Catching Up!

I've been a little neglectful in keeping up with my book reviews - though I see I'm not the only one! Anyways, here are my most recent reads...

The Shadow of the Wind
by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

I was a little dubious because it was highly recommended by Stephen King - but in the end it was a good read. A fun little tale of mystery and intrigue.

My Review? Not Bad.

The Red Tent
by Anita Diamant

Another biblical re-telling. I love these types of books. This one delves into the mysteries behind the "red tent" - a place where women go each month or when they are pregnant. It centers around Jacob's four wives and his daughter Dinah whose stories were probably overshadowed by the likes of stupid Joseph and his amazing technicolor dreamcoat or whatever.

My Review? Pretty good.

Lullaby
by Chuck Palahniuk

My first introduction to Chuck Palahniuk. You know I'm enjoying a book when I come home and keep on reading instead of "leaving it for the subway". Wouldn't it be cool to be able to kill people with your thoughts?

My Review? Really good.

The Lovely Bones
by Alice Sebold

I loved this book. And so did other people, because they kept coming up to me on the subway saying "that's a great book". Considering the background story consists of a grim rape and murder I was surprised by how light and uplifting this book was.

My Review? Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!

Atonement
by Ian Mcewan

It took over half the book to set up an "event" that the back cover promised would "resonate through the war and over the rest of their lives" so I felt that the second half never really delivered on it's promise.

My Review? Not Bad.

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
by Gregory Maguire

Read all about the Wicked Witch of the West in her early years, before Dorothy and Toto and that pesky house that killed her sister. Not quite the social commentary that it was trying to be but it served its purpose as entertainment on the subway.

My Review? Not Bad.

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister: A Novel
by Gregory Maguire

Same author as Wicked, different fairy tale. This time about Cinderella's "ugly" stepsisters. Much better than Wicked.

My Review? Pretty good.

Testament
by Nino Ricci

A much more realistic take on an old story and a great read... ya know... that Jesus guy...

My Review? Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!