June 2009 Reading and Reviews

June 30th, 2009 (11:27 am)

Tags: 75 books, books, reading

current mood: disappointed

I just started my current read this morning, and it's a chunkster, so here are my June 2009 book reviews. This was such a strange month for reading. Most of the books I read were disappointing in some fashion - none were unqualified successes, though I did give one of them five stars. One was so atrocious that I can't believe I finished it. I finished the month with a DNF, one that I gave up on after 200 pages, sadly.

Please click through to the longer reviews at Amazon, and say that they were helpful, if they were - I'm trying to get into the Amazon Vine program (which is by invitation only), and they need to see that my reviews are being read and appreciated.

Books read in 75 Book Challenge (54); Books Read in Chunkster Challenge (13) Pages Read in Challenge (18,667)

And so, on with the reviews. Enjoy!

46. Marilyn Monroe
Author: Barbara Leaming
Genre: Biography
Pages: 431
Rating: ** (out of 5)

Detailed review at Amazon Graceann's "Marilyn Monroe" Review"

I go on at *great* length as to my problems with this biography. It is really the Arthur Miller story - it starts with their first meeting in 1951 and finishes with his staging of After the Fall in 1964. Her face sells the book, but it's really a bait and switch. Read the Amazon review to see what I mean. (Offered for sale in my Amazon shop. )

47. Growing Pains of Adrian Mole
Editor: Sue Townsend
Genre: Humor
Pages: 191
Rating: ***** (out of 5)

Detailed review at Amazon Graceann's "Growing Pains of Adrian Mole" Review"

Second entry in the hilarious Adrian Mole series. He's coming up on age 16 now, and still as angst-ridden as he was in the first book. This is so accurate. I'm not SO far away from my own teen years that I'm not able to recognize the behavior as my own at that time. Very witty and all the more surprising as it comes from an adult woman writing about the feelings of a teenage boy. Genius. My only caveat is that if you don't have a familiarity with British personalities and humor, you probably won't find this as funny as those of us who live in the UK do. Even though I have been living here for two years, I still had to have my husband explain a few references to me. (offered for trade on bookmooch)

48. Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself
Author: Alan Alda
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 209
Rating: *** (out of 5)

Detailed review at Amazon Graceann's "Things I Overheard" Review"

Somewhat disappointing follow-up to Never Have Your Dog Stuffed. This book is light on actual memoir and heavy on transcripts of speeches he's given over the years. It becomes repetitive after a while and not terribly satisfying. Of course, because it's Alan Alda, I'm going to read it and get *something* out of it, but it was not up to his usual standards. (offered for sale in my Amazon shop)

49. American Wife
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 558
Rating: **** (out of 5)

Detailed review at Amazon Graceann's "American Wife" Review"

Yes, it was inspired by Laura Bush, but don't let that form your perceptions before you decide whether or not to read it. More importantly, it was to me a treatise on how little women value themselves when being "chased" by unworthy men. The character adores her husband, and I can't for the life of me see why. He wouldn't have gotten a first date with me, just on the basis of his lack of manners. Alice is book smart and deserves better, but lets her loneliness dictate her choices. I can't help but view American Wife as a treatise on the dangers of "settling." (already snapped up from my amazon shop)

50. Night Chills
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Suspense
Pages: 367
Rating:  ***** (out of 5)

Detailed review at Amazon Graceann's "Night Chills" Review"

I always find books based on things that could happen far more frightening than ones about the obviously fictional "big scary monsters." The situations described in Night Chills, while hopefully unlikely, are certainly possible, and that gave me goosebumps. Koontz isn't always great, but when he's doing his best work, there are few in suspense who can touch him. This is one of those instances. (left behind on one of my trips to frighten another hotel guest)

51. Lamb: The Gospel of Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
Author: Christopher Moore
Genre: Biblical/Historical Fiction
Pages: 444
Rating:  **** (out of 5)

Detailed review at Amazon Graceann's "Lamb" Review"

I so enjoyed this imagining of the childhood of Christ. Be aware that if you are easily offended, either by swearing or by discussion of sexuality (not Jesus - he remains chaste, but his friends are busy), this may not be the book for you. I have no problem with either concept, and I loved the idea of a young man trying to determine just what is expected of him, and how to fulfill that destiny. Great fun. (sent off to a beloved for her enjoyment)

52. If You Could See Me Now
Author: Cecilia Ahern
Genre:   Fantasy
Pages: 330
Rating:  **** (out of 5)

Detailed review at Amazon Graceann's "If You Could See Me Now" Review"

A friendship story with a magical twist. This isn't demanding in the least, which made it the perfect airplane read. Gentle, moving and entertaining. Reviews vary WILDLY; I think some people set their standards much higher than would be expected for a book of this type. (offered for trade on bookmooch)

53. Suspicions of Mr. Whicher
Author: Kate Summerscale
Genre: True Crime
Pages: 304
Rating:  *** (out of 5)

Detailed review at Amazon Graceann's "Mr. Whicher" Review"

This book was a disappointment in so many ways. There were so many missed opportunities here, though regular viewers of "Balderdash and Piffle" will enjoy the various discussions of word origins. It could have been so much more interesting. Oh well, they can't all be winners. (set aside for my husband to read)

54. Milwaukee Summers Can Be Deadly
Author: Kathleen Barrett
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 250
Rating:  * (out of 5)

Please see my detailed review at Amazon Graceann's "Milwaukee Summers" Review"

Terrible book. No story, no writing skill, no excuse. If detailed descriptions of upholstery and meal ingredients float your boat, you'll love this waste of paper. I can't believe it's part of a series - this author should never have been allowed off of the reject pile. (offered for trade at bookmooch)

DNF Eleanor and Franklin
Author: Joseph Lash
Genre: Biography
Pages: 1020
Rating: I don't rate books I don't complete

I hated to have to give up on this book. Joseph Lash's research is beyond reproach and he's a good writer. It's just not in a style that I am able to read, and I'm finding myself seeking any other thing to do rather than sink into it. It's a good book if you're the right reader for it; sadly I'm not the right reader.

There were no real standouts for June - nothing that made me say "WOW - this is the kind of writing that leaves me awestruck!"  American Wife was quite good, as was Adrian Mole. Night Chills was page-turningly scary. The rest?  Meh.

Today I started Barbara Hambly's "The Emancipator's Wife," historical fiction about Mary Todd Lincoln. It's too soon for me to determine how enjoyable it is - we shall see.

x-posted at various places