2012 Review Extravaganza: Part 1
by Jenners • 12/12/2012 • 3 Stars, 3.5 Stars, 4 Stars, 4.5 Stars, A Authors, Audiobook, C Titles, Contemporary, Fiction, G Titles, H Authors, History, J Authors, K Authors, M Titles, Memoir, Mystery/Thriller, Non-Fiction, S Authors, S Titles, Science, W Titles • 52 Comments
It is almost the end of 2012 and I still have lots of books I read but haven’t reviewed yet. Because I’m not the type of person who can “skip” writing reviews (though I wish I was), I’m determined to write something about each book—both for my benefit and for yours. Because I have so many to write, every review will be short and sweet. So here goes!
When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson
Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery
Why I Read It: These are the third and fourth books of Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie series, of which I’m a big fan
My Rating: 4 stars
Unlike most series, this one gets better with every book. I adore Atkinson’s ability to get inside the heads of her various quirky characters, and I love seeing Jackson’s life get immensely more complicated. Sure, I almost always immediately forget the details of the various mysteries almost as soon as I read the last page, but who cares!? Atkinson is simply the most amusing mystery writer out there. Besides the humor, there is also a real depth of feeling and human misery. If you’re a fan of the series, I’m sure you’ll read (or have read) these. If you haven’t discovered Atkinson yet, go back to the first book and get cracking. (Note: Atkinson has a new book coming out in 2013 called Life After Life. It isn’t a Jackson Brodie book but I’ll definitely be reading it.)
The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat written by Oliver Sacks and narrated by Jonathan Davis
Genre: Non-Fiction, Science
Why I Read It: This book was mentioned in the fabulous Moonwalking With Einstein so I thought I’d read it.
My Rating: 3 stars
You’ve probably heard of Dr. Oliver Sacks—the neurologist whose collections of patient case studies have been the subject of various books and movies (including Awakenings). I’d been familiar with Oliver Sacks for years (my dad had many of his books) but never actually read any of his books. Despite the fascinating case studies described in the book (idiot savants, Left Neglect, memory loss), I found the writing off-putting and never really engaged with the book. I think it was a combination of Sack’s writing style (which might be too clinical despite being accessible) and my need for more personal details and depth than Sacks was able to offer.
Girl In Translation written by Jean Kwok, narrated by Grayce Wey
Genre: Fiction
Why I Read It: I accidentally downloaded this from Audible after thinking it was Undress Me In The Temple of Heaven, which has a somewhat similar cover (a girl with “chopsticks” in her hair). Since I only had one credit for the month, I powered through this.
My Rating: 3 stars
This is an immigrant coming of age story about a young girl named Kimberly Chang who emigrates to America from Hong Kong with her mother and lives a dual life of brilliant student and exploited factory girl living in horrible conditions in Brooklyn. I’m not completely sure why I didn’t bond with this book, but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that many of the problems in Kimberly’s life could have been avoided had she just talked to someone! This drives me nuts in characters, and it annoyed me to no end in this book. However, if you enjoy immigrant stories, this might right up your alley. I read that the author immigrated to America as a young girl so I suspect much of book is based on her own experiences.
Curtains: Adventures of An Undertaker-In-Training by Tom Jokinen
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Why I Read It: I love books about unusual jobs
My Rating: 3.5 stars
If you interested in the ins and outs of the funeral industry, this would be a great read. It has a lot of “insider” information and insights on the industry that I found fascinating. What kept the book from being really good is that Jokinen doesn’t have the sense of humor that would have elevated this book from “interesting read” to “kept me glued to the book from page one.” (In other words, he’s no Mary Roach.) Still, it is worth reading if you enjoy books of this type.
Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin and The Race of a Lifetime written by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin and narrated by Dennis Boutsikaris
Genre: Non-Fiction, History, Politics
Why I Read It: The part of the book dealing with Sarah Palin was made into an HBO movie and it spurred me to read the book (though I never saw the film)
My Rating: 4.5 stars
This is a book about the ins and outs of the 2008 campaign (you know … the one where a young upstart named Barack Obama beat out Hilary Clinton for the Democratic nomination and went on to defeat John McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin). I’m not into politics AT ALL but I found this book utterly fascinating (which makes me wonder if I’m more interested in politics than I think or if it was just such an interesting campaign). I mistakenly thought it dealt more with Sarah Palin than it does (her part is only the last third of the book), but it didn’t matter—the battle between Obama and Clinton provided more than enough drama and intrigue. (And the whole John Edwards disaster was like watching a car accident in slow motion.) However, I did get the payoff I was looking for as the book provides a rather damning look into the selection of Palin and the realities of her candidacy. (If you didn’t guess by that last sentence, I’m not a big Palin fan.) Trust me … you don’t need to be a political junkie to enjoy this book. It was gripping from the start and, even though I knew how things turned out in the end, I was still on the edge of my seat as all the various aspects of the race unfolded. I listened to this book on audio, and Dennis Boutsikaris was the perfect choice of narrator. I’m hoping that the authors chronicled the 2012 campaign as I’d LOVE to read about it and find out the details and behind-the-scenes stuff that we don’t really get in regular news coverage. This will definitely be on my “best of the year” lists.
Ive read so many great things about Game Changers but its your recommendation that has sold me! I’m using one of my credits in Jan to download this one from audible. I’ll let you know what I think! I find myself paying much more attention to politics as the years progress and I get older….strange how that works!
As a side note ~ I also read Girl in Translation and had the same off-putting feeling….why can’t people just speak up!!!! Say something, anything!
and I think you’ve inspired me ~ I have a few of these reviews I need to do! I should get them done before school gets back in session on monday!
Oh I’m so excited I convinced you to try Game Change. I’ll be anxious to hear what you think about it. I really didn’t expect to like it so much but it was just fascinating.
Awesome reviews- but girl you totally swiped my name for Reviewing- as I am doing the Review Extravaganza right now for the 3rd year in a row
I didn’t realize that until you said it … and then when I saw it on your blog. I must have unconsciously stolen it from last year! HA!
This is a great idea! I have reviews already written. I’m debating whether to do something similar with any books I finish over the holidays or whether I continue with my regular schedule of reviews into the new year. Decisions, decisions.
I am so wildly far behind and I hate starting out the new year with a backlog. Seriously … I have written 4 installments of this so far with 5 reviews in each and I still have like 3 more installments to go. That is a lot of backlog!
Game Change also won 4 Emmys. I watch Halperin and Heilemann on Morning Joe – they’re frequent contributors (it’s on MSNBC).
I have so many books to be read that I don’t dare to add any more right now…I’m drowning in material!
I totally want to see Game Change to see how they did it … and I’ll have to see if that interview is online somewhere. Thanks for the tip.
I tried to read the Oliver Sacks book years ago (pre-blogging) and I don’t really remember what I thought of it. I had heard he has a new book out called Hallucinations, and it sounds very interesting to me. It’s one I might pick up from the library.
Game Change sounds so good! I do like reading about politics (as long as it doesn’t get too dry), and am not a fan of Sarah Palin either. I’m very curious to see if Hillary Clinton will run in 2016.
I’m going to try another Sacks book but this time in print. Maybe the new one will be better.
And Game Change is sooooo good. You’ll love it. Lots of just fascinating insider stuff. I hope Hilary Clinton runs in 2016 … I’d vote for her in a heartbeat.
A while back I have decided to write reviews only for the books I like. That is why I decided to skip on The Wonderful Life of Oscar Wao (among others). Kudos to you for not leaving any book out.
“Curtains” sounds like an interesting memoir. Thanks for the mini review.
Well, your method is one way of avoiding the chore of writing negative reviews. I figured if I took the time to read it, I should take the time to review it. The key is realizing that not every review needs to be long and a “work of art.”
I am giving away my audiobook of Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven tomorrow (Giveaway #25). The giveaway lasts until Saturday. Maybe you can win it back!
I skip reviews sometimes, usually to books I don’t feel very strongly about one way or the other or DNFs.
Oh cool!! I kept my paper copy because I hope to read it one day. But an audio version might be the way to go with a reread. Thanks for the heads up!
Curtains sounds cool! I also enjoy books about unusual jobs/topics. I love memoirs too. Thanks for the recommendation!
Isn’t reading about other people’s jobs (especially weird or offbeat ones) fascinating? It is almost its own little genre.
I read Behind The Scenes at the Museum by Atkinson years ago but remember not liking it – maybe I should try another of her books.
I have read both Girl in Translation and Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven and can how the covers could be confused!
OK … thank you for understanding my cover confusion!! OF course, the copy of Undress Me In the Temple of Heaven that I eventually got was completely different, which cracked me up. I’m curious to try a non-Jackson Brodie Atkinson book. I think I have Emotionally Weird here so I’ll go with that before trying Museum.
I know exactly what you mean about being compelled to review your books as I’m the same. A pity The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat didn’t work for you as it is such a great title.
Isn’t that an awesome title? And it is literally true. The man really did. Fascinating material but the writing style just didn’t work for me. I always felt I was on the brink of really getting into it and then how he wrote would drive me out. I think this was one of his earlier books so I’m curious to see how his writing has progressed over the years.
I’ve been wanting to read that Oliver Sachs book for ages. People have assured me that I’ll love it so I am surprised to see that you didn’t. Hopefully I’ll have more luck when I eventually get around to reading it.
I don’t know why but I thought I would love it so much more. Perhaps it was the narrator on the audiobook. I’m going to try another one of his books in print to see if that could have been the issue. The case studies are fascinating but the presentation was not.
I enjoyed all the Kate Atkinson books in the series.
I’m hoping there are more to come!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who often forgets details about a book once I finish it. If I didn’t have so many books in my TBR pile I’d be all over that Brodie series. How many are there?
I’ve not read any Oliver Sacks, but always figured I’d enjoy him. I know my daughter has liked what she’s read, but then she’s very into that stuff.
There are four Brodie books so it isn’t like taking on a huge commitment.
And I was surprised I didn’t like the Sacks book more. The material itself was fascinating but I didn’t like how it was presented. I’m going to try another one.
As if my TBR list weren’t long enough already … hah!
I just added the first Kate Atkinson book and Game Change to my list. These concise reviews are excellent. I love your writing style and your eclectic reading tastes.
Oh I’m flattered. Thanks for the feedback. There will be more short reviews to come — and like this set, they are all over the map as far as what the books are about.
I have all four Jackson Brodie books but haven’t read them yet. I need to get on it. Most series have some duds, so I’m glad to hear that each new book is better than the last.
When you start them, I suspect you’ll be like “Why did I wait so long?”
I still have a few books that I haven’t reviewed, but haven’t made up my mind yet whether I will or not.
My problem is that I have a list of books that I read for the year and it really really bothers me if I don’t have links to my reviews for all the books. I mean, what kind of book blogger would I be if I don’t tell about all the books I read? (Answer: A compulsive one who needs to relax.)
I still have a few reviews to write as well. Playing catch-up is so much fun! Not!
I bet you don’t have 30 reviews still to write though!
I really enjoyed Game Change too. Did you hear the news this week that they’re teaming up again to write Game Change 2012? I’m curious if it will be as good!
OMG! You just made my day!! I’m thrilled to hear that they are doing the 2012 campaign. I will so be on that!! Thanks for the tip!
You’ve read a lot of non-fiction, Mrs. J. I admit my numbers there have gone down this year, it seems.
I like these mini-reviews since I don’t always have time to read all the blog posts I subscribe to ;-(
I really like non-fiction though good stuff can be hard to find at times but it is out there.
And I have the same “can’t read all the blog posts” problem. I finally just gave up and comment when and where I have time and interest.
I think I need to do this too! I have a lot of unreviewed books and at this point I don’t think I’d have much to say about them anyway.
I’m sorry you didn’t like Girl in Translation! That was one of my favorite reads the year I read it. It reminded me a lot of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
I’ve been wanting to read Game Change but had forgotten so thanks for the reminder! I’ve been getting more interested in politics lately so I’m excited to hear how riveting it is! I heard the movie is good too and want to see that but not until after I read the book!
You’ll love Game Change. I was honestly surprised how into I was. And I don’t know why Girl In Translation left me feeling so “meh.” I didn’t hate it but I didn’t fall for it either. Perhaps it was just being upset that it wasn’t the book I thought it was.
As I have said before, I love your mini reviews. I have noted the Kate Atkinson books and Game Change from this list and will try to get to them. Thanks.
I really should just write mini reviews for all the books I read. It would make my life easier. I have a plan for next year’s blogging. Write one or two “real” reviews for books that really strike me and then mini-reviews for the rest at the end of the month. It will eliminate this giant backlog I have. I definitely read more than I write.
What you say about Girl in Translation–that her problems could have been solved if she’d talked to someone–reminds me of the sassy gay friend youtube videos. Have you ever seen those? My favorite is Othello, just because I’m so into different versions of Othello: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKttq6EUqbE
Romeo and Juliet is pretty good, too.
oddly, I have no problem skipping writing reviews.
especially if I did not love a book…but didn’t really hate it either.
I would say I probably skipped about a third at least this year.
I’ve only recently started finally skipping reviews on a couple of books. It’s the only thing I could do to stay sane.
Good luck catching up!
I’ve always wondered about Sacks. So many bloggers give his books rave reviews. I wonder if he has the same voice in each or if this one is not one of his best.
This is like the lightning round of your book reviews. You made me want to read the political one.
p.s. Love Jackson Brodie, but I think you know that.
Surprised about MWMHWFaH. That book was very, very hard for me to put down. But then I’m a sucker for abnormal psych.
Too bad you didn’t like Girl in Translation, I enjoyed reading it. Isn’t it funny how there were so many book covers with the backs of women’s heads!
I enjoyed these short and sweet reviews. I’m impressed that you’re able to read (and review) so much during this busy time of the year! And it does sound like you find politics pretty interesting; at the very least, you found Game Change to be a fascinating book about real life politics.
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Kate Atkinson has a new book coming out and I’ve heard it’s fantastic! Your reason for listening to Girl in Translation cracks me up!