I just posted my Top Ten Reads for 2022. (At this Link). There were 4 other books that I rated with 5 - stars. Plus 22 books that I rated 4.5 stars. For your info and possible interest, here are my honorable mentions for 2022.
5 - Star Selections
1.
Tucker Peak by
Archer Mayor (Joe Gunther #12 / 2001). This is a great detective series.
"This is about the 4th Joe Gunther police procedural mystery I've read so far and this one was quite a perfect, entertaining story. Tucker Peak is the 15th book in the series written by author Archer Mayor. The series is set in Vermont and at this point Gunther is lead investigator of a small team of the newly formed Vermont Bureau of Investigation.
This story involves break-ins at the Tucker Peak ski resort and grows to include destructive activity at the resort (possibly perpetrated by environmentalist protesters) and ultimately to murder(s) and other activities. Gunther and his team work with local police, both working undercover and following other standard police practices, to try and find out what the heck is going on.
As I said, it's quite a perfect story. Gunther and his group are great characters, empathetic, smart, dedicated and great investigators. We get into their personalities just enough to draw you in to the story. The investigation follows a neat process, gathering evidence, interrogations, done in a manner that seems logical but also very interesting. There is also sufficient action and the story is so well-paced that it's a real page turner. And the various ongoing cases are also interesting and satisfyingly solved to let you close the book at the end with a pleased sigh and then go try and find another book in this excellent series. I know I haven't delved into the case too much but I don't want to ruin an excellent story for you to discover on your own. (5.0 stars)"
2.
The Players and the Game by
Julian Symons (Mys / 1972)
"My first and only previous exposure to Julian Symons was The Blackheath Poisonings: A Victorian Murder Mystery. I enjoyed it very much and now that I've finally tried a second, The Players and The Game, I think I may have to explore a bit more of his work. Luckily I have a couple of more books by him on my shelf.
At its most basic, The Players and The Game is a police procedural, as we follow Inspector Hazelton and his fellow coppers, Paterson, Brill and Plender as the investigate first the disappearances of a French au-pair and another young woman, then as they discover a possible serial killer, a deeper, more comprehensive investigation begins. But as I got into this story, I discovered there was much more to it and thought that it had sensibilities to others I've enjoyed, by authors Hillary Waugh and Michael Gilbert.
The story follows the police investigation but it also explores the lives of various suspects, especially Paul Vane, a newcomer to Rawley, a man who has his own issues; both with his family and his work. We also get to read the diary of one Dracula, who is discovering his own personality, quoting Nietzsche as he explores his 'criminal' activities with partner Bonnie. I don't want to ruin this story by getting into much more detail about the plot, suffice it say that the mystery is well-crafted, the characters are all fascinating; from the police themselves to the victims / suspects as well, and that the story moves along nicely as everything begins to tie together in such a satisfying fashion.
It's a pretty darn perfect psychological thriller and even though the murderous act(s) seem to have been perverse and shocking, they are left for the most part to your imagination... that can be shocking enough. I enjoyed the story so very much. The deeper I got into it, the more I had to keep reading it. The solution was satisfying and believable. The police aren't perfect but they are hard working and imaginative enough to work through the clues to come to the final result. But as you will see, their work can have unintended tragic consequences as well. Excellent mystery. (5 stars)"
3.
Bad Debts by
Peter Temple (Jack Irish #1 / 1996). The TV series was great.
"My wife introduced me to a great Aussie TV series, Jack Irish, starring Guy Pearce. The series is based on books by author, Peter Temple. There are four books in the series. Bad Debts introduces us to failed lawyer Jack Irish, now spending his time hunting for missing people and other odd legal jobs. Irish gave up the law profession for the most part when his wife was murdered by a lunatic client.
This is a fascinating, rich story with many varied plot lines. Irish receives a voice mail from a client he defended who went to prison. Out of prison, Danny McKillop, leaves a message that he wishes to talk with Irish. Irish gets his message too late and discovers that Danny was shot by police. This murder is the start of an entertaining investigation by Jack Irish, that will involve corruption and other things i won't get into that will threaten Jack's life and also other people associated with him.
On a lighter note, Jack helps two friends, Harry (an ex jockey) and Cam, manipulate gambling on horse racing to try and earn big bucks. (It's more complicated than my short synopsis of course, but fascinating stuff). Cam and Harry are great characters and good friends and partners to Harry.
The story is peopled with so many excellent characters. Jack works for an old German furniture restorer (it helped him get over his wife's murder); the three old gents at the local pub who argue over old Aussie Football matches; the lovely reporter, Linda, who starts a relationship with Jack and helps him with his investigation into the death of McKillop and so many others..
It's a rich story that meanders along at times and as the story builds up, gets tenser and tenser. It's so well written that you feel yourself in the story, felling the same dread that Jack and Linda begin to feel as their lives become more and more at risk. I enjoyed the description of Temple, the characters, the whole story. Once you start it, you will just want to keep reading to learn more about the characters, enjoy the setting and follow the mystery. I thought I had it sort of figured out, but there were nice little twists and turns that surprised and satisfied me. I can't wait to read the next book. I have it on order. 😎 (5 stars)"
4.
Hobberdy Dick by
Katharine M. Briggs (1955).
"Hobberdy Dick by Katharine M. Briggs was a complete surprise to me. I decided to order it when I was checking out books listed in the back of another book I was reading. (I can't remember what book I was reading). Hobberdy was written originally in 1955 and is a combination historical fiction (being set during the time of Cromwell in England) and fantasy (Hobberdy is a hobgoblin who is one of many who looked after the estates in Britain. Think of house elves in Harry Potter in that they are bound to families and estates until freed).
Hobberdy Dick lived in and guarded Welford Manor for over 200 years. The Culvers are forced to leave and the manor is abandoned for a long time until a Puritan family, the Widdisons take over. Hobberdy has been guarding the estate, he keeps the house clean and helps the staff with their chores. Of course they don't see Hobberdy. The country folk know of the hobs from their folk tales and some of the staff can sense his presence.
Over the course of the story, Hobberdy comes to love one of the maids, Anne, who is a relative of the original Culvers. He also is taken by Martha, the Widdison's daughter, and also their son, Joel. Hobberdy is central to so many of the events that take place, some mundane, some quite terrifying and some sad. It's a fascinating story and it just gets better and better as it develops. The language takes a bit of grasping at the very beginning but it is easy to get into the flow of it. Hobberdy and his fellow goblins are wonderful characters. Anne is lovely and so is Joel and young Martha. Mrs. Dimbleby, the grandmother of the Widdisons is genteel and sympathetic.
It's just a wonderful story that will draw you in and grab your emotions. As I say it was a lovely surprise and just perfect. Briggs was a folklorist and published a number of books on fairies and witchcraft (Mother Darke is quite scary... yeah, quite). You can see her expertise in this subject matter throughout the book. Try it, it's definitely worth it. (5.0 stars)"
4.5 Star Selections
(I'll provide reviews for three in each category)
Mystery
1.
The Chelsea Murders by
Lionel Davidson (1978).
"Over the past few years I've read four other books by Lionel Davidson, all thrillers. The Chelsea Murders, a police procedural, has been my favorite. It's similar in style to other such mysteries I've enjoyed, like JJ Marric's Superintendent Gideon, or Ed McBain's 87th Precinct, and a couple of others.
What I enjoyed about the story was how it moved from police investigation, to following the suspects and also the intrepid reporter trying to get her own byline out of her investigation. It's all very well-paced, exciting and all in all an excellent story.
The story begins with the murder of Dutch student, Grooters, in her student residence in London. The story then moves back in time a couple of weeks and we meet three pals, university students Artie, Steve and Frank, making a movie about 'murder'. We also meet Mary Mooney, newspaperwoman, their friend btw, a reporter trying to be hired full-time by the local rag. She heads off to the scene of a murder, gets there before the cops, talks her way into the crime scene and becomes both the bane of the cops, while still sort of assisting them.
And then there is Inspector Warton, a tired cop, but still the best man to solve the various events that will be taking place over the course of the story. It's nice to see a smart, competent police officer working a case. He has an excellent team as well, especially his assistant Summers and new cop Constable Mason who will be used effectively throughout the story.
It's all just a fascinating case, or cases more exactly. The three friends are all suspected but as you go through the story and gather clues yourself, you (well, maybe it was just me) start to see other possibilities. (Let me know if you have any others). We move from a woman attacked by a kissing bandit, a hanged Chinese clothier and other victims. The police are still organized and under Warton's careful eye, the clues are gathered and you get the feeling that he will solve the case quite satisfactorily. Every character is interesting and well - crafted. There are secrets and lies that will leave you suspecting first one, then another... Mary Mooney is a great character, reminding me of the reporter in the Endeavour TV series.
All in all it was a great way to start off a new month. The story is a page turner, entertaining and ultimately so very satisfactorily concluded. Try it. (4.5 stars)"
2.
The Tiger Amongst Us by
Leigh Brackett (1958).
"The Tiger Among Us by American author Leigh Brackett. From what I've read she was best known as the 'Queen of the Space Opera' but was also a script writer; The Big Sleep, Rio Bravo, and she also wrote crime fiction, The Tiger Among Us being one such. It was also turned into a movie, 13 West Street.
Walter Sherris is a middle-aged accountant, a family man with two young children and a lovely wife. He is working late at his company one night finalizing financial statements and decides to take a break and go for a walk and to get a coffee down the road. While walking down a dark alley, he is accosted by 5 young men and viciously assaulted. He ends up with a broken leg and is in a coma for nine days. His wife indicates she has received a threatening letter from the attackers and leaves town with the children, heading to relatives in Boston.
When Walter wakes up he finds the police have little to nothing to go on. There have been attacks in recent days of alcoholic derelicts (the attack on Walter seems to have been a mistake, as the 'boys' thought he was such a derelict). So Walter begins his own investigation.
Thus begins a tense, thrilling story as Walter tries to find clues to give to the police, in the person of Detective Koleski, who is frustrated in his own investigation and trying to keep Walter out of the whole thing. It's a fascinating, dark noir thriller as Walter investigates the attack, tries to find motives for the attack and analyses his own actions. What is he looking for; revenge, justification, trying to get his own life back in order? It's a well-written story. The characters are well-drawn, even minor ones like Noddy, the bartender who assists Walter and the story moves along nicely and with increasing tension and excitement. It's also a very thoughtful story, the characters are three-dimensional and there is an attempt at insight for everyone's actions. I will continue to explore
Brackett's writing as I have some of her Sci-Fi on my bookshelves now (4.5 stars)"
3.
Rhode Island Red by
Charlotte Carter (Nanette Hayes #1 / 1997).
"What a breath of fresh air Rhode Island Red by Charlotte Carter was. This is the first book in her Nanette Hayes mystery series. There are currently 4 books in the series and I have the 2nd one on my bookshelf. :0)
Nanette Hayes is a jazz-loving, saxophone playing, beautiful, intelligent woman making her living playing on the street in New York and sometimes translating works between French and English. Her best friend, Aubrey, is a stripper and successful businesswoman. She has an on-again, off-again relationship with Walter. At the moment it's off.
Nanette meets Sig, another street musician, looking for a place to crash and she lets him sleep on her floor of her flat. The next morning she finds him dead, stabbed in the throat. It turns out that Sig is an undercover cop. (Is he also a corrupt cop?) Well, Nanette finds $50,000 stuffed in her saxophone....
This begins a fascinating, entertaining, great story as Nanette gets involved with a Greek fella who wants her to teach him everything about Charlie (Bird) Parker... oh and also romances her like she's never been romanced before. The bodies begin to multiply, dead bodies that is... Nanette is harassed by Sig's partner, Det Leman Sweet, angry that his partner is dead and maybe because he might have been corrupt. Nanette begins to conduct her own investigation. What about this money? What is Rhode Island Red? Who is Wild Bill? Who is Henry for that matter?
It's all excellent. Nanette is such a wonderfully sexy character, full of passion, jazzy, a full-figured, wonderful African-American woman, who you just want to meet and talk about jazz or anything. The story is peopled with wonderful characters; Aubrey, her boss, the gay strip club owner and Mob guy, Thom, even Nanette's mom who makes just a couple of appearances. I enjoyed this so very much. It flowed smoothly, had sufficient action to satisfy me and like I said a couple of times, there is an underlying sexiness to the whole thing. If you are also trying to explore African - American fiction as well, you might like to try this. Being an old white male, I can't attest to its authenticity, but either way, I loved it and will be enjoying more of Carter's writing. (4.5 stars)"
Below are other mysteries I rated 4.5 stars -
a. The Detective's Daughter by Lesley Thomson (Detective's Daughter #1 / 2013).
b. The Disappeared by M.R. Hall (Jenny Cooper #2 / 2009).
c. The Face - Changers by Thomas Perry (Jane Whitefield #4 / 1998).
d. Meet Me at the Morgue by Ross MacDonald (1953).
There were 5 Non-Fiction selections that rated 4.5 stars -
1.
Burning Questions: Essays and Occasional Pieces, 2004 - 2021 by
Margaret Atwood (2022).
"Over the years, I've enjoyed the work of Margaret Atwood. My first exposure was during my university days, when I tried Surfacing, The Edible Woman and a collection of poetry, The Circle Game. I stopped reading her books until 1974's The Handmaid's Tale and since that time I've been sampling her work on a much more regular basis; The Blind Assassin, The Penepoliad, her Oryx & Crake trilogy and other poetry collections.
Burning Questions: Essays and Occasional Pieces, 2004-2021 is her latest work, a collection of essays and other non-fiction articles, published in 2022. I don't often read these kinds of works, although I have been trying more and more non-fiction of late. I do find myself drawn to Atwood for some reason. Is it because we are both Scorpios, both born in November? Who knows. I just like the way her mind works, her way of writing, her stories. And even her poetry, a genre with which I do struggle works for me. (Not always, but I do enjoy making the effort.
Burning Questions is a follow-on book to two earlier collections of essays. This collection covers the period 2004 - 2021 and is broken into five sections; 2004 - 2009, 2010 - 2013, 2014 - 2016, 2017 - 2019 & 2020 - 2021. Each section purportedly has a theme but I think you'll find that they do track throughout each segment, just that there are also particular essays that were written during each particular period.
I have to say that my particular favorites cover other writers, especially writers with whom I'm familiar. Atwood talks about Alice Munro (a couple of times, actually), LM Montgomery, Ray Bradbury, Ursula Le Guin, Stephen King, Doris Lessing, etc. In some cases it's in reference to a particular book, King's Doctor Sleep, Bradbury's The Illustrated Man, but even in those cases, Atwood delves into the characteristics and writing of the authors. Some are remembrances of specific authors, case in point, her memories of Ursula Le Guin, on her death. Her comments did make me want to read more of these authors or to explore their works.
Atwood does also explore various themes. The threat to the environment is an ongoing thread through each section and she especially talks about Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and other works and the way that efforts were made to discredit Carson, to silence her. Atwood's highlighting her Oryx & Crake trilogy is another environmental theme.
Another theme is the efforts of autocracies to silence writers and to control women. This is explored so very well, in speeches, essays. Of course, she also uses The Handmaid's Tale and her latest The Testaments as thematic elements in this discourse.
I found a portion of the last chapter, the essays talking about her husband, fellow author Graeme Gibson, who passed away in 2019. Her discussions on his writing was especially poignant.
There is so much in this collection to enjoy. I've found myself ordering other books by Atwood, even though I still have 3 of her books on my shelf to read. I enjoy her writing style. She's a wanderer, moving along and changing tack in the middle of an article, sometimes not finishing her original thread, but it doesn't matter. There is humor, thoughtfulness and an eminent readability. The essays flow from one to the other and are a pleasure to read. I loved it and my try to find her other essay collections. (4.5 stars) (How can you even rate it????)"
2.
The Year of Magical Thinking by
Joan Didion (2005).
"I only recently discovered the writing of American author and screen writer, Joan Didion. She passed away last December. The first book I read was a collection of her essays, her last published work. The Year of Magical Thinking was published in 2005, describing her attempts to cope with the death of her husband, John Gregory Dunne. Her husband died of a coronary event in their dining room. At the same time they had just returned from spending time with their daughter Quintana Roo, who was in a coma in hospital in New York.
This story is Didion's attempt to not only come to terms with his death but is also an exploration of grief, their lives together, her efforts to avoid places that reminded her of their lives, just a fascinating journey. Didion's writing is clear, focused, beautiful, at times almost unemotional / factual but there is an underlying emotion throughout. Her desire to have her husband back, this feeling that he will return. Her inability to give up his possessions, because if he returns, he'll need his shoes, etc. Her time with Quintana, who recovered, went to LA, then had a severe relapse, is a life event that almost lets Didion hide from dealing with Dunne's death.
The story reads so easily but is at the same time difficult to read. It packs a real punch. Is it worthwhile for someone dealing with such loss to read this book? Honestly, I don't know, but if a person is searching for thoughts about grief, loss, life, death, it might be worth giving it a try. I will continue to explore Didion's works. I think next in line is Blue Nights, which deals with the death of daughter Quintana. (and no I don't search for tragedy, but I feel a need to read it). Oh, Didion died almost to the day that her husband died. Dec 23, 2021 of Parkinson's and Dunne died Dec 30, 2003. Ah well. (4.5 stars)"
3.
Renegades: Born in the USA by
Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen (2021).
"In the summer of 2020, President Barack Obama and singer / songwriter Bruce Springsteen sat down and created a podcast where they discussed issues like fatherhood, democracy, growing up, etc. They then added to the podcast and came up with the book Renegades: Born in the USA which is filled with their discussions on these topics, fantastic photos of two of the coolest dudes in America and copies of song lyrics and speeches with hand written notes included.
It's interesting to see their thoughts, their interactions, their feelings about so many topics. In a time when the US is being split up and so much negativity and dissension fills the air and TV waves, it was nice to see hope about America's future. Two intelligent men who want the best for their country and for their families. So many interesting discussions under the headings - Our Unlikely Friendship, The American Story, Amazing Grace, American Skin, The Almighty Dollar, Wrestling with Ghosts, A Fearless Love and The Rising.
I enjoyed hearing about both of their childhoods, both with fathers with issues. Raised by strong women, married to strong women, helping them deal with their issues of what is masculinity, how to raise children. It was a pleasure to read this book. My one main point of disagreement is when President Obama talks about America's unique nature, a country of so many cultures... Look north, sir. What do you think Canada is? Anyway, a minor issue I guess, just a point that bothered me. All in all, a positive story that people should read. (4.5 stars)"
These are other non-fiction books I rated 4.5 -
a. Let Me Tell You What I Mean by Joan Didion (2021). This was my first exposure to Joan Didion.
b. The Last Interview and Other Conversations by Ursula K. Le Guin (2019).
I have read 5 Graphic Novels that I ranked 4.5 -
1.
Death; The Deluxe Edition by
Neil Gaiman (2012).
"When I read The Sandman Book One, one of my favorite characters was his sister, Death. I found out that there was a collection of her stories as well, by Neil Gaiman, that being The Absolute Death. Having now finished this collection, I have to say that I've got a bit of a crush on her. Of course, considering her job as the personification of Death, I'm more than happy to wait quite a few more years before I ever meet her... quite a few!
Anyway, I loved this collection of stories. As I said, Death is a wonderful character. We have stories with her brother The Sandman, where they basically sit on the steps outside in Paris and she explains what happened when she couldn't do her job anymore and how she came to realize the importance of being an empathetic person who helps bring acceptance of those on death's doorstep. There are two 3-part stories, that in some ways are linked together, featuring characters who want death and learn more about their feelings and what Death means. There is even a Death PSA where she explains the importance of safe sex. (A fascinating story, that one)
Death is lovely, empathetic, doesn't force her way into any situation, but sits, listens, and helps. I have nothing but positives to say about this collection; it's thoughtful, not overly dramatic, peopled with fleshed out characters and drawn and colored just perfectly. The more I read Neil Gaiman, the more I enjoy his work and its variety. (4.5 stars)"
2.
Alpha & Omega by
Joe Hill (Locke & Key #6 / 2014). This was a great series.
"Alpha & Omega is the sixth and final graphic novel in the excellent Locke & Key series by Joe Hill. I've enjoyed everything about this series since I started it. The stories have been engrossing, tense, scary. The artwork has been excellent, wonderful drawings and coloring. And the characters, especially the Locke family and their friends have been strong, brave, even as the dealt with family crises and their battle against Dodge and his Shadows.
Dodge has taken over the body of Bode Locke and plans to sacrifice the teens of Lovecraft at the Cave Rave. The only people who stand against him (and don't know that Bode is now him) are the remaining Locke kids, their mom and uncle and young orphan, Rufus. It's an unequal, terrifying battle that will engross from beginning to end.
Fantastic story, entertaining and filled with tension. I'd suggest you won't be able to put it down. You'll be devastated and emotionally involved in the final outcome. Great series, great finale. (4.5 stars)"
3.
March, Book 1 by
John Lewis (2013).
"March: Book One is a graphic novel, the first of three, penned by US Representative & true American hero, John Lewis. It tells the story of John's early days in the Civil Rights movement, in the form of a story told by Mr. Lewis to a group of children visiting him at his office in the House of Representatives in 2006.
This is a period I know a bit about but it was so interesting to hear it from Mr. Lewis's perspective as he was intrinsically involved in the movement. This book starts with John's early years on his parents' farm in Alabama. It then follows John to his university days at college in Tennessee and his beginnings in the civil rights movement beginning with the peaceful protests of stores in Nashville who would allow colored people to shop in the store but not use the washrooms or lunch counters.
The story moves back and forth as John Lewis prepares for an event in Washington and jumps back to her early life. It ends with the ending of segregation of lunch counters in Nashville, with more to come in the two follow-on stories (I have already ordered Book 2).
It's well told, well drawn and both depressing and uplifting, an excellent recounting of the events of that time period in America. I highly recommend. (4.5 stars)"
The remaining graphic novels are -
a. The Sandman, Bk 1 by Neil Gaiman.
b. March, Book 2 by John Lewis (2015).
The remaining 5 books are a mix of Sci-Fi and YA.
1.
Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse by
Chris Riddell (Goth Girl #1 / 2013).
"Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse is the first book in a new fantasy series for me, written by Chris Riddell. I saw a friend's review of the 4th book in the series and it intrigued me enough to order the first book. Since Fantasy is my September Focus (yes, I'm a few days early... lol), this fit in perfectly. What an enjoyable, fascinating book. It brings to mind other imaginative fantasy works like Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series, Jodi Taylor's Chronicles of St Mary's and Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce series, and others.
Basically Goth Girl is Ada Goth a young girl living with her father in Ghastly Gorm-Hall. Her mother was an acrobat and died while high wire walking. Because Ada reminds Lord Goth so much of his wife, he hides Ada away. A child must be heard and not seen. He wants her to walk about Gorm-Hall in loud boots so he can hide when he hears her. He only has one meal a week with her. Ada has gone through a number of nannies but they never last. Not because Ada isn't nice, but because of them. She will get a new one during this particular story. I'll let you meet her.
So in this first story, Ada meets the Ghost of a Mouse of the title, one called... wait for it.... Ishmael.. Get it.. call me Ismael!!! She also meets two other children who are living at Gorm Hall. Lord Goth has a habit of inviting people and forgetting he did so. Emily is an excellent artist and William is a chameleon (he can blend with his background). The two introduce Ada to the Attic Club, a group of young servants who meet in the attic to chat and such. They will become close friends and helpers to Ada in a time of need. As well there are various creatures and ghosts which haunt Gorm Hall that make it an even more interesting place.
Ada and friends get involved in a mystery, why is the man-servant hiding mystical creatures all through Gorm Hall and what will they have to do with the annual Metaphorical Bicycle Race and the Indoor Hunt? Does all of this intrigue you? Well it should. And if that is not enough, the story has wonderful characters and great drawings throughout. Ada Goth is a lovely girl and the whole place is just such a great imaginative creation. And for a bonus there is a small supplement story in a pocket of the hard cover, the story of Ishmael Mouse. Intrigued? Try it. (4.5 stars)"
2.
The Shrinking Man by
Richard Matheson (1956).
"In 1957, Richard Matheson wrote the screenplay for The Incredible Shrinking Man, a favorite Sci-Fi movie of mine. In 1969, it came out in book form and is every bit as entertaining, scary and surprisingly, thoughtful as the movie.
The story starts with Scott Carey, the size out on a boat with his brother. His brother is sleeping below deck and Scott experiences a tingly fog. Move to Chapter 2 and Scott is racing across his basement floor being chased by a black widow spider. *shudder* We move to Scott's past to a segment entitled 68" and we realize that Scott is informing his wife Louise that he seems to be shrinking.
The story moves back and forth between Scott's present, with him trying to survive in his basement, being the size of a spider and then into his past as he remembers events that bring him to his current position as resident of Louise's basement.
It's a fascinating story and Matheson portrays Scott's emotional turmoil excellently; his anger at his situation, his frustration at doctor's not being able to help him, his desire to be with his wife but the realization that his increasingly shrinking size makes that impossible. There is also well-crated terror as Scott tries to find water and crumbs of food in the basement, at the same time avoiding the spider which hunts him. (There are also other situations that are so well presented throughout the story).
Scott's emotions are so well described, even his sexual frustration, his finding comfort and companionship with a 'little person' one night. It's a surprisingly rich story, the concept fascinating and the depth of the story so well crafted and described. Well worth reading. Try the movie as well as it is quite excellent. (4.5 stars)"
3.
Cress Watercress by
Gregory Maguire (2022).
"I think I needed this story right now. I think it would be great to read to young kids, not too young but say 7 - 10?? I don't have any, but I tried reading it to my puppies, but they got a bit restless and just demanded a walkie. Anyway, Cress Watercress is the 2nd book I've read by American author Gregory Maguire, the other being his take on Wicked (also excellent). Cress is his most recent effort.
I saw it when I was visiting a bookstore in Qualicum and got attracted by the bright cover and lovely drawing on it. When I read the synopsis and scrolled through a few pages and enjoyed the drawings within, I thought I should give it a try. Because I was waiting for my wife to finish shopping, I started it then. Cress Watercress is a little rabbit, who, along with her mother and younger brother Kip, are forced to find new lodgings. Father rabbit has disappeared. He went out to get honey for Mother Rabbit to make honey & ginger root tea for Kip's allergies, but he never returned. Mother needs a new location, so they move to a one-room flat in the bottom of the Broken Arms, an old tree run by an owl who lives in the top branches. The tree is also residence for songbirds, a family of squirrels and the superintendent, Manny the Mouse and his wife Sophie.
Cress isn't happy about this situation, now away from her rabbit friends, the smallness of their apartment and the noisiness of the new neighbors. Oh, the rent is ten moths a day for Mr. Owl. The story is a series of little adventures where Cress discovers more about herself, discovers new friends, like Tunk the Honeybear (who competes for honey), Lady Cabbage (the skunk who lives at Two Chimneys and wants Cress as a maid) and Fricasee Sunday (a wandering chicken). There are others too and they all enrich this lovely story.
There are no bright new lessons to be taught here, just a lovely, growing up story, fun adventures and wonderful drawings. Cress and friends draw you in. For reading to children, the chapters are short enough to keep their attention and make them want to listen to or read one more by themselves. The ending leaves you feeling comfortable, a little sad and happy and hoping you might see more stories about Cress and the Broken Arms. (4.5 stars)"
The remaining books are -
a. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (Ready player One #1 / 2011).
b. Hawkes Harbor by S.E. Hinton (2004).
A few more reading ideas for you.
