Book Club Friday: Feminist Fantasy Fiction

Today's blog post comes from the hot, sunny city of Houston, Texas. The boyfriend volunteered to represent his company at some sort of safety seminar today, and being the loving, thoughtful man that he is, he brought me with him.

Today is Friday, which means I'm linking up with Heather and Katie for Book Club Friday!

Normally I write about the new books I've been reading, but the last two books I read were both rereads of favorites. I've actually already reviewed them both in My Library, but Kristin Cashore's Graceling and Fire are just too damn good not to discuss again.

It's hard for me to describe how amazing Graceling is without giving away any of the major plot points. The protagonist, Katsa, is basically the fantasy fiction pre-cursor to Katniss of The Hunger Games. Except Katsa is more badass. And never wants to get married.

Cashore has created an incredible world without magic and without religion. Instead, the world of Katsa includes some humans Graced with certain talents, and scientific discoveries include herbs to prevent pregnancy.

Katsa is a complicated protagonist, as are her friends and enemies. Even minor characters are fleshed out and given nuanced personalities.

Cashore's second novel, Fire, is a prequel or companion novel to Graceling, taking place in land distant of Katsa's home. A single Graced character is present in both novels. Once again, Cashore has written a strong female protagonist. In a world of monsters, beautiful creatures who manipulate the minds of others, Fire is the last human monster.

As a feminist, I particularly admire Cashore's ability to write strong female characters who are so vastly different. Whereas Katsa mostly exhibits traditionally "masculine" characteristics, Fire is, in many ways, the ideal "feminine" character. She is an accomplished musician, she longs to have children, and she loves animals. But both women make personal sacrifices for the good of their kingdoms, both believe strongly in doing the right thing, and both are fiercely devoted to their friends.

There is so much more I want to say about Fire, but with a plot as intricate as this one, I don't want to give anything away. Just trust me when I suggest you read these two novels.

Cashore's third novel debuted this summer, but I have yet to read it. Clearly I need to visit my local library!

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Book Club Friday: Defiant Women

Even though today's political climate is pretty depressing for feminists, I try to remind myself of how far we've come with gender equality. Life could be a lot worse for a strong independent woman like myself. At least I have rights to my own property, rather than being controlled by my father, or brother, or husband, or son-in-law. At least I never made multiple scientific discoveries, only for men to steal the credit.

Tonight I'm linking up with Heather and Katie for Book Club Friday! If my opening paragraph didn't give it away, I'm reviewing two books of historical fiction featuring strong, female protagonists.

This book has been sitting unread on my bookcase for years. I know. I hang my head in shame. Written by Sally Gunning, The Widow's War reminds me of how bleak life used to be for unmarried women. 

When Lyddie Berry's husband is lost at sea, she simultaneously loses her husband and all rights to her property. Those rights are transferred to her son-in-law, who stubbornly refuses to compromise with her. Lyddie fights to maintain her home and her independence.

Y'all.

This book was so intriguing. I could not put it down. So many scandals, so many historic references, so much frustration at her spineless daughter, her jerk son-in-law, and the uptight townsfolk.

I love Tracy Chevalier, and her novel Remarkable Creatures does not disappoint. Chevalier tells the story of an unlikely friendship, set against the background of early paleontology and the scientific field's exclusion of women.

Despite her working-class social status, Mary Anning has a knack for finding fossils, including never-before-seen dinosaur fossils. The spinster Elizabeth Philpot prefers the company of her fossils to people. Despite their age difference and the wide schism of their social classes, Mary and Elizabeth become friends.

Basically, I wanted to punch every single man in this novel. But alas, such was 19th-century England. Men didn't believe women were capable of scientific achievement. And everyone was slightly wary of spinsters. But once I accepted the historic norms, I loved this book.

What's your favorite work of historical fiction?

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Book Club Friday: Chick Lit

While my parents, twin brother,* and his girlfriend are at the beach in the warm, sunny South, I'm in the Midwest, experiencing my first midwestern September. The calendar says it's still summer, but the air feels like autumn. For my reading life, that means I'm in the mood to transition from chick lit to more complex historical or fantasy fiction.

But before I do that, I'm linking up with Heather & Katie for my favorite blog link-up, Book Club Friday! Tonight I plan on reviewing some of the chick lit I devoured during the dog days of summer.

Any woman who has ever lusted over Mr. Darcy will squee with pure delight and swoon from excitement when she gets her hands on Austenland. I don't even care for Jane Austen's writings (don't kill me), and I got totally caught up in this novel. The protagonist is so loveable, while flawed, and I love her character arc. 

I'm in my 20s, as are many of my readers. In other words, everyone is getting married. Everyone. Now, I certainly plan on eventually marrying the boyfriend, but we've been official for less than a year. Whether you love all the weddings or dread them, you'll enjoy the first 95% of Wedding Season by Darcy Cosper. The ending sucks. Rewrite it.

I read all the time. I always have. I'm a fast reader, so I rarely spend more than two or three days on a work of fiction. In fact, it's more likely that I devour the entire novel within a few hours. But during undergrad, I simply didn't have three hours a day to devote to leisure reading. Once I get engrossed in a story, though, it's hard for me to put down. My solution? Short stories! I can read just one in 20 minutes and feel satisfied. This summer I read a fun collection of short stories called Deadly Housewives. Who knew suburbia contained so much mystery and murder?

My apologies on the brevity of this post and the lack of photos. But I currently can't justify spending 1-2 hours writing only book reviews. If you follow the links, though, you can also read plot summaries.

*I can't be too jealous of H. He has his first post-surgery follow-up appointment on September 19. Most likely, he'll then have to start daily radiation treatment. Please continue to pray for him!

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Book Club Friday: The Socialites and the SAT Tutors

According to my goodreads account, I've read 41 books in 2012. This does not count rereads of books, which would bump up my number considerably. And it might be missing a few books I forgot to record. But according to My Library, I've reviewed considerably less. Oops.

In a desperate attempt to catch up, at least with the best books I've read, I'm again linking up with Heather & Katie for Book Club Friday!

Being home for three weeks has given me plenty of time to read leisurely while laying out by the pool, or while sitting on the pool steps, or while relaxing in my pool float. Two books I finished recently are both about recent Ivy League graduates with student loans to repay, graduates who end up tutoring rich high school students. 

How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls, by Zoey Dean, is uproariously hysterical. I giggled throughout the entire thing. Yes, it required a total suspension of disbelief, but whatever. It's a shining example of chick lit. Clever, escapist, romantic... And apparently it inspired a short-lived TV series called Privileged. Who knew?

Although it has a similar premise, Glamorous Disasters by Eliot Schrefer has only flashes of humor and presents a much darker overall tone. I still very much enjoyed it, devouring the novel in an entire (admittedly depressing) afternoon at the pool (I was just in a horrible mood Monday, for no good reason at all).

Wow. Who knew I could write such a short review? I guess I left out summaries this time, but I did link to the amazon page for both books, if you're dying to know more. ;)

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Book Club Friday: Gothic Fiction

This is potentially the shortest Book Club Friday I will ever write.

It is already 11:35pm, I'm exhausted after five days of working 10-13 hours a day, and I had a beer with dinner. But I haven't posted a book review in three weeks, despite having read... eight books since then? I think?

In a very poor attempt to compensate for my lack of book reviews, I'm once again going to discuss two books, both brilliant works of gothic fiction. Once again, these were both bargains for my kindle. (Hi, my name is Belle Vierge, and I'm addicted to bargain books...) The first I actually read back in May, but the second I just read earlier this week. But when doing book reviews thematically, well, that happens.

The Twin's Daughter, by Lauren Baratz Logstead, involves long-lost twin sisters, a grisly murder, and mistaken identity. A Kiss Before Dying, by Ira Levin, chronicles a serial killer and his romantic conquests. Already off to a brilliant and creepy start, right?

From the author's website:

Lucy Sexton is stunned when a disheveled woman appears at the door one day… a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to Lucy's own beautiful mother. It turns out the two women are identical twins, separated at birth, and raised in dramatically different circumstances. Lucy's mother quickly resolves to give her less fortunate sister the kind of life she has never known. And the transformation in Aunt Helen is indeed remarkable. But when Helen begins to imitate her sister in every way, even Lucy isn't sure at times which twin is which. Can Helen really be trusted, or does her sweet face mask a chilling agenda?

I could not put this book down. It was brilliant from beginning to end. I went back and forth with Lucy in trying to figure out the mystery. I love that it includes some very creepy, chilling elements, but at the same time, treats Lucy like a normal teenage girl prone to jealousy and romantic entanglements. Excellent young adult novel!!!

From amazon.com: 

A Kiss Before Dying not only debuted the talent of best-selling novelist Ira Levin to rave reviews, it also set a new standard in the art of mystery and suspense. Now a modern classic, as gripping in its tautly plotted action as it is penetrating in its exploration of a criminal mind, it tells the shocking tale of a young man who will stop at nothing—not even murder—to get where he wants to go. For he has dreams; plans. He also has charm, good looks, sex appeal, intelligence. And he has a problem. Her name is Dorothy; she loves him, and she's pregnant. The solution may demand desperate measures. But, then, he looks like the kind of guy who could get away with murder. Compellingly, step by determined step, the novel follows this young man in his execution of one plan he had neither dreamed nor foreseen. Nor does he foresee how inexorably he will be enmeshed in the consequences of his own extreme deed.

Again, I could not put this book down. I was a little hesitant to read it. Classics written 50+ years ago are hit or miss with me (why is The Scarlett Letter so popular?). But this book was pure genius. Oh, and he wrote it in his 20s. Way to make the rest of us look bad. It is written so creepily well that you're almost rooting for the cold-blooded killer. I mean... who does that? So many twists and turns and a brilliant ending.

I don't know how y'all feel about gothic fiction, but I love it. I was very pleased with my two kindle deals.

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Book Club Friday: Birthday Edition!

It's my birthday today! I'm 20-something years old! As opposed to yesterday, when I was 20-something...


Honestly, who can focus on books when birthday celebrations are to be had? Hence I'm actually writing this on May 27, 2012, but waiting to post it til June 8. I'm tricky like that.


But you knew that already, right? I mean, I totally 'fessed up to it with last week's Book Club Friday.


Thank goodness for goodreads.com, or I'd never remember all the books I read.

Today's two books are once again, bargains from Amazon. Every month, they offer 100 books for $3.99 or less. I couldn't resist buying four of them from the Kids & Teens category.


The Latte Rebellion by Sarah Jamila Stevenson and Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein couldn't be more different:

• the former features a modern setting whereas the latter is set in the 16th century
• the former is about navigating high school (and the consequences of failing) whereas the latter is about navigating Queen Elizabeth's court (and the consequences of failing)
• the romance in the former is young and innocent whereas the romance in the latter leads to devastating consequences

But I'm pairing these two books for Book Club Friday because of what they have in common: a discussion on race.




                                    

The Latte Rebellion

Asha and her best friend Carey, both of mixed race, take a racist slur and turn it into a money-making business! But what begins as a quick way to earn funds for a summer vacation (while spreading some awareness) soon spirals out-of-control into a national movement. Asha learns more about her identity and struggles with the choice between obeying authority & doing what she feels is right.


The book alternates between the trial for Asha's expulsion from school near the end of the year and the events leading up to that moment, starting the summer before. Included are illustrations of "evidence," like from their website, flyers, t-shirts, etc.


The best part of this book are how multi-dimensional all the characters are. Even the "bad guys" are complex.


I was amazed to discover this is a debut novel. It's so well-written, so well-paced, so intriguing. It reads like the work of a veteran author.

Cate of the Lost Colony

Cate serves as a maid for Queen Elizabeth I. When Cate catches the eye of Sir Walter Ralegh, and naively begins a flirtation with him, the jealous queen punishes her. Locking Cate up in the Tower isn't enough, so Elizabeth banishes her to the New World. Along with the other settlers, Cate faces unexpected hardships.


I loved so many aspects of this book. Seeing Elizabethan England. Watching Cate slowly mature. Reading different perspectives. Klein's blending of fact and fiction.


I know it's historical fiction, I know it represents a different time and thus different ideas, but I found myself so frustrated at all the stupid (white) MEN refusing to listen to Cate and Manteo (the native who traveled to England, learned English, and tried to keep the peace between the colonists and the natives).


All in all, a great book that examines one of American history's greatest mysteries.


Do you like the bargains for kindles? Any cheap recommendations for me?

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Book Club Friday: The Teacup Novellas

Friday rolls around, every week, right on schedule, just like Fridays tend to do. Every week, I tell myself "Link up for Book Club Friday." Yet, I haven't managed to do so since April.

It's not that I haven't been reading. Au contraire. I just get distracted with things like flying to Tennessee for a wedding, or finishing up a job application, or sleeping all day because I'm sick.

To keep myself in check, I am writing this June 1 post on May 26. Then, I'm going to write ANOTHER book review for my birthday. We all know I will not be blogging during my birthday weekend. Hello, the boyfriend will be visiting!

Trying to catch up with all the books I've read lately, I'll be reviewing two books. You're welcome.

Confession: Bargain books are not my only shopping problem with Amazon. I also can't resist buying Kindle singles. Priced between $0.99 and $2.99, they're an inexpensive way to discover a new writer. Since they're shorter than regular books, they're a nice alternative to magazines for folks who love to read, but don't have the time to tackle long novels.

Diane Moody has started the most delightful series called The Teacup Novellas. Her format is to tell a story within a story. Each novella is connected by one continuing storyline of an author writing books inspired by a collection of antique tea cups she inherited. Each novella starts with the author reflecting on her work and ends with her finishing each book.

Summary of Tea with Emma, from amazon.com:

Fresh from a Jane Austen tour in England, Maddie Cooper returns home to Texas, determined to bring a touch of "Austen to Austin." She dreams of opening an authentic English tea room and, like Austen's Emma, put into practice her self-proclaimed gift as a matchmaker. But an airport mishap with a cranky Englishman gets her off on the wrong foot (quite literally), especially when he moves into the university guest house across the street. Can Maddie find a love for her unapproachable new neighbor, or has she finally met her match?

Summary of Strike the Match, from amazon.com:

The last place twenty-four year old Keri McMillan wants to be is back home in Waterford Bay, Oregon. But after two years at prestigious New York University pursuing a degree in journalism, her bank account is drained. Keri is determined to move home for one year - and one year only--- to make some serious money working for her dad's log cabin company, but her goals all go up in smoke when the company's new showcase home burns to the ground.

Six months ago, Grant Dawson bought the Waterford Weekly, a small newspaper in his father's hometown. Burned out as a reporter for the L.A. Times and tired of all the inherent politics, he welcomed the slower pace of this Oregon coastal town and the more relaxed lifestyle producing a weekly paper. He enjoys being close to his dad again, a quiet man who captains a whale-sightseeing boat.

Grant is surprised at his unexpected interest in Keri, the niece of columnist Luby Sanders...

I loved both these books. Yes, they're a bit predictable at times. (Woman meets man. They fight. They fall in love. Surprise!) Yes, they're a bit formulaic. (Older woman mentors younger woman in the ways of love and religion). But they're just so sweet! And Diane Moody still manages to weave a beautiful back story for her protagonists, with a few unexpected twists.

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Book Club Friday: TWO books!

Confession: I have read a LOT of books lately. Way more than the occasional reviews I've managed to write here. My goal for the year is to read 52 new books, as in, rereads of old favorites don't count. I'm already about four books ahead... and I've also reread at least five books since January. Alas, it's not as impressive as those carefree summer days as a child... and teenager... and college student... when I read at least a book a day, if not five books a day. Still, a book a week is pretty good when juggling a full-time job.

With so many books left unreviewed, for today's Book Club Friday, I'm going to regale y'all with TWO reviews. Oh, yeah. Y'all can think of a way to thank me later. ;)

Confession: I have a bad awesome habit of buying bargain books for my kindle. I just can't resist the selection of titles for $0.99 to $2.99, especially when they're marked down for one day only. Both of today's book reviews find their origins in Amazon's kindle store.

Sometimes I just need a book set in the South. Anywhere will do, but I find a book especially appealing when it's set in one of our most charming cities: Savannah, New Orleans, and Charleston. Beguiled is a romance-suspense novel set in Charleston, co-authored by Deeanne Gist and Mark Bertrand.

Beguiled is the story of a dogwalker and a reporter who find themselves in the center of a string of burglaries. The robber is hitting Rylee's clients, and the police suspect her. Logan is covering the break-ins, not just for the newspaper, but also for the book he's writing on Charleston's eccentric characters. What ensues is a complicated romance with suspicion on both sides as the two team up to try and solve the crime.

Loved loved LOVED this book. Subtly Christian, but not annoyingly so. Accurate depiction of the setting. If you've ever been to Charleston, you'll recognize the streets and parks. Excellent characterization. Even the supporting characters are three-dimensional, like Rylee's neighbor and Logan's boss. Great red herrings on the suspects. The evidence is all over the place (definitely not a novel with clues the reader can solve), and the conclusion totally blew me away.

The other book I finished last week is Michaela MacColl's Prisoners in the Palace: How Princess Victoria Became Queen with the Help of Her Maid, a Reporter, and a Scoundrel. I love historical fiction, and I love strong female protagonists, so I was eager to try this book. It's written in a modern tone, which was a little disconcerting at first, but it did make it very quick and easy to read.

At the death of her parents, Liza is left penniless. She finds a position as maid to Princess Victoria. Liza soon learns that being a maid is more than just serving.

I love love LOVE Liza. She is flawed, but independent and adaptable. Her love interest is truly charming, and I was very satisfied in how their story resolved. Although the reader learns much of historical events that happened to Victoria, the book is more of a portrait of what it was like to be part of the serving class in 19th century England.

Sorry for my recent dearth of blogging. I've been job-hunting! Taking care of (someone else's) children is not my life's ambition. I'm moving to the Midwest at the end of July, and ideally I will already have a job to start in August. But the combination of searching + applying takes a lot of time and energy. Hopefully my review of two books will make up for my otherwise scarce posting.

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