Mini Reviews: Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, Strange But True, The Virgin of Small Plains
by Jenners • 05/16/2011 • 3 Stars, 4 Stars, Fiction, L Titles, Literary, M Authors, Mystery/Thriller, P Authors, S Authors, S Titles, V Titles • 54 Comments
It is just nuts how far behind I’ve gotten in my book reviews, so I’m going to knock off a few in my new beloved mini-review format.
The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey by Walter MosleyPublisher: Riverhead, 2010
Pages: 288
Genre: Fiction
Where I Got It: Bought it for my Kindle
My Rating: 4 stars
Brief Description: Ptolemy Grey is a 91-year-old man living in a dirty apartment in Los Angeles. He’s been steadily falling into dementia and forgetfulness, and his world falls to pieces when one of his few links to the present, his great-nephew Reggie, is murdered and unable to help him with his few meager errands. Distraught and confused, Ptolemy spends more time in the past with his long-dead friend Coydog than he does in the present. At Reggie’s wake, he forms an instant connection with a young woman named Robyn, who comes to take care of Ptolemy. When Ptolemy is offered a way to dispel his dementia through an experimental medical procedure, he decides the costly side effects are worth it as it is the only way he can salvage his family and get his affairs in order.
My Thoughts: The book is narrated by Ptolemy and I thought Mosley did a brilliant job of capturing Ptolemy’s confusion and dementia while also giving the reader the story of what is going on in Ptolemy’s life. It is a tricky balancing act, and I think Mosley pulled it off wonderfully. Although this was often a difficult read as Ptolemy’s thoughts are often fragmented and mixed up (as it would be in person with dementia), I found it very affecting and felt as if I was inhabiting Ptolemy’s decaying brain. In some ways, the book reminded me of Flowers For Algernon as the experimental medical procedure gives Ptolemy his memory and wits back to him … but only for a brief period of time. As the procedure begins to exact its steep price, I found myself filled with sorrow for both Ptolemy and Robyn. A lovely and interesting look at aging, love and the end of life.
Strange But True by John SearlesPublisher: Harper Perennial, 2005
Pages: 336
Genre: Fiction
Where I Got It: Bought it
My Rating: 4 stars
Brief Description: Philip Chase has moved back home with his mother Charlene after suffering a fall from his New York apartment. Charlene, who never really recovered from the death of her youngest son Ronnie five years earlier, has turned into a bitter overeater—filled with anger at Ronnie’s death and her divorce from her husband Richard (who is now remarried). When Ronnie’s old girlfriend, Melissa Moody, shows up unexpectedly and tells Philip and Charlene that she is pregnant and she thinks Ronnie is the father, it sets into motion a series of events that take us into the past and into a rather strange and unexpected present.
My Thoughts: I didn’t really expect much from this book (which I picked up for the Take A Chance challenge) and was pleasantly surprised to find it to be an engrossing and affecting read that surprised me midway with a major U-turn that was unexpected but thrilling. I know the plot might sound a bit weird/paranormalish, but the book is fully grounded in reality and deals more with lost souls and desperate, lonely people than with the paranormal. As I got to know Philip, Charlene and Melissa, I wanted all of them to find the happy ending that they deserved. I was surprised how much I got involved in their stories, and Searles does a wonderful job of developing these characters so that they feel real and lived-in. And, as I mentioned, the book takes a rather strange turn in the middle, which I found both shocking but oddly pleasing in its weirdness. If you’re looking for a different read that will both surprise you and affect you emotionally, try this book. It was an unexpected delight.
The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy PickardPublisher: Ballantine Books, 2007
Pages: 368
Genre: Fiction
Where I Got It: Paperback Swap
My Rating: 3 stars
Brief Description: During a blizzard in a small Kansas town in January 1987, the body of a naked young woman is discovered. No one knows her identity, and she is buried in a simple grave. Over the years, she becomes known as the “Virgin of Small Plains,” and legend has it that visiting her grave can heal the sick. Long-time Small Plains resident Abby has never really questioned the story of the Virgin; she was more affected by the mysterious disappearance of her boyfriend Mitch Newquist on the same night in January 1987. So, seventeen years later, when Mitch reappears in Small Plains, the past comes back to life and the mystery of who the Virgin is and what happened to her starts to come out, despite the best efforts of other members of the town.
My Thoughts: I’ll just say it right out: I thought this book was pretty blah. The characters never felt developed, the big mystery felt overwrought and the whole “miracles” of the Virgin just seemed tacked on for reasons that were never clear to me. Throughout the whole book, I kept thinking “Why the heck did NONE of these people speak up or question what was going on around them?” This was another book that I read for the Take A Chance Challenge, and (unlike Strange But True) it was a big disappointment. Honestly, if I didn’t have it on my list for the challenge, I would have stopped reading it.
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I found it really interesting to read your thoughts on these three books. The first book is on my wishlist and I’m hoping to get the chance to read it sometime soon. I had the book by Pickard on my wishlist as well but I think that I may hold out on picking it up anytime soon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these!
In my opinion, the Pickard book isn’t worth it … but I’ve seen others who disagree totally.
I keep seeing The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey in places, here and there. I haven’t actually picked it up, yet, though, because it never seems like the right time. Maybe this summer…
Ptolemy Grey must be calling to you… saying “Read me. Read me now.” I feel like I’m stalked by books sometimes too.
I feel as if I see Walter Mosley’s books everywhere but I’ve never read one and I’ve never read about him or his writing style. I was excited to see that one of his books was the first of your min-reviews. Ptolemy Gray sounds like a uniques and interesting book. And it’s now on my tbr list.
I love your review of Strange But True. I expected it to be predictable and boring after a while but bizarre and unique with dysfunctional characters is way better! So glad you enjoyed it!
2 out 0f 3 ~ pretty good odds! Sorry Nancy Pickard’s book didn’t work too well for you. I sounds pretty blah.
Thanks for these great mini-reviews!
I had never read a Mosley book either. I think this was a departure for him. He has a character called Easy Rawlins that is in most of his books, and I think they might be more detective books. But this was a different one … as was Strange But True.
I haven’t read any of those but I think I’d like the first one. My TBR list is soooo long. How do you keep up with all these books?
I’m not exactly keeping up with my own TBR list … there are still 100s of books on it and I’m constantly adding more. By the way, I’m actually a robot so I never need to sleep so that helps pump up the reading stats. : )
Mini-reviews are awesome. I think all mine are mini because I don’t wrire much
I loved Strange But True, I got it at from B&N’s discount section years ago and it was a great find. I know what you mean about Virgin Plains. I like her work ok but it needs more uumph.
So glad to hear from another who read Strange But True!! I didn’t expect that little plot twist in the middle at all and it was such a kick!!! I want to read his other book too. But I don’t feel the need to read any more Nancy Pickard.
You must be like my hubby and read very fast. It always amazes me how quickly you get through the books. By the way, I am checking out Packing for Mars from the library. Thanks for the suggestion.
I do read fairly fast but I know there are bloggers out there who read much faster than me. It all depends on how much time you can devote to reading — it is one of my top priorities and I must read at least 30 minutes every day (preferably more) or I’d feel nuts!
Thanks for the reviews Jenners. I want to read that Searles book based on your review. When I’m in the library, I have a list in my pocketbook. Jillian said to me, “Mom, who is this Jenners that is next to all these books on your list?”
So funny!! : ) Tell her I am your personal librarian.
I think I’d really like the first one–watching my mother age has me interested in learning about illness that affect the elderly. I liked your “honest” review of the last one too.
I think readers either WANT to know more about aging and dementia (like you) or they want to stay as far away from it as possible.
Thanks for those three reviews – they may have been short but they told me everything I needed to know.
I’ll be certain to look out for the last two books but I’m afraid The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey is probably too close to home for me to enjoy.
It is good to hear that the short reviews are helpful. Sometimes I think that is all you really need. Not every book requires a big involved review.
Thanks for the reviews…. I’m always on the look-out for new books to read.
Me too! It is a search that will never end.
begining to value your opinion on these books. I’m finding that we have the same likes and dislikes when it comes to books. That being said, I will never catch up to you when it comes to reading, but I will at least continuously have a list of books worth my time.
I’m glad I’m earning your trust. I do think that the key to deciding whether to trust someone’s reviews is whether you share their likes and dislikes. If you don’t, then you just do the opposite of what they say. If they hate a book, then you need to add it to your must read list! : )
I need to get my act together soon and take a look at the challenges I’ve joined. I’ve let them slide more than usual this year.
I’ve heard good things about the first book, but it sounds too depressing to me right now.
I only signed up for a few challenges and I’m trying to just get them done before the midway point of the year. Considering I only have to read 16 books, I should be done by now!!!
The Mosely book was already on my list, but now I’m adding Strange But True. Looks good.
Strange But True was surprisingly satisfying. I think you’ll like it.
I have a copy of Ptolemy Gray on my shelf just waiting for me, and I think that I am going to love it. I also loved these mini reviews and think that you did a great job with them. I am going to be adding Strange But True to my wish list as well!
I can’t wait for you to read and review Ptolemy Grey … I’m sure you’ll write one of your amazing, insightful reviews for it and I’m interested to see what you have to say.
I love, love, love your reviews!!!
My reads are based on your reviews….honest.
Now I’m feeling some serious pressure here…
Your first two I’ve never read, but they sound good. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy the Virgin, it was a little off, I agree. I did finish reading it but as you say meh!
Meh is right!
Nice reviews. The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey sounds interesting as does Strange But True. I think I’d enjoy both. I like weird tales that make me wonder. Too bad The Virgin of Small Plains was a dud.
Strange But True just takes this bizarre turn in the middle that I didn’t see coming at all. Its like it became a whole other book but yet it worked.
Its not the reviews I get behind on…. its the reading
That isn’t my problem at all!! Wanna switch!?
The only one of these books that I’ve read (unfortunately) is The Virgin of Small Plains and while I think I enjoyed it more than you did, I found the denouement totally disappointing (and completely implausible). I think you were too generous with your stars for that one!
Glad to hear the other two were good!
I think I was generous! I considered giving it two stars but it really wasn’t THAT bad. It was just annoying. And it had the bad luck to be read between other really good reads, which made it seem even worse by comparison.
I think your mini-reviews are as long as my regular reviews….
Brevity is not one of my virtues!! : )
I really want to read The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. Your mini-review has definitely piqued my interest!
It was a very different book … and I hope you like it as much as I did.
I find it fascinating that the first you described is written from the perspective of the man with dementia (I love the name Ptolemy). That could potentially be very confusing to the reader, but it sounds like the author handles it well.
You make that second book sound awfully appealing, too! These both might have to go on my wish list.
It does take some getting used to when you first start reading the Ptolemy book but once you get adjusted to the rhythms, you get very involved. It was an interesting read … and one that sticks with you.
three I never heard of…and two I might actually consider reading!
I’m assuming you would skip the one I hated, right? HAHA!
My sister loved the Mosley book – I’m glad to see you did too!
It really was a different book and I was surprised how involved in it I ended up feeling.
I’ve got one eye on the Mosley book. I am sensitive to confused minds as my grandmother had Alzheimers, and I’m convinced I will get it too someday, so better to know how it feels, yes?
I don’t know if you WANT to know how it feels. Both books I’ve read written from the point of view of a dementia/Alzheimer’s patient have been heartbreaking. (Still Alice was the other one.)
I also loved the Mosley book. And I love mini reviews! :–)
Glad you like the mini reviews … much more are coming. I’m determined to get through my backlog!!!
And I believe I read the Mosley book after reading your review about it!