Boo ya! (Got your attention)

There have been very few times in my life where I have been able to say this with any sincerity: I have nothing to say. No new news! 


I finished book two of George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series - an epic fantasy series, compelling reading - but I can't bring myself to read book three. I literally feel sick at the graphic descriptions of wounded/maimed characters, and the inclusion of a character who is known for his penchant for 'flaying' his victims (ie: skinning them alive) makes me feel woozy. 
I'm reading 'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White, which is immensely enjoyable! But I can only read it

Questions, questions and congratulations

On my bedside table at the moment is 'The Life of Pi' (chosen via the last poll, by my husband who voted twice), the second book in George R. Martin's 'Song of Ice and Fire' series 'A Clash of Kings', and the sequel to 'Assassin's Apprentice' (by Robin Hobbs) 'Royal Assassin'. All of these books are engaging and interesting in their own right, and yet which fourth tome trumps them all in the bid for my attention? Yup, 'Jane Eyre'. Still! I've put it back on the bookshelf several times, and somehow, miraculously, it appears by my bed each night, my own personal loaves and fishes miracle! That, or I keep retrieving it. One or the other. 

Review

Assassin's Apprentice – Robin Hobb

The cover of my edition of 'Assassin's Apprentice' has a quote from The Guardian stating “Hobbs is a remarkable storyteller”, and I wholeheartedly concur. She is unquestionably talented and manages to infuse this book with a modicum of originality, which is something virtually unheard of in the fantasy genre these days. In question then, is not the author's storytelling abilities, but the quality of the story itself.

Fitz is many things: our protagonist, our narrator, the bastard son of the King-in-Waiting of the Six Duchies (Prince Chivalry) and an assassin. When his father learns of his existence, he nobly (or should that be chivalrously?) abdicates his right to the throne, leaving little six-year old Fitz to be raised by Chivalry's former retainer, the stoic Burrich. His childhood is spent around the stables of Buckkeep under Burrich's guardianship, with precious little companionship beyond the animals under his care, some of whom he has a special affinity for by way of the Wit, an ancient beastial magic, now forbidden.

Revolutionary Road, done and dusted

As you can see below, the review for Revolutionary Road is up. I had a bit more trouble writing this review than I did with 'The Lovely Bones', because I feel so conflicted about the book. In terms of how it is written, it's enough to make me drooool, but the storyline (although good) is not compelling. So I've actually rated it on those two separate categories : literary content and story. I hope you enjoy the review!
Got the Robin Hobb's review of 'Assassin's Apprentice' coming along, and then I'll review 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. Incidentally, I'm now reading the second of Hobb's Farseer trilogy, 'Royal Assassin' and the second instalment of George R. Martin's series A Song of Ice and Fire, called 'Clash of Kings'. Please vote on the poll for the next literature book to tackle, or I'll just do a blind pick (ie: eeni meeni myni mo)! -L

Ripped off and...um...annoyed

After an absence of a year or more, I decided to reacquaint myself with the Berwick Market at Akoonah Park this weekend, my motivation being to trade in some unwanted books for some second hand copies of other books on my list. The stall owner gave me a $10 credit for some of the books I traded in, and with the help of some of our own dosh, I walked away with second hand copies of the following:

Excitement!

First up, it's not my fault. I defy any book-lover to spend any reasonable amount of time on bookdepository.co.uk and NOT buy a dozen or so books. That said, ... I've got a dozen (or so) books winging their way to me as we speak! So exciting!

In the next week, I'll hold in my hot little hands the following literature: The House of Mirth, Edith Wharton
Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton
The Awakening, Kate Chopin
The Tale of Genji, Murasaki Shikibu
The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka
Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad
A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

The Challenge

Well, this may be Day One in the blogosphere, but it's about 6-7 years into this challenge for me personally, and progress is sporadic. Particularly since my daughter E. was born. Parenthood (in the early years at least) seems to be incompatible with voracious reading.

Also, friends have introduced me to new books/series, which has sent me