to struggle to push myself through.
Another thing that hindered my enjoyment of the book was the pervasive inclusion of Spanish phrases, especially slang. I am far from fluent in Spanish, but have some basic competence; however, many phrases were outside my level of comprehension. As I did not feel like sitting at my computer looking up phrases while I was reading, I just did the best I could within the context of the story.
The part of the story I enjoyed the most was the section about Oscar's mother, Belicia, during her youth. First and foremost, it was very interesting to read about the Dominican history that was the backdrop to her youth. I had no idea of the atrocities committed by their dictator, Trujillo. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the island, as I knew little about it except its history as a hotbed for producing Major League Baseball players.
The other thing I enjoyed about the story was the characters. While the plot sometimes seemed muddled, the characters were very distinctive. Oscar's mother was very negative, and her history explained why she ended up this way. Her two kids, Lola and Oscar, were opposites of each other, but were able to develop a strong bond. I wanted to follow these characters, but would have preferred to do so in an easier to digest manner.
Rating: *** out of *****
#3: The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp
The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey is the first book in a series (3 so far) aimed at young adults. Alfred is a 15-year-old who lives with his uncle after his mother dies. He lives a pretty boring life as a school outcast due to his large size. One day, his uncle approaches him to ask for help with a plot. A mysterious man has asked Arthur's uncle, the night watchman at an apartment tower, to break in and retrieve a sword from the office of the owner of a tower. Arthur is able to complete the theft, although it involves a harrowing escape from some strange men. Arthur later finds out that the sword is Excalibur, and when he has to protect the sword, trouble follows.
This book was very fast paced and full of action. Alfred is well-developed as a character, an ordinary boy doing extraordinary things. Another interesting point is the juxtaposition of the modern luxuries (Arthur travels in a Ferrari for example) with the elements of the King Arthur story. I look forward to eventually picking up the sequels.
This book was very fast paced and full of action. Alfred is well-developed as a character, an ordinary boy doing extraordinary things. Another interesting point is the juxtaposition of the modern luxuries (Arthur travels in a Ferrari for example) with the elements of the King Arthur story. I look forward to eventually picking up the sequels.
Friday, January 2, 2009
#2: Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams
As a teacher, I try to read a lot of the books I purchase for my classroom. Tunnels is a book I had heard about and finally got around to reading recently. Tunnels is the first book in a series. (Amazon says the second book comes out February 3 in the U.S.) It follows the life of Will Burrows, a 14-year old who lives with his family in London. Will's father is the curator of a seldom-visited local museum, while his mother is a shut-in who spends all of her time watching TV. Will is also very fanciful, leaving his younger sister to pick up the pieces, cooking and cleaning for the family.
One thing Will and his father have in common is a love of archaeology. The two of them dig tunnels beneath the city to look for artifacts. One day, Will's father disappears. As Will is looking for clues, he discovers a secret tunnel in the family's basement. Will decides he must go after his father, and brings along his friend Chester. Will and Chester find a mysterious underground society at the end of the tunnel. The people living there do not like people from the surface of the Earth, so they add difficulties to the search for Will's father.
I'm not a huge fan of fantasy novels, but I read through this one pretty quickly. The plot was easy to follow as the author included a lot of description and kept it moving with plenty of action sequences (although it did take a little while to set up the action). I will definitely be reading the next book (Deeper) when it comes out, and this is a book I will be recommending to some of my students who are stronger readers.
One thing Will and his father have in common is a love of archaeology. The two of them dig tunnels beneath the city to look for artifacts. One day, Will's father disappears. As Will is looking for clues, he discovers a secret tunnel in the family's basement. Will decides he must go after his father, and brings along his friend Chester. Will and Chester find a mysterious underground society at the end of the tunnel. The people living there do not like people from the surface of the Earth, so they add difficulties to the search for Will's father.
I'm not a huge fan of fantasy novels, but I read through this one pretty quickly. The plot was easy to follow as the author included a lot of description and kept it moving with plenty of action sequences (although it did take a little while to set up the action). I will definitely be reading the next book (Deeper) when it comes out, and this is a book I will be recommending to some of my students who are stronger readers.
Monday, December 29, 2008
#1: Pharmakon by Dirk Wittenborn
Pharmakon, by Dirk Wittenborn, traces the path of a family from the 50's as they pass through time. Dr. William Friedrich is an ambitious professor from Yale. He hears about a natural wonder drug used by the natives of New Guinea to bring on happiness, and teams up with another scientist named Bunny Winton to research this drug, known as The Way Home. They conduct trials for this drug, which they deem successful until there is an adverse reaction in a formerly depressed Yale undergrad named Casper Gedsic. Casper's actions change the course of life for the Friedrich family forever.
After the drug trial and its failure, the novel shifts perspective to that of Zach Friedrich, Will's youngest son. It follows him as he deals with his family and their varying needs. Zach begins as a young child and progresses through a prep school education in the 60's as he watches the decisions his older siblings make. The coming of age portion of the novel was very interesting, as it detailed the interactions of a complex and unusual family.
Finally, the book shifts perspective again, this time to a grown up Zach. He has many problems resulting from substance abuse. It also shows where all of the siblings are in their lives. The problem I had was that it jumped way ahead in time, with limited backfill of details. I would have preferred to follow Zach in a more linear progression, even if it added to the length of the book.
Overall, I thought Pharmakon was an enjoyable book. However, I would have enjoyed it more if the ending matched up to the level of the rest of the book.
After the drug trial and its failure, the novel shifts perspective to that of Zach Friedrich, Will's youngest son. It follows him as he deals with his family and their varying needs. Zach begins as a young child and progresses through a prep school education in the 60's as he watches the decisions his older siblings make. The coming of age portion of the novel was very interesting, as it detailed the interactions of a complex and unusual family.
Finally, the book shifts perspective again, this time to a grown up Zach. He has many problems resulting from substance abuse. It also shows where all of the siblings are in their lives. The problem I had was that it jumped way ahead in time, with limited backfill of details. I would have preferred to follow Zach in a more linear progression, even if it added to the length of the book.
Overall, I thought Pharmakon was an enjoyable book. However, I would have enjoyed it more if the ending matched up to the level of the rest of the book.
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