Welcome my fellow book lovers! Its the last week of January (so soon!) and I've been hunkered down with cozy blankets and hot tea and lots of good books. We're fortunate here in the PNW, in that we only have frost on the ground that melts rather quickly in the sun, or the cold rain, and our temps are generally in the 40s and 50s during the day. The cold weather, with lots of snow and ice storms rampaging through the Eastern US and the Midwest haven't made it past the mountains and valleys of the Southwest and Western US, including the West Coast. But Spring is on the way, and by March I think the snow and ice will have dissipated into a shivering memory. Meanwhile, here's some tidbits and reviews.
I remember visiting Indianola, Iowa, back when I was a kid, for their spectacular balloon races, which were thrilling and colorful. My mother has always been a fan of ballooning, and having ridden in them a couple of times, was happy to ride in one here in Eastern Washington for her 70th birthday as a gift from myself and my husband. Though she was only up there for a short time, she loved it. I wish that I could pay to take her up again, but she's 88 now and in a nursing home in Altoona. But I think this move by Pageturners sounds like a cracking good idea!
Pageturners
Bookstore, Indianola, Iowa, Relocating
Pageturners Bookstore in Indianola,
Iowa, is moving to a new space,the Independent Advocate reported.
The bookstore, which sells new and used
titles, is relocating from 101 E. Salem Ave. to 103 W. Salem Ave. The
new space is larger, allowing for more bookshelves along the walls, and
there is a loft that will become a cozy reading area.
Owner Kathy Magruder, who founded
Pageturners in 2014, told the Independent Advocate the move came
about quickly once she learned that a boutique called Pamela's Place would be
closing. Less than an hour after seeing a video announcing the closure,
she was inquiring about the space.
"I thought that would be just such
a wonderful bookstore, so I called her about a half an hour later,"
Magruder said. "I said, 'I know you're probably a little bit overwhelmed right
now, but have you thought about renting the place, and would you think
about renting it to me'?"
Magruder is still figuring out the
logistics of the move, but expects it to happen in late February, followed by
a grand opening in the new space in early March. She noted that many
customers have volunteered to help with the move, and the general reaction
has been "so positive."
I've been an EA Poe fan for decades, especially after reading his creepy stories and poetry as a pre-teen. This new take on the story sounds fascinating, especially in light of post-COVID America.
Movies:
The Masque of the Red Death
Palme d'Or-winning French actress Léa
Seydoux (France, Blue Is the Warmest Colour) will star opposite
Oscar winner Mikey Madison (Anora) in The Masque of the Red Death, the new
film from A24 and Picturestart, "billed as a revisionist and
darkly comedic take on the short story of the same name by Edgar
Allan Poe," Deadline reported.
The project is from writer-director
Charlie Polinger (The Plague). Julia Hammer and Erik Feig will produce for
Picturestart, alongside James Presson and Lucy McKendrick, with
Polinger exec producing. A24 willdistribute the film worldwide.
I've always wanted to visit NYC, for the theaters, of course, but also for the iconic bookstores and the NYC Public Library, with its famed lions out front. This idea to share this very popular gay romance novel for everyone to read via ebook during the East Coast snowstorms is GENIUS by the Mayor. Enjoy, NYC bibliophiles!
NYC
Mayor Mamdani's Snowstorm Survival Tip: Read Heated Rivalry
"The snow is coming down heavily
across our city," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on
Sunday in a winter storm update that also included a book
recommendation: "And I can think of no better excuse for New
Yorkers to stay home, take a long nap, or take advantage of our
public library's offer of free access to Heated Rivalry on e-book or
audiobook for anyone with a library card."
Here's the New York Public Library's
offer: "If you're in line for Heated
Rivalry and other books in the Game Changers series--GET OUT OF LINE.
Starting today, and through Valentine's Day on February 14, e-book
and audiobook copies of Heated Rivalry--currently the most popular
romance novel in the U.S.--and all five other books in the Game Changers
series are immediately available (no wait!) to anyone with an NYPL
library card. Read or listen to one or all of the books through the Libby
app."
Newt's Emerald by Garth Nix is a YA paranormal romantasy that is fun and concise and well worth the price for the few hours it will take you to read through this page-turner. If you're at all familiar with Nix's Sabriel series, then you know how engrossing his stories are, and how his whimsical characters fascinate. Here's the blurb:
Romance crackles in magical Regency London
in this dazzling tale of a stolen jewel and the heroine who will do
anything to retrieve it—even don a disguise and work with a
high-handed-but-attractive stranger who is not what he seems.
On
her eighteenth birthday, Lady Truthful Newington—nicknamed “Newt”— is
dreaming about her upcoming trip to London, where the streets are filled
with magic and eligible young lords. Before she goes, she is to inherit
her family’s treasure: the Newington Emerald. A dazzling heart-shaped
gem, the Emerald contains mysterious and powerful magic.
When
the Emerald is stolen, Newt sets off to recover it. Her plan entails
dressing up as a man, mustache included, as no well-bred young lady
should be seen out and about on her own. While disguised, Newt
encounters the handsome but insufferable Major Harnett, who joins the
hunt for the missing Emerald. Offended by her new ally’s high-handedness
but eager for assistance, Newt strives to conceal her true identity
from Harnett, little guessing that he too is not as he appears.
A
sweeping adventure ensues filled with sinister fey, fancy dresses,
witty banter, daring seaborne escapes, grand balls, and a sorceress
whose evil plot threatens everyone from Newt herself to the Prince
Regent. And as Newt and Harnett face danger together, each realizes
there is more to the other than meets the eye—and more alarming yet,
they may actually be falling in love.
Though the prose is clean and crisp and the plot well gelled, this short novel reads like a middle-grade book, very easy to understand and unravel the mystery, and the character's motivations. I would recommend it for young teens and pre-teens who enjoy historical romance or watching "Bridgerton" on Netflix. Still, its a page-tuner, fun and fascinating take on Regency society lords and ladies with magical talents. I'd give it a B+.
The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson is a WWII historical fiction novel that contains a lot of wonderful bibliophiles and information on the power of books to transport, soothe and provide hope during dark times...there's also a thread of romance through the novel that, while not all sweetness and light, is realistic for the pain and suffering of wartime England. Here's the blurb: Inspired by true events, The Wartime Book Club
is an unforgettable story of everyday bravery and resistance, full of
romance, drama, and camaraderie and a tribute to the joy of reading and
the power of books in our darkest hour.
The Isle of
Jersey was once a warm and neighborly community, but in 1943, German
soldiers patrol the cobbled streets, imposing a harsh rule.
Nazis have ordered Grace La Mottée, the island's only librarian, to
destroy books that threaten the new regime. Instead, she hides the
stories away in secret. Along with her headstrong best friend, she wants
to fight back. So she forms the Wartime Book Club: a lifeline, offering
fearful islanders the joy and escapism of reading.
But as the
occupation drags on, the women's quiet acts of bravery become more
perilous – and more important – than ever before. And when tensions turn
to violence, they are forced to face the true, terrible cost of
resistance.
This book reminded me of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which I read in 2009, and was about a similar (almost identical) subject, of English people on an Island occupied by the Nazis in WWII who are starved, beaten, and often killed for ridiculous reasons by the jack-booted thugs of the Third Reich. Yet in this novel, which is not as epistolary as "Guernsey" Grace the librarian struggles to save those fleeing the Nazis as she also tries to keep banned books in circulation. This novel is all based on real people in Jersey and other places whose valor, or lack thereof hasn't really been much talked about in the past 80 years since the war ended. There's photos and letters in the back of the book that tell the tale of the wars survivors and those who gave their lives for freedom. Though the book is too long (well over 500 pages), the excellent quality of the prose and the skillful plot keep the pages turning long into the night. I became invested in the characters right away, and was so glad that Grace got her HEA, though it came at the expense of another. I'd give this book an A-, and recommend it to anyone who loves real stories of heroism during WWII, and details about how everyday people, from librarians to postal workers, resisted the Nazi regime at great cost to their lives.
Nineteen Steps by Millie Bobby Brown (yes, the actress from Stranger Things/Enola Holmes) is an historical romance set during WWII that I believe is geared to the YA crowd. Here's the blurb: Love blooms in the darkest days…
It’s 1942,
and air raid sirens continue to wail around London. Eighteen-year-old
Nellie Morris counts every day lucky that she emerges from the
underground shelters unharmed, her loving family still surrounding her.
After
a chance encounter with Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, she
becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world. Just as she begins
to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs
during an air raid one evening, tearing her world apart. But when it
seems all hope is lost, Nellie finds that, against all odds, love and
happiness can triumph.
Nineteen Steps is a deeply
affecting, mesmerizing page-turner based on a true story from the
author’s family history. An epic story of longing, loss, and secrets,
Millie Bobby Brown’s propulsive debut introduces an unforgettable, brave
young woman and boldly portrays the strength in the power of love.
“Inspired
by my Nanny Ruth, this book is very personal and close to my heart. I
grew up listening to stories about her time living through the war. I’m
honored to keep her story alive.”—Millie Bobby Brown
I really wanted to like this book, but any well-read bibliophile can tell that it was written by a first-time novelist. The writing is immature, and the plot is lumpy and unsteady. While she's penning a story based on family lore, which is sweet, she needs to take some classes on prose style and deepening characters, as the people who populate her book are thinly disguised and flimsy. However, it was a nice distraction for an afternoon of reading about life in a different time and place. I'd would give it a B- and recommend it to teenagers enamored with WWII history.
Twelve Months by Jim Butcher is the 18th (19th if you count all the short stories in the Dresden Files) book in the Dresden Files series, one that I have never been unable to resist, though, having met Butcher, (and finding him lacking as a person), I shouldn't be supporting his literary efforts. But no one writes urban fantasy like Butcher, and no one else could create the raft of utterly wonderful characters that he's created and set free in the literary world with such deft aplomb. Once I met the title character, Chicago's most famous wizard, Harry Dresden, I was in love, and I couldn't gulp down this series fast enough. I even watched the one and only season of the TV series that debuted back in the 90s (It made me really like Paul Blackthorn). And no one can write action fantasy prose that's as powerful as Jim Butchers. His Chicago, full of vampires, fae, werewolves, Angels and Wizards is utterly real-seeming and totally engrossing. I dare you to try to put down a Dresden Files novel, once you pick it up and start reading. Here's the blurb:
Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard, has always managed to save the day—but, in this powerful entry in the bestselling Dresden Files, can he save himself?
One year. 365 days. Twelve months.
Harry
Dresden has been through a lot, and so has his city. After Harry and
his allies narrowly managed to save Chicago from being razed to the
ground, everything is different—and it’s not just the current lack of
electricity.
In the battle, Harry lost people he cared about. And
that's the kind of loss that takes a toll. Harry being Harry, he’s
doing his level best to help the city and his friends recover and
rebuild. But it’s a heavy load, and he needs time.
But time is
one thing Harry doesn’t have. Ghouls are prowling Chicago and taking out
innocent civilians. Harry’s brother is dying, and Harry doesn’t know
how to help him. And last but certainly not least, the Winter Queen of
the Fae has allied with the White Court of vampires—and Harry’s been
betrothed to the seductive, deadly vampire Lara Raith to seal the deal.
It's
been a tough year. More than ever, the city needs Harry Dresden the
wizard—but after loss and grief, is there enough left of Harry Dresden
the man to rise to the challenge?
After reading all 18 books, there's still one nitpick that bothers me, and that is Harry's creepy sexual attraction (that he thankfully never acts on) toward Molly, his best friend Michael (the Archangels) daughter, whom he's watched grow up and who he helped learn the ways of magic. I mean, he babysat this woman as a child, and wanting to sleep with her is pedophilia at its most heinous, because he knows that she had a crush on him as a teenager. EW. Butcher should have nipped this in the bud early on and then never mentioned it again....but now every single time Molly appears in any of the books, Harry reminisces about his longing to get in her pants. Gross. Get laid with someone your own age, Harry and then STFU about it. Throughout the book, he is grieving the loss of Karrin Murphy, his cop bestie and girlfriend, and feeling guilty for not saving her, when she made it clear that her actions were under her own agency. But, like most guys, Harry has that hero complex that tells him he's responsible for the lives of everyone around him, especially the infantilized "damsel in distress" who was his girlfriend (she really was a badass and didn't need his protection or rescue at all). At any rate, there's a few great Easter eggs from previous Dresden Files novels, and there's plenty of kicking ass and teaching his new apprentice, who shows great promise. The plot flies by and I couldn't put this book down (I read it in a day). I'd give it an A, and recommend it to anyone else who has read the Dresden Files series, and misses reading about Harry getting the crap beat out of him by otherworldly creatures, again.
Star Crossed Letters: A Celebrity Pen Pal Romance by Sarah Deeham is a fun and flirty, spicy romance complete with a "meet cute" over typewritten letters. This was a free ebook that sounded like it was right up my alley, as I love epistolary books, even if they evolve into text messages sent between the two main characters. Here's the blurb: One girl with a typewriter + one movie star = anonymous pen pals, a secret crush, and a steamy, slow-burn summer to risk it all.
The bookshop barista…
When I sold a vintage typewriter, I never imagined its new owner would become my pen pal, best friend, and secret crush.
We have two rules: no photos and no real names.
Over
the years, “Remington” and I go from typewritten notes to daily texts,
but our rules stay the same. And so does my life. I’m a wannabe writer
who can’t complete a novel, and I’ve fallen for a guy who I’ve never
met.
So when I receive a letter my Nanna wrote before she died
encouraging me to embark on a summer of risks—my first on the list is to
break all the rules.
& the celebrity...
I
hate keeping secrets from my pen pal, the one woman I care about. But
I’m Hollywood’s hottest celebrity, and my fame is toxic. If I get close
to a girl, she becomes vulnerable, stalked by the tabloids, trolls, and
superfans.
Our anonymous friendship works until “Typewriter Girl”
suddenly ghosts me. Now, I’ll do anything to ensure she’s safe,
including stepping out from behind the screen and leading a double life.
Sadly, like a lot of romance or rom-com novels, the male protagonist becomes a knuckle-dragging caveman who wants to "possess" and control the female protagonist, who is nearly always a virgin, which is a turn on for the guy, because he knows that he's the only one to get his dick wet with her, and therefore feels he has a lifelong claim on her body and soul. He also "introduces" her to light BDSM, because of course what young virgin wouldn't be thrilled by having their hair pulled painfully or their bottom spanked?! EWWWWW. There are many, many women, young and old, who do not derive pleasure from pain. Apparently its a fairly common fantasy among douchebag guys, who are allowed to have as many sexual partners as they want, but the woman must remain "pure" until their tender ministrations turn her from an introverted shy virgin into a rampaging, blow job giving sex slave (of course she "naturally" knows how to give a primo BJ, though she's never done it before, because she's read romance novels!) UGH. So much misogyny! Make it stop! Even though he stalks her, again, he's given a pass because he's a "gorgeous" celebrity, and their looks give them a pass on everything. Oh, and he's damaged by women who have treated him badly in the past (oooh, poor baby!) and he hates the fact that he's wealthy beyond is wildest dreams now, but of course he's had to give up his privacy (again, poor baby!) so he's willing to work behind the camera and produce projects now so he can marry the manic pixie dream girl who is only slightly overweight (enough so she can have a big butt and boobs) and they can have a family and a life together. Awww. Except she will have to be a trad wife who is under his control, of course. The prose was simplistic and the plot moved at an even pace. I'd give this painfully sexist novel a C+ and recommend it to anyone who writes fan fiction that "Ships" various characters together....this is right up your alley.
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