Swamplandia! by Karen Russell

I wish I could rank this work of art higher than just "MUST READ" because this novel has the staying power equivalent to that of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.


"Wind unstitched her skeleton. Weeds sprayed outward from the heart-shaped wreck of her pelvis; a sinkhole opened beneath her and gave way with the suddenness of carved ice, swallowing her bones."


Swamplandia! is filled with overwhelmingly beautiful prose and imagery. Russell is capable of making even tragic events sound eloquent and beautiful. I read this with a dictionary nearby, because she uses such rich language and I did not want to miss a single word just because I was unsure of its exact definition.

She meshes together two worlds: a teenager living in America as we perceive it and another teenager living on a secluded island in the Florida Everglades. Both brother and sister are desperate to save their family's amusement park: Swamplandia, while also saving their family. She skillfully references Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, updating those basic principles and making them relevant in the 21st century.

Karen Russell is nothing short of brilliant and her first novel, Swamplandia! is an enjoyable, modern, epic journey that will leave readers breathless.

My current Creative Writing professor went to Columbia with Karen Russell where they got their MFAs. To say that I'm jealous, is an understatement. She is one of America's most brilliant young writers, but I think we should take that honor a step further and call her one of America's best writers - period. I have fallen in love with Karen Russell and I plan on sharing her immense gift with my students in the future.

Napa Valley Daze by Robert Smith

After reading Crush and Velocity as well as having visited Napa Valley, I wanted to read more fiction that was set in the wine region. I've actually just written a short story set in Napa, but that's transgressing. So anyway, I came across this story written by an actual Napa Valley tasting room employee. Smith tells stories about the fascinating people one meets in the Valley when there is wine flowing freely. It's funny, it's charming, it's true-to-life, but as a novel: it's okay.
Read it if you're interested, but if your not interested, skip it - you won't be missing anything.

Karen Vail FBI Profiler Series by Alan Jacobson

times 3!!!
(I haven't gotten to the 4th one yet, but I'm sure it will be just as addicting)

My love affair with thrillers and mysteries began with Alan Jacobson. Karen Vail is an extremely likable character who simply put - kicks ass. What makes Alan Jacobson so good? No matter how good you are, you will not be able to predict the ending or the identity of the killer.

These books are extra relatable to me because I am familiar with most of the settings: Karen Vail grew up on Long Island, not far from where I live; the 2nd and 3rd books are set in Napa Valley and San Francisco - my mom lived in the suburbs of San Francisco for a while and when I visited her we went up to Napa. Having thrillers set in places you are familar with makes them extra thrilling.

In this first novel, the first female FBI Profiler, Karen Vail, and her team hunt down the Dead Eyes Killer - a serial killer who mutilates his victims and paints the walls with their blood. It turns out that Karen is the secret to unlocking this mystery and the killer's identity, nearly becoming the killers 7th victim.

Karen Vail is on vacation with her boyfriend in Napa Valley. As luck would have it, they stumble upon a dead body while touring a winery and Karen is put on the case. The Crush Killer baffles Karen because he transcends every profile. The task force team becomes a target as they desperately try to catch the killer and save their lives. Lucky for you the 3rd book is already out because Crush will leave you with your mouth agape, jaw-on-the-floor, desperate to get your hands on Velocity so you can find out what happens next.

I don't want to spoil the ending of Crush so I won't tell you what Velocity is about, but I will tell you to make sure you have this book on your shelf before you finish Crush because you will want to dive right into it. The detail in this book is astounding and I applaud Alan Jacobson's diligent accuracy. Loved, Loved, Loved it!

The amount of research that Alan Jacobson obviously put into these novels is astounding. There are so many details and they are all extremely accurate. You will get lost in the reality of his fiction. Leave yourself plenty of reading time when you pick these up, because you won't be able to put them down.

The Year That Follows by Scott Lasser

Yes, I did just give this book the lowest rating possible. It's very rare that I read a book I don't want to finish, but this is one of those few. I will say that I was extremely excited to read this novel. It got excellent reviews and the book description made it sound wonderful.
Here's the book description:
On September 10th, 2001, Kyle tells his sister, Cat, that he believes he has fathered a son. The next day both he and the boy's mother are killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Back in Detroit, Cat - a single mother of a young son - decides she must find her brother's orphaned child. Nearly a year later that search is still underway when her father calls from California. Sam is eighty, a non-observant Jew who has lost both his wife and his only son. Despite his struggles with his faith, he finds he wants to observe the Jewish rituals of mourning. He strikes a deal with a local Rabbi: Kyle's name will be read aloud in temple on the one year anniversary of his death; in exchange, Sam will reluctantly attend services on this year's high holy days. Sam calls Cat and asks her to come, to participate in this simple ceremony - but he has another motive as well, a secret he believes he's kept hidden from her all her life.Cat's journey - toward her father, and her brother's infant son - and Sam's journey toward his daughter, his lost son, and a new relationship to both his future and his past - is the basis for Scott Lasser's superbly realized novel about families, and about how we live with the mysteries and ambiguities that inhere in our most primal relations. With marvelous economy and restraint, Lasser captures the complexities of home and heritage, the bonds of blood and the bonds of life and love. A richly resonant, exceptionally graceful, deeply affirming new novel from an abundantly gifted writer.

Sounds really great doesn't it? This novel was probably one of my biggest disappointments, if not the biggest. I actually did things to avoid having to read it, but since I refuse to put a book down in the middle, I muscled through and managed to survive to warn the rest of the world to AVOID THIS BOOK AT ALL COSTS. The best way to describe it: a waste of time. After finishing it, I promptly threw it into a box for my next garage sale. Sorry, Mr. Lasser, but you shot for the moon and didn't even make it through the rapidly depleting ozone.

A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

"Because failure isn't an option if success is just a matter of more effort"

So it's no secret that I am a dog lover, but I assure you that you do not have to love dogs to love A Dog's Purpose. However, if you happen to have a dog, this story will make you look at your dog in a whole new light and it will strengthen your bond. Similar to Spencer Quinn's series (see an earlier post), this novel is told from a dog's perspective; however, it is told from the perspective of the same dog soul, not the same dog. Allow me to elaborate:

This book centers around a dog's soul that searches for it's purpose over the course of several different lives in several different canine bodies. Through his journey, we humans begin to question what our own purpose is in this world. This dog dies and is reborn several times, each time wondering what else he must have to learn.

You will actually laugh out loud at certain points. You will also cry.

A Dog's Purpose is the ultimate quest of figuring out why were here and who we are meant to be. This novel is a learning experience told through the unique perspective of a lovable dog.

Do yourself a favor and read this. It will change the way you live your life.

Room by Emma Donoghue

I really wish I had written this review right after I read this novel, but seeing as that did not happen, I will do my best to express my immense love for Emma Donoghue's work of art. First off, it is written in the first-person perspective of Jack, a five year old who is the product of his mother's kidnapper and rapist. He lives in Room with his mother and has never even seen the outdoors. He believes that Room, and all of the things in it, are all that there is of the world.
This novel is fascinating and compelling. Once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down. And when it is over, you will have developed a new pair of eyes through which you view the world. This is both a beautiful work of fiction while also being a psychological thriller. It also exemplifies the love that a mother should have for her child.
Simply put - it's BEAUTIFUL.

Check out the trailer:

Cedar Cove Series - Debbie Macomber

Debbie Macomber is a goddess. She is able to write novels about a small town community and actually make the reader feel like he/she is a member of that community, walking amongst the characters. She is also an incredibly gifted dialogue writer. As a writer myself, I find her style worth studying; whenever I'm struggling with writing dialogue, I pick up one of these books and just flip to any random page and - boom!- instant tutorial on dialogue writing.

The Cedar Cove series consists of the following novels:
16 Lighthouse Road
204 Rosewood Lane
311 Pelican Court
44 Cranberry Point
50 Harbor Street
6 Rainier Drive
74 Seaside Avenue
8 Sandpiper Way
92 Pacific Boulevard
1022 Evergreen Place
1105 Yakima Street
1225 Christmas Tree Lane

Related Books:
A Cedar Cove Christmas (to be read between 8 Sandpiper Way and 92 Pacific Boulevard)
Hearts Divided

Have you noticed a theme with the titles? Yes, they are all addresses. This is because Debbie Macomber chooses one family (whichever resides at the title's address) to be the main focus of that particular novel. However, each novel involves the other families you meet in the series as well.

The town of Cedar Cove, while fictiona, is based on a real town in Washington and Debbie Macomber does a womderful job of making the town come to life. I cannot stress enough how comfortable it is to read these books - one truly feels like he/she lives in Cedar Cove and is friends with Olivia, Grace, Charlotte, and the gang.

This series is comedic, dramatic, and realistic. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will enjoy every minute of it. I recommend these as excellent beach or vacation reads - anytime you just want to read something that makes you feel like your watching a TV show.

You can find descriptions for each novel here: http://www.debbiemacomber.com/index.cfm?

Another fun part about this series is its companion website: http://www.cedarcoveseries.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=page
This site is set up as though Cedar Cove were a real town. It is really quite interesting and I urge you to check it out.

Kristin Hannah

I've decided that Kristin Hannah is the female Nicholas Sparks. She writes novels that draw you in from the beginning and have you clutching the tissue box. So far, I have only read four of her novels: True Colors, Firefly Lane, Home Again, and Angel Falls.

True Colors
This is a story about love, and not just the romantic kind, but familial (specifically sisterly) love as well. First off, don't be turned off when you pick this book up and realize that it is 544 pages and rivals your local phone book. I read this novel in three days because it was skillfully written to be fast-paced, constantly leaving you wanting to know what happens next. Set in a small town where gossip rules all, the Grey sisters' always close relationship is put to the test. I laughed, I cried, and when it was over I loudly proclaimed my love for Kristin Hannah. Do not skip this one, you will regret it.

Firefly Lane
This novel should be the bible for any woman who has ever had a best friend. This New York Times Bestseller follows best friends, Kate and Tully over three decades from childhood to adulthood. The reader will quickly discover that the two girls are no more alike than black and white, but Kristin Hannah proves that opposites attract - and thrive. They made a pact to be best friends forever, but over the years, their friendship is put to the test and is nearly obliterated by an act of betrayal. Firefly Lane is about two friends who know the other better than they know themselves and only they can cause each other such immense pain, happiness, and ultimately, provide healing. Over the course of the 500+ pages, you will reflect on your own friendships and realize how much you truly love and appreciate your best friend(s). Take my word for it and buy a copy for yourself and a copy for all of your girlfriends (you probably should buy them each a box of tissues as well).

As for Home Again and Angel Falls, I do not remember too much about them, but I can definitely tell you that, while I remember liking them, I did not LOVE them like I loved True Colors and Firefly Lane, so I won't bother with writing reviews for them. However, I cannot stress enough how much I loved True Colors and Firefly Lane, so do yourself a favor and head to your local bookstore right now and pick them!

Spencer Quinn's Chet and Bernie Mysteries

Being both a fan of mysteries and a dog lover, it seems inevitable that I would love Spencer Quinn's Chet and Bernie Mysteries series. Chet and his human Bernie Little are a private investigating team known as the Little Detective Agency. Narrated by the lovable and adventurous Chet, Dog On It, Thereby Hangs A Tail, To Fetch A Thief, and The Dog Who Knew Too Much take readers on mysterious adventures solving crime.

Spencer Quinn has a remarkable skill - being able to get into a dog's mind and write his way through it. Chet is a hilarious narrator and it is impossible not to fall in love with him. These are also mysteries and thrillers by their own right. Prepare for plenty of suspense and nail-biting action. Quinn also offers readers a whole new perspective, culminating in a new and unique understanding of man's-best-friend. From the explanation of tail wagging, the inevitable nap times, the extraordinary sense of smell, the motivation behind doing anything for food, and the unwavering loyalty of a dog to his human. Spencer Quinn has made me look at my own dog, Maggie in a whole new way. Here's my little princess:

My least favorite part about these novels was when they ended - because I wanted more! Perhaps the best part is, readers don't have to wait to get more of Chet and his witty antics. Chet writes a daily blog which can be found at: http://www.chetthedog.com/

Spencer Quinn's books can be found at book stores and online.

So while I anxiously await the next Chet and Bernie Mystery, I will keep enjoying Chet through his daily blog.

Have you read any of these books? Let me know what you think!

My Book List

Between my scholarly work and my own creative writing, it's a wonder I find the time to indulge my love of reading at all - let alone being able to read (often) several books a week. This blog is going to be all about what I'm reading, why I'm reading it, and why you should (or should not) be reading it too.

Since September 2010, I have been keeping track of every book that I am reading and I've come to the realization that it may be beneficial to share my reading lists with you. So often I read a novel that I desperately wish I could discuss with someone else who has read it but, lo and behold, no such person exists in my circle. So I'm hoping that, through this blog, I will be able to connect with other readers who feel so inclined to discuss these novels, and even suggest novels that I should read.

A little bit about my personal reading style: I love mysteries/thrillers and I also enjoy a sappy romance novel here and there. I also have an interest in contemporary literature. When I become a literature professor, I hope to teach a course on contemporary literature so I am always searching the book shelves for novels I believe have the potential to be tomorrow's great works of literature.

Here is the list of books that I have read (since I have been keeping track starting in September 2010):
Dog On It by Spencer Quinn
Thereby Hangs A Tail by Spencer Quinn
To Fetch A Thief by Spencer Quinn
The Dog Who Knew Too Much by Spencer Quinn
True Colors by Kristin Hannah
Angel Falls by Kristin Hannah
Home Again by Kristin Hannah
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series (see a later blog for the full list of all 12 title's plus the Christmas book)
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
Her Last Letter by Nancy C. Johnson
Room by Emma Donoghue
Manhunt by Janet Evanovich
Smitten by Janet Evanovich
Family Affair by Debbie Macomber
The Sooner the Better by Debbie Macomber
On A Snowy Night by Debbie Macomber
A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
The Year that Follows by Scott Lasser
The 7th Victim by Alan Jacobson
Crush by Alan Jacobson
Velocity by Alan Jacobson
This Matter of Marriage by Debbie Macomber
Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Napa Valley Daze by Robert Smith
Swamplandia! by Karen Russell
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Lisa Gardner's Detective D.D. Warren Series (see a later blog for a full list of all 5 titles)
Debbie Macomber's Buffalo Valley Series (see a later blog for a full list of all 4 titles)
Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence
Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
Trojan Horse by David Lender
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
Ready for Romance by Debbie Macomber
Tiger, Tiger: A Memoir by Margaux Fragoso
The Righteous by Michael Wallace
Mighty and Stong (Sequel to The Righteous) by Michael Wallace
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
Something Blue by Emily Giffin
Baby Proof by Emily Giffin
Harry Potter (Books 1-7) by J.K Rowling
Made In the U.S.A by Billie Letts
A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
Letter to Posterity by Petrarch
Ascent of Mt. Ventoux by Petrarch
Canzoniere by Petrarch
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
The Courtier by Baldessare Castiglione
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky
The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
The Mermaid's Pendant by LeAnn Neal Reilly

Short Stories:
How To Dump Your Boyfriend in the Men's Room (and other short stories) by Sibel Hodge
Days by Deborah Eisenberg
Snow Falls and Then Disappears by Van Booys
Where They Hide is a Mystery by Van Booys
A Bad Day by Vladimir Nobokov
Remembering My Childhood on the Continent of Africa by David Sedaris
Middle American Gothic by Jonathan Ames
An Unwritten Novel by Virginia Woolf
The Enormous Radio by John Cheever
A Clean, Well-lighted Place by Ernest Hemingway
Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway
The Ice Palace by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Plays:
The Prince by Niccolo Macchiavelli
Eurydice by Sarah Ruel
Metamorphoses by Mary Zimmerman

Poetry by:
John Donne
Billy Collins
Charles Simic



Check back for a blog on each of these! I will be rating them all according to the scale on the right.